Law and Order: SVU

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Law and Order: SVU
Post by metella on Feb 10, 2004, 10:42pm

Watching it now; not well done. And the randy twists of the stories really go too far each week. They seem to have given up on real sex related crimes and are going for V.C. Andrews specials of "how twisted can we get" "lets parade all the taboos out" ...... it is really getting to be far too much. I try to watch all 3 L&O's but despite Seymour's decent job and the great characters of Munch and Finn, this episode has taken SVU off my "try to watch it" list. Bluck.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 10, 2004, 10:52pm

Then you must have just *loved* (said sarcastically) last week's episode with the Nigerian children used as slave labour.

I found it quite disturbing. :-/

SVU doesn't start here for another 2 hours+. Fin and Munch keep bringing me back!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by metella on Feb 10, 2004, 10:57pm

oh, yeah - I did watch that one; I found it hard to watch and sure, they could have stayed with the slave labor - I can buy that. OR they could have done with the child molester - but BOTH in one perp in one episode. oh come on.

I really do think they are trying to get as sick as they can. It is no longer a story, it is a pissing contest between the writers on who can come up with the most gross sexual senario. Double Bluck.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 10, 2004, 11:13pm

Do you think they all have the same research staff?!

Last week's episode involved the "Santeria" cult.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by coth on Feb 11, 2004, 12:49am

I agree with you on this. It had already become one of those "watch it if nothing else is going on, or tape for later" shows. I never thought I would feel that way about about any L&O show. They just seem to be cramming way too much into every episode. It also reduces the effect of the dramatic impact when you have no fewer than four "emotional breakdown" scenes. Another pet peeve, I think if I hear gagging and coughing and other certain sounds, I can deduce what is happening, I really don't need the visual. The plot also seemed a bit predictable.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 11, 2004, 8:14pm

The plot sure was predictable. How cliche is the *teacher sleeping with the student* thing? And I certainly didn't need any visual effects when Aidan puked. And couldn't someone have given Jane Seymour a kleenex?

On a separate note though, the kid playing Aidan was certainly good.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by coth on Feb 14, 2004, 12:40am

Just curious, there seems to be some really good actors on this show (Belzer, Hargitay, Ice-T) and really good guest actors (I won't even try a list). Is it just the subject matter or the writing that seems to bring this show to a screeching halt? Or am I just too critical?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by metella on Feb 14, 2004, 8:26am

Well, it does seem a give it is NOT the actors.

I still stick with my first impression that it is even not the writing, but the GOAL of the show. The show needs a major mission statement change. They are trying so hard to shock and rock taboo things that stories themselves are tiresome and ring false.

So - writing or ultimate goal? do you like that new option?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 14, 2004, 11:57am

It has always been about big-name guest stars on SVU.

http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,271|86327|1|,00.html

I can't recall where and when, but I believe it was Rene Balcer who was asked about why there weren't really big-name guests on CI. He stated that its always about the story first with Criminal Intent. I'll try and find the article.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by darmok on Feb 18, 2004, 6:04pm

I like SVU; it's always interesting, but I don't panic if I miss it.

I thought last night's episode kind of slammed home schooling. When they gave a statistic about how many kids are homeschooled, they acted like it was a travesty. I know at least 6 families that home school, and I think it's a great thing. I'm sure that, like anything else, it can be abused by parents who simply don't want their kids in school. They tried to balance the views a little when they talked to the other mother, but it still seemed very biased.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by lilee on Feb 18, 2004, 7:27pm

I wish I'd seen it. I'm always interested in how people react to the subject. My sister homeschools her two kids and does a great job because she knows when to get help. Only thing she doesn't do enough, in my opinion, my NOT so humble opinion, is give them enough art. She is just not creative herself, but the older son is. Takes after his Auntie! So every time I visit, they know we're gonna do or make or play something creative.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 18, 2004, 7:38pm

Lil'E, last night's episode is called "Home". You can catch the rerun on USA in about two weeks.

Darmok, I sensed the bias too.

Interestingly enough, I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out where I'd seen "Adam". Finally it dawned on me "Petey grew up!" (Petey was a dying young boy on the 100th episode of Touched By An Angel...Wynonna Judd played his mother)

The show certainly gets a lot of talented young actors, better than some of the veterans.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by romulanavatra3 on Feb 19, 2004, 10:18am

i find svu can be good sometimes but unlike criminal intent and the oringal law and order i really do not like the main chracters as much, benson is okay but stabler is really annoying in my eyes he is at times just irratating, i find he gets to invloved in cases and a lot of his attiutdes are very bad( i really do not see how he can get away with the things he does some times). i do like munch and fin is not to bad. cragen is really painful and annoys me a lot.

oh by the way pleases tell me about the episode loss, its on next week in australia so i want to know what is aobut and sort a brief idea of what happens.

reagrds all rom

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 19, 2004, 1:57pm

Rom, "LOSS" is a great episode. It's the last one with Alex before Casey joins the SVU team.

