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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.

Ever since the ABC sitcom 'Modern Family' hit the airwaves last month, viewers have been waiting to find out why Jay Pritchett's new wife is always comparing him unfavorably to her ex-husband. Now we know the answer: because her ex is Benjamin Bratt, that's why.

"It wasn't until I read ['The Cleaner'] script that I thought, 'Does it help me or hurt me that I did 'Andromeda Strain'?'"

Hard to believe it's been almost 10 years since Benjamin Bratt starred on 'Law & Order' -- thanks to syndication, it's
like he never left.

But now he's making a clean break (literally), as William Banks, a recovering addict who helps other addicts, on A&E's 'The Cleaner' (premieres Tuesday, July 15, 10 PM ET).

AOL TV talked to Bratt about his return to TV, second chances ... and his own "addiction."