What does "Southland"'s next season have in store for Officer Cooper?

Fans of NBC's police drama Southland were worried when word came out that the second season would focus more on Benjamin McKenzie's Officer Sherman and Regina King's Detective Adams. For a moment, there was concern that this new direction would minimize Officer Cooper, the gay cop played by Michael Cudlitz. NBC quickly clarified that the series would focus on Sherman, Adams and their partners, including Cooper.

Thankfully, there's Southland news that confirms that Cooper won't completely fade away next season. TV Guide recently reported that this season will likely see Cooper coming out to Sherman, a revelation that Cudlitz predicts won't be a big deal. Cudlitz also reports that Southland is looking to cast Cooper's extended family, so we should be continuing to see glimpses of his personal life as the show continues.

So far, Southland has offered a subtle and nuanced portrayal of a gay man, one very different from how gay men usually are depicted on TV. Things look hopeful Southland will continue that way when the series returns on September 25, so we'll be looking forward to the series' return - even if NBC and ABC are forcing us to choose between Southland and Ugly Betty.

And thanks to Raleigh for the tip!