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Spot inspection: 'Law & Order'

Jan 25, 2008, 06:00 AM | by Simon Vozick-Levinson

Categories: Spot Inspection, Television

Laworder_l 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 of these stories. New additions Jeremy Sisto and Linus Roache have brought L&O the same understated intensity they showed on NBC's unjustly canceled Kidnapped in fall '06. Jesse L. Martin is more comfortable patrolling the streets alongside Sisto than he's been with any partner since the late, great Jerry Orbach; and Alana de la Garza's starting to come into her own as Roache's fellow prosecutor. Up in management, Sam Waterston is both newly magisterial and more human than ever after being promoted to head Manhattan D.A. And S. Epatha Merkerson has been getting lots of screen time, 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?

Raquel Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM EST

Hi,

I am an avid watcher of all the Law & Order series. I am also a writer and I recently wrote a funny fantasy piece about L&O which I posted on my demented blaahg page - www.dementeddiagnosis.com/dementedblaahg.htm

I hope this makes you laugh because we all could use a little humor right now. It states:

LAW AND ORDER PLANS SPECIAL REALITY SERIES FOR 2009

New York City, November 19, 2008: Producers of the hit series, Law & Order announced today that the historical 2008 election inspired a new reality series in their franchise.

“FLAW & ORDER EXODUS,” is the name of this new and exciting series. Featuring the downfall of the republican-clad white house and many residents of Washington, D.C., this real life drama will also be an historic event.

Immediately following W. Bush’s exit from the White House, filming of Flaw & Order Exodus will commence...Sam Waterston will be playing an undercover detective/psychic that takes his clues from Jerry Orbach “Lenny Briscoe”..."ghost detec..

Lesley Fri, Feb 8, 2008 at 07:52 PM EST

I love to watch old L&O episodes in syndication. There's "always something to watch" on TV. I just started watching it recently on Wednesdays at 10 b/c I wanted to see how Jeremy Sisto was fitting in. WOW!!! I am totally sold! Tuning in EVERY week now. The new cast is awesome and the stories are intriguing. I agree that Sisto is a perfect fit with Martin, the best new detective since Orbach's untimely departure. Writers' strike? Who cares. I've got lots of catching up now, seeking out the first episodes of this season. Linus Roache and Jeremy Sisto are the best thing to happen to L&O in a long time and I'm TOTALLY ONBOARD!!! Hallelujah!

jords Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

Can't say enough positive things about the new casting, both on L&O and L&O:CI. I LOVE Jack as the D.A., Sisto and Martin are fabulous together, and anytime Noth & Witt are on CI I just beam. Serious shoutouts go to Dick Wolf and Team for showing that quality drama isn't dead on TV. **P.S. I'm an SVU fan from the pilot-on, but am getting really tired of watching Stabler's constant drama. Could we focus on Munch a bit more please - he's long overdue for some decent backstory.**

BIG VIC Mon, Jan 28, 2008 at 07:34 AM EST

LAW&ORDER AND LAW&ORDER CRIMINAL INTENT ARE MY FAVORITE PROGRAMS ON TV.I ENJOY SAM,S.EPATHA,& JESSE AND MISS MY MAN JERRY SO MUCH HE WAS A GREAT ACTOR TO WATCH.I ALSO ENJOY VINCE&KATHRYN ON CRIMINAL INTENT.I DO NOT LIKE SUV OR THE ACTORS.I ENJOY COLD CASE FILES & WITHOUT A TRACE BUT NOT AS MUCH AS MY LAW&&ORDER WITH MY MAN LENNY(MAY HE REST IN PEACE)THANK-YOU.

Paul Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 07:31 PM EST

Having watched every Law & Order episode to date,I find the new characters acting as if on drugs.
The writers are left of George Soros.
Dennis Farina was a great loss.

ETAN Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 07:28 PM EST

One of the best L&Os I ever watched was when they teamed up Homicide. Should have won an Emmy!

Safety Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

I rarely watch the show for more than 10 minutes. As soon as an African- American is arrested and a greedy, racist caucasion; or caucasion owned business is involved; I know the end of the story. It's done over and over.

joe Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 06:17 PM EST

I like the new characters--- But I also liked the guy who played the role after Lenny.

