Balcer

"The fans were understandably upset when the mothership was canceled," LOLA executive producer and longtime Law & Order vet Rene Balcer says.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

LOLA's creative path has been unconventional from the start, but Balcer only sees the upside.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

While most pilots take a year to come together, Balcer says producers were given six weeks to get the show running after the spin-off was ordered sans a pilot or a cast.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

Then, over the course of the season, that changed, Balcer says.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

Another objective for what Balcer calls 'LOLA 2.0' was to give it a "completely new look" from its premiere — it's now got a look longtime Law & Order fans will remember fondly.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

After initial difficulties casting the role of Howard's new assistant, Balcer remembered a strong guest star from the original Law & Order and re-watched her scenes — only to find himself drawn to De La Garza.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

Balcer said he's grateful for the chance to rethink certain elements of LOLA because, he says, speaking frankly, the show was sort of a rush job.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

I think it kind of confused the identity of the show to have them on alternate weeks, Balcer says.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

"I think we have a very enlightened and a very imaginative guy in charge who is very supportive of the show," Balcer says.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011

It's taken us six months to focus on how different do we want it to be from the mothership and what areas do we want it to be a little familiar to the viewers, Balcer says.

Law & Order: LA: Pressure is High as Relaunch Goes Back to Basics 2011