With so many series going off the air after a season or two, it’s amazing to see a legal drama which has endured for so long. Law & Order is finally back with 19th season. Awesome! Isn’t it? And the longest running show brings back Sam Waterston as Jack McCoy. He has been with the show for so long that it’s impossible to fathom Law & Order without Jack McCoy. He himself is amazed that the show has lasted so long as he was considering only a short stint when he joined it The 68 year old actor signs one year contract with Law & Order every season that concludes successfully. He explains, “Its part of the reason why I’m here so long. They have made a long leash and allowed me to sign up year after year after year. I never felt imprisoned here. I’ve always felt free to stay. Free to go.”
Well said Waterston! The easiest way to lose something or some one is to cling to it. He made some interesting observations about the character he has been playing in an interview that I read on BuddyTV. He observed that the character has been long established and the challenge lies in keeping him consistent rather than developing him. It’s as much a writer’s job as his and he has repeatedly proved himself capable of meeting all challenges.
I personally believe that changing cast has its own advantages because when a series lasts so long as this one has you can’t watch it continuously. So, you go your merry way but if you return to it after a few years you find a different cast but everything else working exactly the same way. It may discourage some audience but then it also attracts new viewers to tune in.
