Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
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.
Review: Devious Maids, Deviously Good!
This post 100% contains spoilers.
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| Photo from: http://www.playmakeronline.com/2013/06/24/review-devious-maids-pilot/ |
Devious Maids is a new show which premiered on the Lifetime channel in America this year. And honestly it's fabulous. With dominant female leads, a murder mystery and of course plenty of secrets and the backdrop of the lavish Beverly Hills life, this show is a perfect mix of drama, comedy and mystery.
There was, well, is a little bit of controversy around this show with many stating it as playing on traditional stereotypes of Latin women on television/ American society. However, I don't truly agree with this. I think the humour, the smarts and passion of the women portray them as wonderfully intelligent, unique characters.
Now the female leads include: Marisol Suarez, Zoila Diaz, Valentina Diaz, Carmen Luna, Rosie Falta. Five fantastically bold women who absolutely just dominate this show and truly what make it so appealing to women and men around the globe.
The entire series is based around the question: "Who killed Flora?" The first thing I love about this, is that well obviously it sparks your curiosity but two the fact that they actually revealed who killed Flora within the first season! This is something rare for television *cough* *cough* Pretty Little Liars *cough* How I Met Your Mother *cough*. However, this also does make me wonder where the series will go next season. Will it further explore the characters lives? Will Marisol return to her job as a college professor? This begs the question of whether the murderer (I won't say who because I don't really want to spoil it for y'all) is actually the murderer, but I don't see who else it could possible be.
Now, when it comes to the female characters I would have to say Carmen (Roselyn Sanchez) is one of my favourites. She's vivacious, sexy and her voice is just plain breathtaking. However, she does annoy me at times in the way that she constantly places her career over the opportunity of love with Sam (Wole Parks). The season finale put her in an interesting position of becoming Alejandro's (Matt Cedano) wife, this is one storyline I can't wait to see play out!
Next is Zoila (Judy Reyes), who sometimes can bug me for her "I don't give no shits attitude", but she truly has a lot of love in her heart, particularly for her daughter Valentina (Edy Ganem). The relationship between Zoila and Valentina perfectly portrays the mother daughter dynamic. I think it truly captures the essence of most mother- daughter relationships. The beautiful Valentina is in love with Remi Delatoure (Drew Van Acker), son of Genieve Delatoure (Susan Lucci), Zoila and Valentina's employer. So her mother does not approve. At all, also because she too fell in love with a rich dude who turned out to be an A-grade douchebag and broke her heart. I can see why she wants to protect her daughter but Remi and Valentina are so lovely together, and so everyone's so torn between Zoila's concern and Valentina's love.
Now, let's discuss Rosie Falta (Dania Ramirez), a beautiful young women whose son is in Mexico whilst she works in America for the Westmore's. From the start it is evident Rosie just wants her son to be with her, but she does not have the means to bring him here. However, her employers Peri (Mariana Klaveno) and Spence Westmore (Grant Show) do, but aren't exactly offering up there services- just yet. Spence and Rosie fall in love and agree to get married, but then Peri brings back Rosie's son and then Rosie's all like, "No Spence. I can't do that to Mrs. Peri." and so the wedding is off. But then the wedding is back on once Spence agrees to adopt Rosie's son and gives a speech about love, happiness and all that jazz. However, Peri finds out and is pretty shattered (I mean who wouldn't be, but she is kind of a cow) and then goes on to ruin there chances of getting married.
Last but definitely not least is Marisol Duarte (Ana Ortiz whom I love because she played Hilda in my all time favourite show Ugly Betty). She's is the mother of Flora's accused killer, Eddie (Eddie Hassell) and is going undercover as a maid to find evidence to prove her son's innocence. She works for the Stappord's and occasionally for the extremely creepy and perverted Powell's. She's actually a college professor and is extremely bright, clever and bold (maybe a little too bold) but at the end of the day she does prove her son is innocent!
So I absolutely adore this show! I can't wait till the next season comes out! And as for the most devious character I would probably have to say: Adrian Powell (Tom Irwin) who is just so laced with creep that I honestly just don't even want to know what goes on in that scheming brain of his. As for the most devious maid I would have to say Marisol. But technically she's not actually a maid, which I guess in turn makes her the most devious.
-Sinia (GO WATCH THIS SHOW PEEPS. YOU WON'T REGRET IT. THE ONLY THING YOU'LL REGRET IS HOW IT WILL TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE).
