Marlo Thomas Wields Gavel on 'SVU'

Marlo Thomas has signed on to do a five-episode arc on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Thomas will portray a judge who is known for speaking her mind and serves as a mentor to the show's assistant district attorney, played by Diane Neal. The first of Thomas' five episodes is scheduled to air next week in the drama series' regular Tuesday 10 p.m. slot.