Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit, commonly referred to as SVU, is a hard-hitting television series that stems from the original Law & Order. It’s an expose of the seedy underbelly of New York City and the crime that occurs. A myriad of the scripts and subsequent episodes are based on real felonies and victim experiences.
“In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victim’s Unit. These are their stories.”
This is the opening narration to every episode, providing us with information regarding what the show embodies. SVU focuses on sex crimes and crimes committed against children as the victims of these shocking offenses are considered ‘special victims’, thus the name. At the end of most episodes there are courthouse scenes to inform the audience of the outcome. However, at times the audience is left with a cliff-hanger, not knowing the verdict decided by the jury. While there are differences between the Australian and the American criminal justice system, I feel that knowing the basics to both and the differences between them is important. For example, while it is not possible to ‘plead the fifth’ to avoid self-incrimination and the incrimination of others in Australia, our equivalent with the same principal is enacted through various Australian state and federal legislations.
Each episode depicts a different victim. Their stories are heart wrenching and their ordeals are stomach churning. The detectives have to deal with the depravity they see every day to be able to provide the victims of these crimes with justice.
Olivia Benson is a headstrong detective who goes to amazing lengths to catch the murderers, rapists and paedophiles she deals with each day. Being the product of her mother’s rape, she is very passionate about her job and finding justice for the victim. Mariska Hargitay portrays Olivia Benson beautifully and has won numerous Emmy Awards playing this tole. Chris Meloni played Elliot Stabler, husband, best friends and father of five, skilfully for 12 seasons before leaving the show. Diane Neal and Stephanie March were the District Attorneys but have since also left the show. However, long-standing characters, in addition to Olivia, include Odafin “Fin” Tutuola (Ice-T), Captain Cragen (Dann Florek) and John Munch (Richard Belzer). They are set to return in the 15th season premiere this September. Since the departure of Chris Meloni, full time characters Amanda Rollins and Nick Amara have been added.
In my opinion, while I was saddened by Chris leaving, the addition of these two characters has allowed a new facet of the show to be seen by the audience, creating a fresher atmosphere. They have also allowed for the writers to create backgrounds for these two characters that have not already been dealt with repeatedly over the 12 seasons such as Elliot’s fear of any crimes being committed against his children.
To conclude, Law & Order: SVU is an outstanding show with an excellent cast. The storyline and plots are terrific and very emotional. This show initially took the world by storm and throughout the years, its popularity has remained steady as evidenced by its impressive 15th seasons, a feat not easily achieved by other long time series. I cannot wait for the premiere of this season as the finale of the 14th left us with what can only be described as a heart-stopping cliff-hanger. I would definitely recommend this show to anyone who’s interested in procedural dramas and crime shows.
And just for fun, here’s a photo of Ice- T and I. (*fangirls too hard*)
Seriously though. This show is way too awesome. Watch it.
- Jasmine.
1. http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/0HlUCWQpjxQ/hqdefault.jpg
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