Law and Order: I’m Loving Linus Roache
This ADA Is the Real McCoy
Am I the only fan who has discovered a whole new affection for Law & Order solely because English actor Linus Roache has jumped onboard, infusing the law side of the long-running series with extra personality and charm? I hope not, because I truly believe that anyone who has stuck with L&0 this long should give thanks to the newcomer for making the procedural’s 18th season thus far worth watching on a regular basis.
Before the current run started in January, I was equally excited about the arrival of both Roache and American actor Jeremy Sisto, who portrays Detective Ed Green’s (Jesse L. Martin) new partner Cyrus Lupo. Unfortunately, showrunners apparently decided against giving Lupo an interesting personality to go along with his unique name and striking backstory.
As a result, on the police side, we’re now stuck with an amazingly talented actor playing the equivalent of a sad sack and brooding lump. What a waste. I wouldn’t be surprised — and definitely wouldn’t blame him — if Sisto abandoned ship after this season. He deserves much better.
Which is why it’s so odd that in stark contrast, Roache’s Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Cutter is the best thing to happen to the show since, well, Sam Waterston’s Jack McCoy. Cutter is dedicated, smart, and charismatic, and he holds his own against his legendary boss, whom we’ve been watching in the equivalent role for some fourteen years, since Waterston joined the series way back in 1994.
During last night’s “Illegal” episode, Cutter was absent for the first part of the law half as another ADA (guest star John Pankow) assumed and then nearly destroyed the District Attorney’s case against a trigger-happy auxiliary police officer. All I could think about throughout the extended subplot, however, was where in the world Cutter could be.
You know a character is having a significant impact on a TV series when you not only look forward to their scenes, but you miss them when they aren’t onscreen. Kudos to L&O showrunners for picking the perfect actor for a difficult role, following in the footsteps of a series icon. Now just inject some semblance of a real human being into Sisto’s character, and everything will be cool.
Related Post: Law and Order: TV’s Longest-Running Drama Opens 18th Season
Law & Order currently airs Wednesdays on NBC at 10pm EST
Linus Roache/Law & Order photo courtesy of Virginia Sherwood/NBC
I couldn’t agree more! Linus has brought new life to L&O and if NBC cancels it (as is rumored) it will be a travesty. I couldn’t put my finger on his appeal — just knew that I couldn’t wait to see him every week — and I watch the Saturday repeats, too, just to see him again. Have always loved this show, from the Michael Moriarty days — but this ADA is up there with the best. What can we do to save this show??
Thanks for you comment, Gloria. I always love it when other people agree with me. :D
I personally don’t think Law & Order is in danger of getting canceled this season — it feels good to be able to say that for once in recent memory — but you can always show your support for the series by contacting NBC via the network’s website (Click the link to visit). Just make sure to select “Law & Order” from the drop-down SELECT SHOW list before clicking the SEND button.
Hey Chandra, thanks for the reply. I already wrote to NBC, but I did read in the L.A. Times that L&O is one of three series they are considering dropping. I’d never seen Linus before this. I’m English and I couldn’t tell he was!! What is it with these English actors playing Americans so well? (Hugh Laurie on House, the much missed Jonny Lee Miller from the much missed ABC show Eli Stone and Linus.) Let’s hope Linus stays with us somewhere!
Gloria, NBC and the other broadcast networks announced much of their 2009-2010 schedules last week, and Law & Order will definitely be back for a historic 20th season. While there may be fewer episodes, like this year, Linus fans like you and I can look forward to lots more of him. Yay!
I think English actors play Americans so well because they’re just that talented. Oddly enough, I prefer them as their English selves, but I’ll take them as Americans, too!
Mr. Roache has certainly brought a lot of appeal to the show for me. He is the reason why I’m tuning in every weak. His character is just fantastic! So glad there are others out there who appreciate this actor.
Thanks for your comment, Susie. I will never stop appreciating Linus Roache and his immense talent. I’m so thrilled to have him on American TV.
I think Linus Roache is an absolute SPUNK. Would like to know about any other shows or pictures he’s been in though. never seen or heard of him before Law and Order. He is sooooo HOT.
I agree with you, completely… Linus is such a great actor, and extremely hot… the total package!!!
“Linus is such a great actor, and extremely hot… the total package!!!”
What she said!
no complaints LAW & Order has servived all these years because it is a great show. There is no one left from the original cast it is the kind of show that it doesn’t matter that the cast changes constanty, it is a great show no matter who is on. The new cast member Linus Roache just makes it even better. I find he is a wonderful actor I think he is a great asset to the show. I hope the show continues for a ong time.
spelling error I MENT A LONG TIME.
I’ve always been in love with Sam Waterston. And now with Linus Roache, I’ve fallen in love again. The show is fantastic as always and having Linus on board and keeping Sam at the same time is magical. That Linus is cutie. I love his little weak chin and sad eyes.
“That Linus is cutie. I love his little weak chin and sad eyes.”
You’ve got that right, Felecia. Couldn’t love Linus any more on this show.
Ever since I started watching Linus Roache on the new episodes, it seems as if the show has new intensity. He is driven and is beautiful in his execution. I am glad that he is a part of the cast…..what a difference he brings to the show…….BRAVO!
Ditto, Ashley. I hope Linus is aware of this ongoing L&O love-fest we ladies have going on here. He definitely deserves the praise.
This is a reply to Karin Bannerman about what other things Linus has been in. He’s been in “The Priest”, “The Wings of the Dove”, and “Before the Rains” just to name a few. You can enter his name and loads of stuff comes up and great, great photos. Also type in his name at You Tube. They have a lot of great things there with him in it. I wonder does he know just how cute he is? I sure would love to tell him-in person!!!