Production
"Fagel Attraction" was written by Jenji Kohan and directed by series producer James Burrows. The episode's title is a reference to the 1987 film Fatal Attraction which starred actor Michael Douglas. In March 2002, it was announced that Michael Douglas would guest star on the show, playing a gay detective who becomes attracted to Will. His role on the show was his first television acting role in almost 30 years, since his role in the police drama The Streets of San Francisco. It was also confirmed that actress Molly Shannon would reprise her role as Val, Grace's nemesis. This was Shannon's fourth appearance on the show.
While in negotiations, Douglas' staff approached the show's producers about a guest spot for Douglas and the sitcom's executives sought to work against Douglas' image. His management team wanted him to stretch beyond his usual roles, and believed a successful comedy show like Will & Grace would be a good way to do so. The show's producers said that Douglas was willing to go with any story line the writers could come up with. Executive producer and co-creator of the show, David Kohan said: "There's something great about playing on a person's iconic status. Michael Douglas often plays these virile men, and the idea of making him a gay cop too shy to ask Will out was funny."
However, in another interview, it was revealed that Douglas himself called the show's producers to ask them about a guest appearance. "I am a big fan of the show, so when the opportunity to guest-star came along, I had to grab it", Douglas said on his official website. "It's been awhile since I've performed in front of a live audience, and it was great to flex that old theater acting muscle. It was also my first experience with a television sitcom."
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