Benjamin Bratt Returns to 'Law & Order'

Has it really been a decade since Benjamin Bratt rode off into the 'Law & Order' sunset?

It has, which makes his upcoming return to the series -- for one episode -- all the more surprising. Bratt, who left his role as New York City police detective Rey Curtis in 1999, will return to the series' NYC set in November to film an episode that is reportedly tied to the cancer crisis of S. Epatha Merkerson's Lt. Van Buren.

Bratt's Curtis was written out of the show when the character took early retirement to care for his wife, who was dealing with advanced multiple sclerosis.

News of Bratt's return to the long-running cop drama comes on the heels of the recent announcement that he will also guest star on ABC's new family sitcom hit 'Modern Family.'

Bratt will play Javier Delgado, the ex-husband of Gloria (Sofia Vergara) and father of adorable Manny (Rico Rodriguez), who are now ensconced in the delightfully dysfunctional Pritchett family headed by Ed O'Neill's Jay.

Bratt, who would seem to be highlighting his talents for a shot at starring in another TV series, has yet to find his post-'L & O' hit. He starred in the short-lived 2005-06 NBC military drama 'E-Ring,' and starred as real-life intervention leader William Banks in A&E's ratings-challenged drama 'The Cleaner.' The cable network recently canceled the series after its second season.

Might we suggest that his talents and McDreamy-ish good looks could provide a much-needed boost to a tired ensemble drama like 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'CSI,' 'Desperate Housewives' or 'Brothers & Sisters'?