Was Assistant DA Serena Southerlyn known to be gay before her exit on the show?
Assistant D.A. Serena Southerlyn was a character for 4 seasons on Law and Order played by Elisabeth Rohm during the years 2001 through 2005. The character became unexpectedly pro-defense during her final episodes that season, leading to her firing midway of the 2005 season. She famously asked D.A. Arthur Branch "Is it because I'm gay?", for which Branch replied something like "No, it was never about that."
Was her final line dramatic license only, or were there known situations during her tenure on the show where her sexual role was clearly defined? I am currently rewatching the episodes of that timeframe on Sundance, which is re-running the series "from the beginning". Knowing the reveal from that 2005 episode, I am especially concious of her interactions with women characters on the show. Her interactions so far are, at least through the 2001 season, somewhat abrasive. Anyone remember anything conclusive they can point out to watch for? I'm looking for answers inside the show; outside references need to point to clear examples within the episodes.
Best Answer
No, according to Law and Order’s Serena Southerlyn Comes Out on Her Way Out the character came out to Law & Order's audience in that scene. All of the Law & Order series are known for giving out very few details about the main character's personal lives, and this was no exception. There were very few details during her run on the show regarding Southerlyn's sexuality.
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Answer 2
There is an episode I have never been able to identify that I thought may have included a hint about her sexuality. In the last scene, McCoy, Branch, and Southerlyn are walking from the office to the bank of elevators. Southerlyn is walking slightly ahead of the other two and what looks like a magazine falls from her bag. One of the men picks it up and both look at it before handing in to Southerlyn. Both men have a look of surprise on their faces. Looking back after she came out, I have always thought the magazine somehow revealed her sexuality. It makes sense because when Southerlyn asked if she was fired because she was gay, it seemed like Southerlyn thought Branch knew she was gay.
Answer 3
In Season 12 Episode 9, about 52 minutes in, Serena Southerlyn makes the statement, "My ex used to give me his cell phone to put in my purse all the time."
Answer 4
S12/e9 she claims to have a male ex. I believe the admission of being a lesbian on her last show was something the writers thought up just to drop a bomb.
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