Though I watched the return of NBC's Law and Order Wednesday (January 2, 2008), this just struck me.  I think producer Dick Wolf took a big swipe at former cast member and current Republican Presidential candidate Fred Thompson.

Thompson portrayed New York District Attorney Arthur Branch.  Now that Thompson is off campaigning, federal equal time candidate rules prevent him from being on the air without also providing the other candidates with airtime.  Plus, you'd think Fred's a little busy right now, running for President and all.

Anyway, in the premiere of season 18 last week, Executive ADA Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) has been appointed DA upon Branch's departure.  While McCoy is moving books into Branch's office--now his office--new Executive ADA Michael Cutter (Linus Roache) comes into the room.  This is my recollection of their exchange:

Cutter: "Branch used to have knick-knacks on those shelves.

"McCoy: "This is going to be a working office now."

Back when Thompson was portraying the DA, about all he did was sit around and second guess McCoy. 

Further, Thompson has a reputation of being lazy.

So, this TV reviewer and political junkie took it as a shot at not just Thompson's character, but Thompson's character as well.

Photo: In the September 10, 2007 issue of Newsweek (on newsstand Monday, September3): "Lazy Like a Fox." Newsweek profiles Fred Thompson, looking atwhether he's got the fire to do what it takes to win a presidentialcampaign.  (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK)

Technorati Tags: Sen. Fred Thompson, Fred Thompson, Law and Order, Law & Order, Arthur Branch, Dick Wolf, NBC, 2008 Presidential election, 2008 election, Jack McCoy, Sam Waterston, Michael Cutter, Linus Roache

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