"Le Loi et L'ordeur: Intention de Criminel"

If Jose Bove thought McDonald's represented a terrible affront to French and global culture, wait until he gets a load of Dick Wolf and his virulent effects.

Yesterday, Monsieur Le Loup announced that he and NBC Universal Television Distribution have sold the format for "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" to TFI, France's top broadcaster, which will develop a French version of the series. The yet-to-be-named show is set debut in 2006.

Though our dramas air around the world in their original forms (with trippy voiceovers in some countries), Wolf's international coup marks the first time an American scripted drama has been formatted for abroad. Naturally he sees great potential for world conquest.

"I anticipate, because of their enthusiasm and the French's love of mysteries, that we are in a situation that could really bear fruit," Wolf told critics. "And I think if it bears fruit in France, it's a pump primer for the rest of the world."

Take warning, Planet Earth. Wolf's other big announcement was that the three "Law & Order" shows would pass the 600 episode mark once this season gets underway. We can't even escape "Law & Order" on cable, where it airs on TNT and USA.

And if it works for Wolf, imagine all of the other series that might be similarly localized for audiences in other countries. Mon dieu, save us all.