Sam Waterston eyeing "Law & Order" promotion to NYC District Attorney, replacing Fred Thompson

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT/AP: Waterston Eyeing 'Law & Order' Promotion
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: June 4, 2007

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- 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....

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....

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-TV-Law--Order-Waterston.html

[donco6]

1. Can't imagine him getting elected.

But it is fantasy after all.

[aquart]

2. That's not a promotion.

That's Waterston going into semi-retirement.

[Captain Hilts]

3. He's earned it. nt

[napi21]

4. I think they've been leading into that for quite a while.

I've seen several shows where Arthur would tell JAck "Well somebody's gotta do this job when I'm gone." The most recent time Jack responded, "I'm no politician Arthur!"

We'll see. I'm a BIG L&O fan! I think Jack would do great in that role.

[BuyingThyme]

5. Has anybody asked Alberto Gonzales about this?

It doesn't pass the smell test.

[Patsy Stone]

6. I think

politics is definitely involved here. CALL CONGRESS RIGHT FUCKING NOW!!!!!!!

[slowry]

7. Sam Waterston on SNL -- watch this lol

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xVnkd7ot_pw">http://youtube.com/watch?v=xVnkd7ot_pw

[ashling]

8. will he run for DA

on the Unity ticket?

[DeepModem Mom]

9. Good question! (Another good question: what's a good liberal like Sam doing...

hawking that ticket instead of a Dem ticket?)

[MadBadger]

10. I always wondered how Freddy and "The Voice of 'The Nation' Commericals" got along.

[marmar]

11. My favorite Law&Order lineup....

DA Adam Schiff
Ex. Asst. DA Jack McCoy
Asst. DA Claire Kincaid
Lt. Van Buren
Det. Briscoe
Det. Curtis

I also like Detective Green, and Asst. DAs Jamie (can't think of her last name) and Abby Carmichael (Despite the fact that she was played by Bush-loving Angie Harmon).

[DeepModem Mom]

12. post-day-out kick for "L&O" fans

[LostInAnomie]

13. But without Jack's closings there wouldn't be a show.

His closings make the whole show for me (especially with this cast). As the DA he wouldn't be in court.

If he isn't in the main role the show will go down the drain. Although, if they don't quit doing this "ripped for the headlines" crap is might be headed there anyway.

[WinkyDink]

14. SW has expressed an interest in a Third Party run.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18355633/site/newsweek/

He's getting too long in the tooth, IMO, for L&O now. But then, nothing's been the same since Lenny "The Man" Briscoe died.