Waterston eyeing 'Law & Order' promotion...

[NikkiGreen]

"Waterston..."

Waterston Eyeing 'Law & Order' Promotion
Yahoo! Entertainment
June 4, 2007

Sam Waterston may be a getting a "Law & Order" promotion. The actor is negotiating to step in as the show's New York district attorney, replacing co-star Fred Thompson, a source close to the production said Monday. Thompson, a former U.S. senator, is weighing a presidential run and asked to be released from the NBC drama.

The source was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Waterston, who's been with "Law & Order" for 13 years, plays Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy. His character would take over from District Attorney Arthur Branch (Thompson) when the show returns in midseason, the source said.

The story line and McCoy's replacement have yet to be determined.

NBC and series creator and executive producer Dick Wolf declined comment Monday, as did Waterston's representative.

Cast changes are part of the "Law & Order" history, with a variety of actors playing prosecutors and police detectives. NBC had announced that Jeremy Sisto ("Six Feet Under") was joining the drama as a detective when the show begins its 18th year.

Sisto is replacing Milena Govich, who played Detective Nina Cassady.

There's also a larger shake-up in the "Law & Order" family, with next season's "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" to be seen first on the USA cable channel before it airs on NBC. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" will remain on NBC with the original series.

*******

How about Ron Carver for the irreplaceable one? ;D

[ragincajun]

Would Waterson consider a smaller roll? Or would the DA get a bigger roll? Would love to see Courtney Vance come back to Law and Order Franchise or at least if they would have explained where he went. What they thought we didn't care? Also in the last few years in the court room scenes when Waterson takes a pause after a dramatic question, he does this head shake almost like the guys on SNL that stand in the Bar and bob there heads to the music. Not making fun, just only way to discribe it. Does he have a health problem like parkisons?

[sarahlee]

ragincajun said:

...Does he have a health problem like parkisons?

I agree ragincajun, even his voice seems afflicted. (Parkinson's often affects the voice too.)

[NikkiGreen]

'logical next step'

Jack McCoy gets a ‘Law & Order’ promotion
Sam Waterston called it a ‘logical next step’ for his character

MSNBC (Associated Press)
June 7, 2007

LOS ANGELES - Prosecutor Jack McCoy is getting a promotion to New York district attorney on “Law & Order” but viewers could see less of Sam Waterston, the actor who plays him.

McCoy will take over from New York D.A. Arthur Branch, who was played by Fred Thompson. A former U.S. senator, Thompson asked to be released from the NBC drama as he weighs a bid for the Republican nomination for president.

Waterston will begin his 14th season as McCoy, who was an executive assistant D.A., when the show returns in midseason. In past episodes, the district attorney’s character generally has been seen in brief scenes offering counsel to his staff.

“It’s premature to comment on any changes to the D.A.’s role as well as any story lines affecting the transition from Branch to McCoy,” Pam Golum, a spokeswoman for series creator Dick Wolf, said Thursday.

In a statement Wednesday announcing his character’s new job, Waterston called it a “logical next step” for McCoy.

“On the other hand, politics isn’t his game. There’ll be fireworks. I’m looking forward to it,” the actor said.

“Law & Order” will begin its 18th season next year and is the second longest-running drama series ever, behind “Gunsmoke,” which ran 20 seasons.