That's the question many fans of the TNT cop drama were asking when it was announced that one of the series' stars, Ben McKenzie, was attached to "The Advocates," a CBS pilot. And understandably so, considering "Southland" was originally canceled by NBC and then picked up by TNT.
But McKenzie took to Twitter to clarify things about his new gig and the future of "Southland," which is currently in the midst of its fifth season.
Typically during pilot season, stars from series that are considered to be "on the bubble" start booking pilots, but as McKenzie notes in the above tweet, that pilot role is second to the actor's current show, should it be renewed. Should "Southland" be renewed, McKenzie will not appear in "The Advocates." But if it isn't, you can catch him on CBS in the fall, if "The Advocates" gets ordered to series, of course.
McKenzie's character Henry Bird in "The Advocates" pilot is described as a "quietly determined" man who "is freed after being unjustly imprisoned for 16 years," according to TVLine. He and a female lawyer join forces to become "victim advocates," who will often skirt the edges of the law in the interests of representing the underdogs.
But what does McKenzie himself hope to happen come May?
Hopefully, that pacifies some "Southland" fans' fears.
"Southland" airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on TNT.
