Law & Order: Why Sam Waterston Never Felt Trapped By The Series

"Law & Order" has had the fortune of featuring an immensely talented cast of actors throughout its run. But Sam Waterston could be seen as one of the series' most essential and enduring stars. For years, Waterston put in memorable performances as the tenacious prosecutor Jack McCoy before "Law & Order" entered its decades-long slumber away from television. Waterston was already considered by fans such a mainstay on "Law & Order" due to the hundreds of episodes the actor appeared in up to Season 20.

And such a long tenure on one show would make some actors feel creatively imprisoned. However, Waterston never felt trapped by the series, possibly because of his unique agreement with the show and its creator, Dick Wolf. The actor once shared with MovieWeb that during the show's previous run, he'd always re-signed on a yearly basis rather than immediately be locked in for a set number of seasons or years. This meant that every year as the show aired, Waterston could choose to stick around or leave "Law & Order." As a result, the yearly agreement to return positively impacted his overall commitment to the show.

Waterston told MovieWeb, " I never felt imprisoned here, and I've always felt free to stay, free to go. And I think it's been a great thing. And it's part of why I'm here so long." When "Law & Order" finally returned with Season 21, Waterston could have ignored the " dun-dun " siren call and opted to stay away. After all, his character was considered a beloved "Law & Order" legend at that point. But merely watching the series continue from home seemed too much for the actor to take.

When Sam Waterston appeared in Season 21 of "Law & Order," it was as if he hadn't missed a beat in portraying Jack McCoy despite the show's long time away. Still, it might have surprised some fans that he would appear at all, as the actor had already dedicated so much time to the series before its initial cancellation. Waterston could have simply enjoyed the series as a fan. Instead, he found he wasn't content with the idea of no longer being an active part of a resurrected "Law & Order."

While speaking with KCRA 3, Waterston said, "I wondered whether I hadn't already done this and shouldn't go back. But I couldn't stand the idea of somebody else doing it and me watching from the sidelines, so I gave it a try, and I'm having a wonderful time." Besides personally enjoying his decision to return, "Law & Order" has afforded Waterston the opportunity to break a significant record. The Season 22 finale marked Waterston's 400th episode on the show, which was made more special with a guest appearance from his daughter, Elisabeth Waterston.