Sam Waterston, the beloved actor who portrayed Jack McCoy in the hit TV series “Law & Order,” bid farewell to his iconic character in the show’s final episode. The episode, which aired on Thursday, February 22, marked the end of an era for Waterston and his dedicated fans.
In a dramatic turn of events, McCoy revealed his resignation to ADA Nolan, played by Hugh Dancy, after going against the mayor’s wishes and questioning his son during a trial. Aware of the consequences, McCoy acknowledged that the mayor would do everything in his power to ensure his defeat in the upcoming election. “He’s going to bury everyone who wronged him, including you – especially you,” McCoy warned. Recognizing the need for someone with integrity to take his place, he decided to step aside and allow the governor to appoint a successor.
As the episode drew to a close, McCoy stood outside the courthouse, reflecting on his journey. Raising his glass in a symbolic gesture, he declared, “It’s been a hell of a ride.” Waterston’s portrayal of McCoy has captivated audiences since he joined the original series in 1994. He continued to play the character through its original end in 2010 and returned when the show was revived for its 21st season in 2022. Waterston also portrayed McCoy in spinoffs such as “Law & Order: SVU” and “Law & Order: Trial by Jury,” as well as in the movie “Exited: A Law & Order Movie.”
Earlier this month, Waterston released a heartfelt statement expressing his gratitude to the show’s dedicated audience. He acknowledged that while there was sadness in leaving, he was eager to explore new opportunities. “An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable,” he explained. Waterston also expressed his appreciation for the show’s creator, Dick Wolf, whose vision and talents made the long-running series possible.
With Waterston’s departure, Tony Goldwyn will be stepping into the role of the district attorney. Goldwyn, known for his role in “Scandal,” shared his excitement about joining the “Law & Order” family on Instagram. He posted behind-the-scenes photos from the set, acknowledging the challenge of filling Waterston’s “very large shoes.” Goldwyn’s character, Nicholas Baxter, will make his debut in the episode airing on March 14.
As fans bid farewell to Sam Waterston’s Jack McCoy, they eagerly anticipate the arrival of Tony Goldwyn’s Nicholas Baxter. The transition marks the end of an era for “Law & Order” but also opens up new possibilities for the long-running franchise. With its loyal audience and dedicated cast, the show continues to captivate viewers and maintain its status as a television phenomenon.