NEW YORK (AP) - "POPPA DON'T TAKE NO MESS!" The outburst comes from Anthony Anderson, who is describing the essential qualities of Kevin Bernard,

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Sam Waterston may be a getting a ''Law & Order'' promotion. The actor is negotiating to step in as the show's New York district attorney, replacing co-star Fred Thompson, a source close to the production said Monday. Thompson, a former U.S. senator, is weighing a presidential run and asked to be released from the NBC drama.

NEW YORK (AP) - Jeremy Sisto is joining the police force on ''Law & Order'' next season. Sisto, who starred on ''Kidnapped'' last season, will return to NBC as a detective on ''Law & Order,'' said Dick Wolf, the series' executive producer. The crime drama will begin its 18th year when it returns to the air in midseason.