I think we here at PopWatch might have mentioned once or twice in recent months (or thrice, or four times) that we’ve been looking forward to this season’s reboot of NBC’s Law & Order(pictured, left to right, Jesse L. Martin and Jeremy Sisto). For me, though, there’s always been a quiet doubt that’s undercut the anticipation: Are there really enough cast substitutions and conceptual change-ups in the world to revitalize a show that’s been on the air for 18 seasons?
Well, I’m happy to report that the new season of L&O is doing even better than I’d hoped so far. As promised, the plots have been way more nuanced and character-driven than usual. I’m tempted to describe last night’s episode as a small masterpiece — a look at gentrification and urban violence that actually acknowledged the complexity of those issues, believe it or not. The guest characters felt refreshingly like real people facing difficult moral choices. It wasn’t HBO-level genius, okay, but it was miles ahead of the easy, twist-driven melodrama that late-period L&O might have made out of this case as recently as last year.
And the show’s cast has really been stepping up to the challenges ofthese stories. New additions Jeremy Sisto and Linus Roache have broughtL&O the same understated intensity they showed on NBC’s unjustly canceled Kidnappedin fall ‘06. Jesse L. Martin is more comfortable patrolling the streetsalongside Sisto than he’s been with any partner since the late, greatJerry Orbach; and Alana de la Garza’s starting to come into her own asRoache’s fellow prosecutor. Up in management, Sam Waterston is bothnewly magisterial and more human than ever after being promoted to headManhattan D.A. And S. Epatha Merkerson has been getting lots of screentime, which is always a good thing — warm and concerned one moment,fearsome and tough as nails the next, she’s good cop and bad cop rolled into one.
All in all, I’ll definitely keep tuning in this season. Who’s with me?
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This is SOOO much better than the last few seasons. Last night WAS an outstanding example of Law and Order excellence. It feels more gritty without being disgusting like other procedurals.
L&O has gotten way better. I am loving this season and the new Adian Quinn look-a-like DA is a good addition but Jeremy Sisto and Jesse Martin have a comfortable chemistry. I have put this on my DVR because I have to watch Project Runway live.
I am loving the new show. Finally a good mix. Less of the pretty non- acting attorney and more of Jack and mini-me Jack. Sisto is great, but he seems to shrink Martin’s role. It has taken them a long time to get a good mix since Harmon’s exit and Orbach’s death. Both were great in their roles. Merkerson is also getting the screen time she deserves.
I was never able to get into ‘L&O’; however, late last season I tuned into an episode of ‘L&O:SVU’ and got hooked. I was still resistant when it came to the original, though. At least until I heard that they were giving it a slight reboot. I must say that I’m rather impressed and look forward to it each week.
I have loved Linus Roache since “Wings of the Dove”. He’s such a fantastic actor and soooo sexy. I don’t understand why he’s not a huge star.
I agree completely! I’ve read about Jeremy Sisto’s push for more backstory for the detectives, and I love it! And love the new DA – I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Linus Roache before in my life, but I’ll IMDB him now. I don’t know if he’s sexy, exactly but he’s… mesmerizing. L&O is BACK!!!
I have never been a L&O fan. I only watch L&O:SVU but I will give L&O a peek. I have also began to enjoy L&O:CI w/Chris North and his new partner. Love them together. They have great chemistry as well. Welcome back L&O, we have missed you!!
Chug every time Jack McCoy says “Make a deal.” Simple as that. Best D.A. since Adam Schiff.
The original L&O is back with great cast members and good writing. I was very surprised at the end of the episode and really liked the ending. L&O and L&O CI are always on my DVR but sadly I have dropped SVU. Terrible season on that show.
I’m pleased with Sisto and even more w/ the new ADA. He’s a great fit for replacing Watterson.
…Sisto and Roache rock …making this show a must see for us every week…Waterson has finally found his niche…Bravo
Having a great time with this season. Sisto has great smoldering appeal. Whenever can we have a female DA? Why are they always men?
Bee, they’ve only had 3 people in the role of ADA, so it’s not like they’ve cast a dozen men in a row.
I like the idea of having detectives who are more like peers. It’s a way around the gaping hole created by Jerry Orbach’s death.
I never watched TV until someone recommended Law and Order SVU, I got obsessed and never stopped watched it I even have it on Tivo so I dont miss any programs, its the best
I’m with you… I loved the poetic justice at the end of this week’s episode. IT feels less exploitative and more thoughtful this season.
I think Bee was referring to the role of District Attorney, for which they’ve had several actors, including one woman. The role has been played by Steven Hill, Dianne Weist, Fred Thompson, and now Sam Waterston. I’m pretty sure that’s the list, but there may be some I’m forgetting.
I am with you. It has been great so far! Linus’ character in particular is very interesting to watch. And S. Epatha has been rockin’ it (as usual).
BRING BACK JACK!!
I can’t stand the new guy, and am glad they try the best they can to make excuses for Jack to pop up during the show–
I am loving the new additions. Sisto is wonderful. He and Jesse L. Martin are great together. And I am in love with Linus Roache! He’s my newest tv crush. *purrs*
I have watched L&O for several years. These new changes, cast and storylines, will ensure that Dick Wolf will get his wish of the show being on for 20 years. I thought Sam was irreplaceable as the ADA, but that wasn’t true. Linus Roache is great!
As someone who has watched “Law & Order” from the beginnng (with Michael Moriarty, George Dzunda and Steven Hill), I can only say I am enjoying it as much this season as ever. Can only give kudos to Dick Wolf and his people for casting the right people.
The storylines are MUCH better this year. In a lot of ways, this is the best the show has been since before Claire Kincaid died and they had that trip out to L.A.
Wednesday’s episode was as well done as any in the glory years of Orbach, Noth and Steven Hill.
As a Law and Order junkie, I am very excited with the new season and the new cast. Sisto is very intense, and the promotion of my favorite “Jack” to D.A. was a shock to my system! Way to go! But I still miss Lenny…
I love it and I love the sudden appearance of text messaging, cell phone usage by the cops and attorneys. You can see the age gap between some of the oldies and the newbies. Can you imagine Lenny, God rest his soul, text messaging- never. It is very fresh. I am really interested in this show again.
As a very loyal Law & Order fan.And one who lived in the Village in New York at the same time as Jerry Orbach did back in the 60’s when he wsa starring on Broadway. I have pleased and delighted to see it back. Live in Chicago now but enjoy seeing the streets on New York. I also happen to work for a law firm.
As a very loyal Law & Order fan.And one who lived in the Village in New York at the same time as Jerry Orbach did back in the 60’s when he wsa starring on Broadway. I have pleased and delighted to see it back. Live in Chicago now but enjoy seeing the streets on New York. I also happen to work for a law firm.
i love L&O. My little girl dances to the song, everytime she hears it. I watch it everyday.
We Want to know if the guy was guilty of rape on tonites show or was the girl lying about it.show aired on Jan.25th .we were so upset that the show just went off .No explanation .Please let us know.Thank you
I also am a long time fan of L&O, since the begging. My feelings on new season, Love the storys, DUMP the 2 new cast members and bring back Green’s last partner.
I am a fan of L&O. I wish they wouldn’t change ADA’s & detectives so often. I miss Jerry O.
To what “begging” do you refer, Bob Wind?