MORE THAN 116,000 VIEWERS CAST VOTE ON FATE OF NICOLE WALLACE, 'LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT'S' RECURRING MURDERESS GUEST-STAR

Winning Conclusion Broadcast on Criminal Intent, Sunday, Oct. 24

"Live or die, we'll abide by their decision," said Rene Balcer

NEW YORK -- October 21, 2004 -- The verdict is in on the fate of murderess Nicole Wallace (Olivia D'Abo "The Wonder Years"), "Law & Order: Criminal Intent's" recurring guest star who appeared in last Sunday's "Great Barrier" episode. More than 116,000 viewers cast a vote online, whether Wallace should live or die and the winning conclusion will be broadcast at the end of this Sunday's original episode (Oct. 24, 9-10 p.m. ET). Viewers usage of NBC.com increased 460 percent following the broadcast.

"We are very gratified by the response," said Rene Balcer, executive producer. "We've always seen this as a gift to our fans, to thank them for their continuing dedication to the series. Live or die, we'll abide by their decision."

In a network first, NBC gave its "Criminal Intent" audience the opportunity to choose the fate of a character (Wallace) via an online vote. Two versions of the episode's ending were shot with viewers on the East Coast watching as Detective Goren's (Vincent D'Onofrio) nemesis got away, while viewers on the West coast watched as Wallace expired in a hail of bullets. Viewers could then log on to www.nbc.com to watch both endings and vote for their favorite. Last Sunday marked Wallace's third and potentially final appearance in the drama series.

The fourth-year series stars D'Onofrio as Goren, an exceptionally bright and compassionate homicide investigator with well-honed instincts that are a match for his most devious criminal quarry. Likewise, his partner, Eames (Kathryn Erbe), brings a no-nonsense and stylish edge to her work that meshes well with Goren. Jamey Sheridan and Courtney B. Vance also star.

The drama is from Wolf Films in association with NBC Universal Television Studio. Dick Wolf, Rene Balcer, Fred Berner and Peter Jankowski are executive producers.