End of an Era

Beloved actor Sam Waterston, known for his iconic portrayal of Jack McCoy, said his final goodbye to the long-running hit TV series “Law & Order” on February 22. Waterston’s departure from the show has left fans of the popular legal drama feeling a profound sense of loss. Let’s delve into the emotional final moments of our favorite on-screen legal powerhouse and discover who is set to step into McCoy’s formidable shoes.

Resignation and Unleashed Fury

After a conviction and going against the mayor’s wishes to protect his son, Jack McCoy was pushed to hand in his resignation to the dismay of many. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while. It’s time, it just is,” Jack shared with ADA Nolan, played by the talented Hugh Dancy. The mayor, seeking revenge for defying his orders, will stop at nothing to ensure Jack loses the election, revealing that “he’s going to bury everyone who wronged him, including you — especially you.” This shocking revelation sets the stage for a riveting and dramatic turn of events.

A Toast to a Remarkable Journey

In a heartfelt moment, Jack lifted his glass in a bittersweet farewell, remarking, “It’s been a hell of a ride.” This poignant scene marked the end of an illustrious chapter in television history and left viewers reminiscing about the impact of Waterston’s character on their lives. Emotions ran high as Jack stood outside the courthouse, reflecting on the intense battles fought in the pursuit of justice.

A Legendary Career

Having joined the flagship series in 1994, Sam Waterston diligently portrayed Jack McCoy until the show’s original end in 2010. Fans were overjoyed when Waterston reprised the iconic role in the series’ revival for its 21st season in 2022. In addition to his role on the popular spinoffs, “Law & Order: SVU” and “Law & Order: Trial by Jury,” Waterston also captivated audiences in the memorable movie “Exited: A Law & Order Movie.” A consummate actor, Waterston’s presence on the series undoubtedly played a significant role in its enduring success and dedicated fan base.

Waterston’s Parting Words

In a heartfelt statement, Sam Waterston expressed gratitude to the dedicated viewers and exceptional team behind “Law & Order.” “The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me. There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next,” Waterston confessed. Acknowledging the resilience and remarkable vision of creator Dick Wolf, Waterston expressed his deep appreciation for the incredible support of the show’s outstanding fan base, emphasizing their instrumental role in its ongoing success.

A New Era Begins

While viewers mourn the departure of Sam Waterston, the “Law & Order” franchise prepares for an exciting transition as Tony Goldwyn steps in to take on the role of the new District Attorney, Nicholas Baxter. Goldwyn expressed both the anticipation of a challenging role and a humble attitude towards his veteran predecessor. Fans can catch the introduction of the new DA during the episode airing on March 14, eagerly awaiting the twist and turns this distinguished legal drama is known for.

To get a glimpse of Tony Goldwyn in the new role, he shared a series of production stills on his Instagram, stating, “Some very large shoes to fill! First episode finished as DA Nicholas Baxter. Thanks to the ‘Law & Order’ family for being so welcoming!”