*Contains spoilers
Okay to me this show is pure perfection. Why?
Harvey Specter. Enough said.
Gif from: http://dekolette.tumblr.com/post/7461190112
Okay so in all seriousness I think this is one of the most brilliant shows on television. But I'm not here to tell you why (because otherwise this blog post would go on forever) I'm here to discuss season 3 of Suits so far.
So this season was a bit different in that it had one prolonged case, Hessington Oil, which covered basically the entire season (so far) and this season also entailed Harvey and Jessica, not as a team but as rivals, with Harvey's goal to become a named partner and get his name on that damned mast head.
In all honesty I didn't really like this side of Harvey and Jessica's relationship. I did not like seeing them as rivals. To me they make a great team and to watch them go back and forth was annoying. I love Jessica, she is one of those dominant female roles that just absolutely kick ass (not to mention she has an impeccable wardrobe).
One of the other key story lines within this season was the relationship between Mike and Rachel (finally!). Now I really like seeing them together and after that steamy season 2 ending which was so hot I was literally on fire, I felt like season 3 explored their relationship pretty well. I really do like them together and I hope that this season doesn't end with a split between them. However, I do see Rachel as being a bit flaky with Mike's secret just because I could see her get mad at him and then go and report him.
Photo from: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/rachel-and-mike/images/31221163/title/suits-s2-cast-mike-rachel-photo
This season also showed history into Harvey and Donna's relationship and further explored the dynamic between them. To me they are an unbelievable duo and ultimately must be together- I mean they just have to. However, we do have the return of Scottie and Harvey opening his heart up to her (oh gosh, yes I went there) and that he wants her in his life. To be honest, I don't really like them together and frankly Scottie just annoys me, because even though she's such a bad ass on her own she's so helplessly in love with Harvey that'll she'd probably do just about anything to be with him. And I really just want Harvey and Donna together.
So overall, I've found this season of Suits a bit slow. It's been a bit boring as well. I'm sick of the Hessington Oil case and the fact that it seems like there's always someone trying to completely destroy someone else. I wish they'd show Jessica more, her character is so powerful they could do so much with it. Hopefully the next half of the season will pick things up again because this show is bloody brilliant!
-Sinia
Sleepy Hollow- Season 1, Episode 1
So by now you’ve probably heard about the new TV series that’s making the rounds on our televisions (or if you’re into less than legal methods of watching television… then online). Sleepy Hollow is making a name for itself… in a BIG way. It has an absolutely amazing cast, an entertaining script and overall an appealing aesthetic. There’s a good dose of drama; suspense; history; mystery; humour; and decapitation. Yup that’s right… the headless horseman, baby. It’s television gold. And after watching this particular episode more than once, I can attest to the fact that is was executed really well (pun sooo intended).
Based on the short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” written by Washington Irving, this is a modern interpretation that takes a classic and throws it into a decidedly modern-day context. Complete with a kickass female lead and the universally appreciated “buddy-cop” television stereotype.
Tom Mison *swoon* plays the lead character of Ichabod Crane. However in this very modern re-interpretation, we are introduced to him clawing his way out of a grave after being dead for 250 years or so. Around the same time we find out that the Headless Horseman has also arisen from the dead, and is going around terrorising the town of Sleepy Hollow and basically just chopping people’s heads off. As you do. And that’s where Lieutenant Abbie Mills, played by Nicole Beharie, comes in. After witnessing her partner being decapitated by the horseman (and somehow escaping unscathed and with head intact), she inevitability gets thrown in the path of Ichabod Crane who happens to be arrested under the suspicion of the good sheriff’s murder whilst walking around town in old-timey gear. Of course they would arrest the sexy homeless looking guy in the revolutionary outfit. Of course.
