Cast and Crew Changes
In May 2007, Fred Thompson (Arthur Branch) departed the cast of the series to focus on his political career, having already been considered an unofficial candidate for the 2008 presidential election. Thompson did not officially declare his intention to seek nomination until September 5, 2007, when he appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. However, because of the equal-time rule, NBC announced in July 2007 that it would not broadcast any of the 115 episodes of Law & Order in which Thompson appeared after September 1. Branch's spot on the show was filled by cast member Sam Waterston, who had portrayed Executive District Attorney (EADA) Jack McCoy since the fifth season. Now playing the District Attorney, Waterston's spot on the show was filled by Linus Roache, who was cast as EADA Michael Cutter.
Another departure announced was that of Milena Govich, who joined the cast of the 17th season as Detective Nina Cassady, the show's first female detective. Jeremy Sisto, who had guest starred as a defense attorney in the 17th season finale, was added to the cast as Detective Cyrus Lupo.
Following months of speculation, Jesse L. Martin (Ed Green) announced his departure from the cast in February 2007. Martin, who was scheduled to appear in only 13 episodes this season, made his final appearance in "Burn Card". Anthony Anderson, who made his debut as Detective Kevin Bernard in the same episode, was then added to the cast.
Read more about this topic: Law & Order (season 18)
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