Jack McCoy gets a ‘Law & Order’ promotion

Sam Waterston called it a ‘logical next step’ for his character

	Alana de la Garza and Sam Waterston, who plays Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy, in a scene from an episode of the "Law & Order."
Eric Liebowitz / AP

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updated 7:31 p.m. ET 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.

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“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.

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