Anyways their paths cross and long-story short we see the start of something beautiful *sniffles*. And oh that chemistry. Bestill my shipping heart. Ahem, back to the point. After Ichabod is arrested they hook him up to a lie-detector machine and get him to reveal how he came to be in Sleepy Hollow at this time. He then (in quite an amusing manner) recalls the story of how he died while fighting for General Washington in the Revolutionary War, and subsequently we learn of how the headless horseman came to be… well headless. Cue flashbacks to the Revolutionary War where we see Ichabod being a total BAMF by chopping off the head of the… you guessed it… the headless horseman. Anyhoo, so Ichabbie (that’s my ship name for Ichabod and Abbie) team up to uncover a number of fascinating things. Namely that Ichabod’s wife (from way back when), Katrina, was (is?) a witch; Ichabod and the headless horseman are totes blood brothers (not really but kinda… they’re tied by blood); the headless horseman is one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse and they have to stop him from getting his head back and subsequently awakening the other three horsemen; that John Cho is actually a traitorous mofo; and lastly that Ichabbie totes have a secret burning desire for each other (this hasn’t yet become canon but I feel like it’s only a matter of time… I mean did you feel that meaningful exchange of glances there at the end of the episode… I could practically smell the pheromones wafting out of my TV). I absolutely love their dynamic. You can be sure that I’ll be writing about this ship in another post.
Overall I’m pretty optimistic about this new series and really, really hope that it’s domination of TV ratings continue; because it would be such a disappointment if they axed (again, pun most definitely intended) the show. This pilot episode was definitely a good indication of the potential amazingness to come, and was undeniably well-received. It has set up many possible plot lines and courses; established a multitude of suspicions and considerations; and created undeterminable and unfathomable character bearings. I find myself (much to my chagrin) unable to completely and accurately determine the veracity, allegiances, intentions, or dispositions of any of the characters. It’s as if they are all holding something back, and I think that is a big part of why this show is so intriguing. It really makes you question the integrity of each character; what choices they will make; and what will ultimately become of them. I, for one, will definitely follow this series in order to get to get to the bottom of these uncertainties. It’s true… I’m hooked.
I think fantasy lovers will definitely enjoy this series. If you enjoy shows such as “Supernatural” or “Grimm” then this is definitely one for you.
If you’re in Australia then you can currently catch this series on Channel 10 Tuesday nights at 8:30pm and also a re-run of the latest episodes at 8:30pm Saturday nights. And yes, you bet I watch it on both nights. It’s practically an obligation as a fan of the show. So, potential Sleepyheads (that’s the name the fans in this fandom have created for themselves)… I hope you give this show a watch because it is totally awesomesauce! Also because Tom Mison is one fine piece of ass… just sayin’. Don’t hate.
-B
Suits Season 3 (SO FAR) This 100% contains spoilers
Okay to me this show is pure perfection. Why?
Harvey Specter. Enough said.
Okay so in all seriousness I think this is one of the most brilliant shows on television. But I'm not here to tell you why (because otherwise this blog post would go on forever) I'm here to discuss season 3 of Suits so far.
So this season was a bit different in that it had one prolonged case, Hessington Oil, which covered basically the entire season (so far) and this season also entailed Harvey and Jessica, not as a team but as rivals, with Harvey's goal to become a named partner and get his name on that damned mast head.
In all honesty I didn't really like this side of Harvey and Jessica's relationship. I did not like seeing them as rivals. To me they make a great team and to watch them go back and forth was annoying. I love Jessica, she is one of those dominant female roles that just absolutely kick ass (not to mention she has an impeccable wardrobe).
One of the other key story lines within this season was the relationship between Mike and Rachel (finally!). Now I really like seeing them together and after that steamy season 2 ending which was so hot I was literally on fire, I felt like season 3 explored their relationship pretty well. I really do like them together and I hope that this season doesn't end with a split between them. However, I do see Rachel as being a bit flaky with Mike's secret just because I could see her get mad at him and then go and report him.
Photo from: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/rachel-and-mike/images/31221163/title/suits-s2-cast-mike-rachel-photo
This season also showed history into Harvey and Donna's relationship and further explored the dynamic between them. To me they are an unbelievable duo and ultimately must be together- I mean they just have to. However, we do have the return of Scottie and Harvey opening his heart up to her (oh gosh, yes I went there) and that he wants her in his life. To be honest, I don't really like them together and frankly Scottie just annoys me, because even though she's such a bad ass on her own she's so helplessly in love with Harvey that'll she'd probably do just about anything to be with him. And I really just want Harvey and Donna together.
So overall, I've found this season of Suits a bit slow. It's been a bit boring as well. I'm sick of the Hessington Oil case and the fact that it seems like there's always someone trying to completely destroy someone else. I wish they'd show Jessica more, her character is so powerful they could do so much with it. Hopefully the next half of the season will pick things up again because this show is bloody brilliant!
