So far, so good in 2010, with even more to look forward to: I really enjoyed playing The Dean in CALIFORNICATION this year and working with those wonderful scripts and company. The vibe reminded me of working with Robert Altman – it seemed like the opportunity for something good to happen and have it reach the screen was always there. I have to thank David Duchovny and Tom Kapinos for that and for the wonderful team they assembled – here’s to Showtime for allowing that environment to thrive.

I could say all the same things about my pal Denis Leary’s great show on FX, RESCUE ME. I had about as much fun as you’re allowed to have at work while working with Denis and his company. He and Evan Reilly wrote one of the best parts I’ve ever had – Father Phil, a Catholic priest – hope I didn’t screw it up!

BETTY ANN WATERS, a film starring Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell and directed by another talented pal, Tony Goldwyn, will be released this year by Fox Searchlight who did such a good job on ADAM last year. BETTY ANN WATERS is a powerful, true story about the lengths a sister went to free her innocent brother. I play Innocence Project founder and a hero of mine, Barry Scheck. Juliette Lewis, Melissa Leo and Minnie Driver also star. I saw a lot of amazing work on this one from everyone. Tony and I have been friends since the early ‘80s where we were on stage in Pride and Prejudice (with Jane Kaczmarek) and then  started our families at the same time while living across the street from each other. He’s a really talented actor and a wonderful director too.

Also just found out that the pilot I did about the CIA in September, COVERT AFFAIRS for The USA Network, got picked up. It also stars Piper Perabo, Christopher Gorham, Kari Matchett. We begin shooting again in April. Dave Bartis and Doug Liman, who I met during the first season of THE OC, are producing and bringing together some terrific and terrifically talented people – it’s a group you’re happy to be part of.

I don’t think there’s anything better in my line of work than good work with good people – probably not too much different from any other line of work.