"HARRY'S LAW" (l-r) Christopher McDonald as Thomas Jefferson, Nate Corddry as Adam Branch -- Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC

Christopher McDonald plays bad really well, otherwise why would he be cast as the arrogant meanie in so many movies and TV shows?

Well, he’s in good form on Harry’s Law (10:00 p.m. ET/PT, NBC), as the slick, rich attorney, Thomas Jefferson. Sure, it’s familiar territory, but co-starring opposite an Oscar winner like Kathy Bates isn’t always factored into the equation and it’s a opportunity he’s grateful for - especially considering Harry was originally supposed to be a man.

“She’s kicking butt, taking names and doing it with great aplomb,” he states. “It’s very refreshing and against type and you’ve got to love her for doing it, but she’s got the chops to pull it off.”

McDonald got his own vote of confidence portraying the obnoxious guy on Harry’s Law from the producers, who had him slated for three episodes, which quickly turned into 11.

“It was great,” he acknowledges. “It’s kind of fun to be the big, fat jerk. Every story needs one. I’ve played all kinds of parts, but the one that makes the most resonates are the jerks. People love seeing me play jerks.”

His character will be asking Harry (Bates) for assistance on a case tonight.

Despite having filmed the entire season already, the actor will probably be back for more.

“It’s thrilling to see a show come out as a hit right out of the box,” he points out firmly. “Usually, especially for a David E. Kelley show it takes a few episodes for people to catch on. I think the fact that he is so well loved and Kathy Bates is so well loved and respected in this business that it shot up to be the number one drama right out of the box was cool.”