-Sinia
Sleepy Hollow- Season 1, Episode 3
*Spoilers ahead
Holy Jennifer Mills. That’s right Sleepyheads, in this episode we meet the mysterious and slightly disturbed younger sister of our favourite bad-ass female cop. And I must say I like this girl. She’s got spunk. She’s like a darker (in the figurative sense), more hard-core version of her sister. And I just love how she sasses Ichabod. Tall, dark and British indeed. I for one will be looking forward to seeing more of her.
The episode starts off in a dream sequence where Abbie is revisits a skewed version of the memory of her and Jenny’s interrogation after they claimed to have seen a demon. Ichabod’s in it (with creepy white eyes) and also a weird ass sandman guy. She then gets woken up and is summoned to a suicide scene, where the psychologist/ doctor lady that treated Abbie’s sister Jenny jumps off a building right after giving Abbie a cryptic warning. This is once again repeated when Mr Gillespie, who discovered the Mill’s sisters after the demon attack when they were kids, shoots himself in the head. But again not before delivering a warning that the next time that Abbie goes to sleep she will die. He refers to the “sandman”. So anyway long story short, Ichabbie visits a dodgy car salesman/ native American shaman; drink some suspicious looking tea; take off their shirts (yumm… shirtless Ichabod); get stung by scorpions; and enter the dream world, where Abbie has to prove herself to the Sandman… who is one creepy ass dude.
I for one cannot wait for the next episode on tonight!! Kyaahh bring on the sexy, british, goodness that is Tom Mison. Mhhmm. Yes please.
-B
Sleepy Hollow- Season 1, Episode 2
*Spoilers ahead
Ok let’s acknowledge the demon in the room. Yeah the really creepy one with ram’s horn’s, a limp, and who speaks less than fluent ancient Greek. So we were first introduced to him in the first episode where we found out that he (it?... I’m assuming it’s male) appeared to the Mills sisters in the woods when they were kids. Abbie keeps her mouth shut about it and tries to run away from the truth while her sister Jenny spills it and ends up being institutionalised. Thus setting up a rather interesting sibling dynamic that’ll be explored later in the series. Let the claws come out ladies… or perhaps not. There’s already enough violence as it is.
So this demon, the same one that killed Officer Andy Brooks (played by John Cho), then brings him back. What? Yeah I dunno. I think he only snapped off Andy’s neck in the first place cause he pissed him off. Look out y’all we got a crazy-ass beeyotch of a demon (with a mad case of PMS) on the loose. As if we didn’t have enough people losing their heads cause of the headless horseman (who himself is without a head). I feel like “death” is not gonna be a big thing in this series with all the resurrections going on. But I gotta say the whole neck snapping back into place was kinda gross to watch. Especially with the excess skin after the fact. Anyhoo… speaking of resurrections, we find out that there is a purpose for Andy’s resurrection… and that is to assist with the resurrection of Serilda of Abadon (who is/was a high priestess belonging to the dark coven of witches). Yeah there’s a lot of resurrections…. and beheadings. I told you this show was going to be good.
So anyway, Andy and Serilda have until the turn of the blood moon to get the ashes of the descendants of the men who had her burned at the stake for witchcraft and sorcery. And of course Abbie and Ichabod have to stop them. With a lot of snarky banter as they do. Oh and an amazing snark-off between Ichabod and Abbie’s ex Luke. That 15 seconds was almost worth more than the rest of the entire episode for me. I say almost because the best part was without a doubt watching Ichabod shirtless in his motel room trying to figure out the intricacies of modern technology (with helpful sticky notes from Abbie… awww).
Although I am truly irked by the fact there wasn't more shirtless-ness.
So Ichabbie end up blowing Serilda up within the tunnels beneath the police station before she gets to complete her resurrection. And centuries old gunpowder may or may not have been used in the process. What did I learn from all this? That gunpowder doesn't have an expiry date.
To end on a high note, Abbie is visited by the spirit of Sheriff Corbin who tells her to not be afraid of “49”. Methinks this has something to do with the elusive Jenny Mills… mmm okay I lie. I only know cause I've already watched the third episode.
Also Major NEWS!! I just found out that after only 3 episodes since the premiere, FOX has decided to renew the series for a second season!! Excitement! This is truly momentous, and I can only think that it is because of how big the fandom has become in such an extremely short amount of time. And I’m sure the outstanding ratings helped convince them a bit. Whatever it was, I couldn't be more relieved or elated. Keep it coming, baby.
-B
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