Thompson's wandering eye recasts Law and Order: The Swamp

Posted July 19, 2007 6:44 AM

by Mark Silva

Fred Thompson's possible career move back into politics already is having an impact on the careers of other fellow television stars.

As Thompson withdraws from his role on television's Law and Order to weigh a campaign for president, he has created an opening for the character of New York District Attorney Arthur Branch. Actor Sam Waterston, who plays assistant DA Jack McCoy on the show, will step up to the DA's office, NBC says.

In steps Linus Roache for Waterston's old role. The English-born Roache has appeared in such films as Batman Begins and The Chronicles of Riddick.

"I think he and Sam are going to raise the bar and add intellect and passion" to the "order" half of "Law & Order," series creator and executive producer Dick Wolf said.

And polls show that Thompson, former senator from Tennessee, could add a certain amount of disorder to the Republican lineup if he makes good on his quest for the 2008 nomination -- with early surveys showing him already upsetting other established candidates in the race.

With credit to NBC and the Associated Press.

Comments

A woman or minority couldn't have replaced Waterson's role? Same ol' boys network, I guess. Apparently it's gotten so bad we even IMPORT actors before hiring one of our own.

Posted by: Bud McFarlin | July 19, 2007 7:38 AM

Here's a link to a N.Y. Times story about Thompson's work for the pro-choice group, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/19/us/politics/19thompson.html

Posted by: Doug Zook | July 19, 2007 7:46 AM

Stick to your day job Fred.
If we need more "grumpy old men" we'll call ya.

Posted by: bill r. | July 19, 2007 7:58 AM

Dick Wolf thinks that replacing Fred Thompson with Sam Waterston will "raise the bar and add intellect" to "Law & Order"?

Well, Richard Nixon did describe Fred Thompson as "Dumb as Hell"...

Who knew that Tricky Dick could have had a career in Hollywood?

-- SCAM

Posted by: so-called "Austin Mayor" | July 19, 2007 8:01 AM

I've noticed that the Thompson episodes of L&O are being shown quite a bit in syndication because once he declares the networks will be subjected to equal time regs for other candidates as was triggered during the California gubernatorial campaign of Ahnuld

Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | July 19, 2007 8:32 AM

Posted by: so-called "Austin Mayor" | July 19, 2007 8:34 AM

Will he be bringing his blanket to court?

Posted by: borgus weems | July 19, 2007 9:17 AM

Does Fred get frequent driving miles on that rented little 'ol red pickumup truck?

Gosh darn it, ooo wee heavens to betsy.

What a phony! What a goof!

Posted by: Doug Zook | July 19, 2007 10:52 AM

Kenny, the reason Thompson episodes are getting more play now is because those are the more recent ones.

Anyway, Doug, that NY Times and LA Times reports for all practical purposes are nothing more than made-up media stories. The records are pretty clear that he did not lobby for them as originally reported and his work as a lawyer was quite minimal.

Posted by: John D | July 19, 2007 11:00 AM

Slowly, but surely, Doug continues to slip back into Doogie mode. Bring back Doug. At least he has some sensibilities!

Posted by: John D | July 19, 2007 11:58 AM

Those NY Times and LA Times articles, though lacking in truth, should make all Democrats want Thompson also. This may be the year as in Eisenhower's case that both parties want the same candidate.

Posted by: Sequim | July 19, 2007 11:59 AM

According to a recent Time.com story, Thompson could actually help the GOP with things regarding campaign funding for candidates due to his popularity on television and politics and he could be the next Reagan-type the Republicans need, since he leads the recent Rasmussen poll over Giuliani by at least a few points. He will run, I have no doubt, but there first has to be at least a few drop-outs from the race first to make his run more smoothly done.

Posted by: C. Porter | July 19, 2007 12:33 PM

John D.,

How much baby killin' advocacy do you find accptable?

Posted by: Doug Zook | July 19, 2007 12:41 PM

Unfortunatly for "Hollywood" Freddie, the pro-abortion group that he claims he didn't work for has the canceled ckecks and office records to prove that he did work for them.
This is just the tip of the iceberg on Thompson's lobbying record, there's more "good stuff" to come.

Freddie better go rent himself about 10 red pickem' up trucks if he's going to drive around trying to convince "redneck nation" down in Alabama that he's just a "good ol' boy" like they are, this time around.

Posted by: John E | July 19, 2007 12:43 PM

Well maybe Waterson can give out stock tips on the show too!

Posted by: lochnessmonster | July 19, 2007 1:14 PM

Here's a link to a N.Y. Times story

Great link Doug. Ol Fred is definitely a good Repugnican. He will fervently support the cause of any group that pays him, change positions whenever he feels it is to his advantage, lie about it until he gets caught and then try to spin the truth while conveniently ignoring the lie. These mopes all seem to have attended the same training.

Posted by: Bill H. | July 19, 2007 2:27 PM

he could be the next Reagan-type the Republicans need

Hey c.

Is this what the Repugs are looking for?

The Reagan administration saw several controversies unfold in their ranks which resulted in a number of administration staffers being convicted. 225 different people in the Ronald Reagan administration have either quit, been fired, been arrested, indicted, or convicted of either breaking the law or violating the Ethics Code.

I believe we have this type of president right now.

Posted by: Bill H. | July 19, 2007 2:37 PM

It's interesting... Fred stars in a few movies and TV shows and he's made fun of for being part of the "Hollywood" crowd... but he's born, raised and works in TN yet he's called a phony Southerner... me thinks you Fred Haters doth protest too much... Fred will be the next POTUS... Mark it!

Posted by: FRedStates.com | July 20, 2007 9:53 PM