Spoilers ahead for the Season 24 premiere of Law & Order, called "Catch and Kill." So I was pleasantly surprised when the answer came about twenty minutes into "Catch and Kill." Walking with Shaw, Riley got a text from Dixon to explain what had happened.

The case is closed on the lieutenant of Law & Order. But why did Camryn Manheim leave Law & Order? The actress, who mad her debut on the legal drama 30 years ago, may not have retired as Lieutenant Kate Dixon on the best terms with NBC after all.

With Manheim’s exit, the door was open for a new lieutenant, whom fans met on Thursday’s premiere. When Tierney’s Brady showed up to Shaw and Riley’s crime scene, she was met with resistance partially because they expected Dixon to be there.

Dick Wolf’s legendary drama, “Law & Order,” returns for Season 24 on Thursday, October 3. The new season will air at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Those without cable can watch the show for free through FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, each offering a free trial to new users. Sling is another option for streaming the show, and promotional offers are available.

Law & Order fans finally have some closure around the abrupt departure of Camryn Manheim. After the actress exited the show following last season, Thursday’s Season 24 premiere ‘Catch and Kill‘ finally explained the absence of Manheim’s Lieutenant Kate Dixon,