Grumpy Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 06:12 PM EST

I rarely watch the program for more than 10 minutes. If a sympathetic African-American is arrested, and a greedy, racist caucasian; or a business is involved; I know the outcome. They take the same approach every time.

salina Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

I love LAW & ORDER, I wish Angie Harmon
would come back, or the other DA who had the blonde hair. I find their acting more compelling. One can wish!!!

lill-----my Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST

I had a late moment to watch L&O to see some of the new members, just wish it came on earlier, I lost interest after "Lenny passed",

joan e. elting Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 08:10 AM EST

Yes,Yes bring back Homicide life on the streets. It was one of the best shows ever written.
Joan

Kathrine Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 10:50 PM EST

I like the new somewhat, but still want to see the old characters, they are the meat and potaoes in L & O.

Kathrine Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

What happend with the old characters? I like the new but keep the old too, that is wha L&O is all about.

Dr. Tom Smith Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

There hasn't been any ADA to equal Angie Harmon.

Dr. Tom Smith Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

There hasn't been any ADA to equal Angie Harmon.

ETAN Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 01:16 PM EST

L&O HAS LOST IT'S EDGE. BRING BACK HOMICIDE, LIFE ON THE STREET!

jo-ann Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

i was soo happy to have law and order with us. it is better than ever. sam w is suited for his new role and the guy that has replaced his character is great.the entire show is great. thanks for law and order CI. i love that show and it is my favorite of the 3 law and orders.wonderful wonderful viewing and excitement and story telling and acting. thanks a bunch all of you guys.
can someone tell me if LIFE will return to NBC??? as much as i love L and O I am disappointed to see the quirky well acted show nowhere to be seen. whats Up???

jo-ann Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

i was soo happy to have law and order with us. it is better than ever. sam w is suited for his new role and the guy that has replaced his character is great.the entire show is great. thanks for law and order CI. i love that show and it is my favorite of the 3 law and orders.wonderful wonderful viewing and excitement and story telling and acting. thanks a bunch all of you guys.
can someone tell me if LIFE will return to NBC??? as much as i love L and O I am disappointed to see the quirky well acted show nowhere to be seen. whats Up???

John Q Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST

L & O has changed so much it should be on BET ch. Hate it! More of the caving in to radical voices with bad actress's.

dhayden Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 09:47 AM EST

law and order is the best tv drama series!how can i have a small role in this drama?

Shaykh 55 Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 04:01 AM EST

As a long time L&O fan, I am both thrilled and excited to see the new cast members come off so well with the veterans("J-Mart" "Essie" and Sam)to make this one of the most memorable seasons in its long history. Welcome Back L&O! Long may you live. The new storylines have been great and the acting superb. I'm really lovin' it.

Stella Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 02:36 AM EST

I Love L&O! Watch it daily on TNT just to help me make it until the new episodes come on! Great show, great season!

Calif guy Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 10:22 PM EST

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?

Bob Wind Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 09:40 PM EST

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.

MARTHA BEETS Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 09:19 PM EST

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

deeanna Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 08:28 PM EST

i love L&O. My little girl dances to the song, everytime she hears it. I watch it everyday.

Dennis A. Vai Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

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.

Dennis A. Vai Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

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.

Lynny Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 05:15 PM EST

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.

Flavia Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 04:33 PM EST

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...

DanOregon Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

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.

Janice Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 02:46 PM EST

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.

Trish Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 02:13 PM EST

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!

strickens_girl Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

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*

Maggie Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

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--

Crystal Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 12:22 PM EST

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).

Dave Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

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.

Sms Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 12:00 PM EST

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.

karen collins Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 12:00 PM EST

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

ns Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

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.

bee Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

Having a great time with this season. Sisto has great smoldering appeal. Whenever can we have a female DA? Why are they always men?

robert t. cooper Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

...Sisto and Roache rock ...making this show a must see for us every week...Waterson has finally found his niche...Bravo

Matt Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

I'm pleased with Sisto and even more w/ the new ADA. He's a great fit for replacing Watterson.

DalGal Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST

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.

ami Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

Chug every time Jack McCoy says "Make a deal." Simple as that. Best D.A. since Adam Schiff.

Jennifer Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

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!!

Working Girl Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

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!!!

Louise Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 08:59 AM EST

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.

Gringo Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 08:12 AM EST

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.

Nicole Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 08:07 AM EST

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.

Sina Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 07:36 AM EST

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.

JL Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 06:19 AM EST

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.

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