Law & Order Vet Jesse Martin Joins Marc Cherry Pilot

Former Law & Order star Jesse Martin has signed on to Marc Cherry's ABC pilot Hallelujah, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Martin, 42, is the first actor to join the pilot from the Desperate Housewives creator.

ABC orders pilots from Lost writers, Marc Cherry and Darren Star

The project is centered on Hallelujah, Tenn., a town being torn apart by forces of good and evil. A stranger arrives to restore justice and faith to its residents. Episodes will be feature songs sung by the gospel choir, serving as a type of Greek chorus.

In an interview with TV Guide Magazine, Cherry called the project "Glee for conservative Republicans."

Martin is best known his nine-year stint on Law & Order as Det. Ed Green, as well as his work in the original Broadway production of Rent.