Brian Damage
05-16-2007, 09:58 PM
The return of Dick Wolf's "Law & Order" to NBC's schedule this fall will be marked by a number of changes.
Wolf has been pressured by the network to cut costs, and sources tell me he's figured out ways to do it.
As I reported recently, Wolf will persuade veteran actor Sam Waterston to let his Jack McCoy character finally become district attorney. Waterston, 65, is now playing the oldest living assistant D.A. in recorded history, quipped a Wolf insider.
"With Fred Thompson leaving to run for president, Sam will have to move up," my source said. "It's less screen time, but it should have happened a while ago. Dick will cast a new ADA who'll be younger and cheaper."
Wolf is also said to be getting rid of the two cops on "Law & Order." Definitely out is Milena Govich, who has been on for two seasons. And Wolf may also oust Jesse L. Martin, who has logged 180 episodes since he arrived in 1999.
Meanwhile, the move of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" to USA Networks may be what saves Chris Noth's job. There was talk about Noth leaving and Vincent D'Onofrio staying because Noth was too expensive. But a source at "CI" tells me that Noth's paycheck is about the same as D'Onofrio's and that he's not going anywhere.
"Vincent can't do all 22 shows," my source said. "The split schedule is what works."
Wolf has been pressured by the network to cut costs, and sources tell me he's figured out ways to do it.
As I reported recently, Wolf will persuade veteran actor Sam Waterston to let his Jack McCoy character finally become district attorney. Waterston, 65, is now playing the oldest living assistant D.A. in recorded history, quipped a Wolf insider.
"With Fred Thompson leaving to run for president, Sam will have to move up," my source said. "It's less screen time, but it should have happened a while ago. Dick will cast a new ADA who'll be younger and cheaper."
Wolf is also said to be getting rid of the two cops on "Law & Order." Definitely out is Milena Govich, who has been on for two seasons. And Wolf may also oust Jesse L. Martin, who has logged 180 episodes since he arrived in 1999.
Meanwhile, the move of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" to USA Networks may be what saves Chris Noth's job. There was talk about Noth leaving and Vincent D'Onofrio staying because Noth was too expensive. But a source at "CI" tells me that Noth's paycheck is about the same as D'Onofrio's and that he's not going anywhere.
"Vincent can't do all 22 shows," my source said. "The split schedule is what works."