Don't really want to say too much and ruin it for you. It involves undercover federal agents, a Colombian drug cartel and death threats against Alex Cabot.

Both Benson and Stabler can be annoying at times. I prefer Fin and Munch.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by lilee on Feb 20, 2004, 7:15am

Nikki, thanks for the name of the episode, "Home". I'll watch for it. Do they do the same kind of rerun schedule as CI? It's like two weeks after the first airing, but what night is SVU rerun even on? I lost track because I do have a difficult time watching, always have to watch "The Nanny" or some such afterwards so I can get to sleep. :-/

Speaking of the Nanny, I was watching it late last night and 'hausfrau' is a Jewish word. I looked it up when I read it in the episode info for last Sunday's CI ep. and knew it was German, assumed it was Jewish but wasn't sure enough to say. She used it in this episode. That's all I remember, (thank goodness

) from the episode. Like I say, it helps me sleep. Well, usually.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by coth on Feb 20, 2004, 7:41am

First of all, I do not know the proper thread to put this on so I will put it here.

Rom.

I totally know what you mean. I do like to get information on Goren and Eames, but I do not want to be force-fed that info. I still like the L&O franchise shows, but it seems they want to delve too deeply into the personalities of the detectives. Stabler disturbs me too, and while I understand his motives he is not someone I would want as a partner. Rom, please post often, as far as I am concerned having you on this board makes it that much more complete.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by coth on Feb 20, 2004, 7:51am

8-)

Nikki, I was attempting to let you know how important you are to me, and to this board. It would not be as good without you and I think everyone here knows that. Someday, I may be able to use all of the extras on this board, but I just wanted to let you know how much you are appreciated. Thank you. 8-)

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by trisha on Feb 20, 2004, 11:39am

Quote:

Rom, please post often, as far as I am concerned having you on this board makes it that much more complete.

ITA

Quote:

ITA again!

And of coarse, this board would also not be complete without you, coth. Thank you!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 20, 2004, 2:52pm

Thank you for the kinds words, Coth. I'm glad you are part of this board, as well. Thanks to you Trisha.

Lil'E, USA has the exact repeat schedule with SVU as it does with CI. These repeats are on Sundays at 11:00 PM (EST). "Home" should be on February 29th. The episode prior to this, "Families", is for February 22nd. "Families" is disturbing and some of the plot is predictible...some fabulous work by the young guest stars.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by darmok on Feb 20, 2004, 4:17pm

Lil'E,

"Home" is listed as being on Saturday, 2/28, at 7:00 PM.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by lilee on Feb 21, 2004, 11:39pm

Thanks, d.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Mar 2, 2004, 2:20pm

Tonight's episode, "Careless", sounds so intense (and heartbreaking). But didn't Mothership already do a plot involving a child and exorcism!?

http://www.tvguide.com/tv/review/

Regarding the second paragraph

BTW Lil'E, did you get to see the episode "Home"?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by darmok on Mar 2, 2004, 10:40pm

Nikki, I agree about the second paragraph. Do these people ever watch more than one episode? It takes a few to realize he's not OVERacting; he's acting like a real person, with all their idiosyncrasies. Oh well, as long as it stays in the top 20, he must be appealing to some viewers.

I like SVU; I'm just not obsessed by it like CI. I'll probably watch it tonight.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Mar 2, 2004, 11:23pm

Proves the point about these critics...they don't know what they are talking about. The viewership must be around 10 to 13 million people each week...(and that's only the US viewers; doesn't even include us up North and other parts of the world).

Those who can, do; those who can't, criticize!

I'll be tuning into SVU tonight...the focus seems to be more on Fin this week.

Also to see how much different it is from the L&O storyline from some years back.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by coth on Mar 3, 2004, 1:59am

I do not want to totally trash this show, but I recently watched a repeat episode which featured Gary Cole as the guest star. He basically sold his client out in the courtroom scene, and was praised by Stabler for doing the right thing. Did this bother anyone as much as it did me?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Mar 3, 2004, 12:49pm

Considering the victim was his son and his client (can't recall his name at the moment) was such a smug SOB, I can say that this didn't bother me at all.

His client basically sold himself out with his own big mouth, thereby giving Casey a chance at bringing in the rebuttal evidence.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by romulanavatra3 on Mar 28, 2004, 4:20am

is it just me or are benson and stabler becoming more inclined to take liberties with the law than used to in the most recent season.

for instcne in caseys first epsidoe i thoguht stabler trying to drown the criminlas was strictly illeagal and could have even been called police burtality if not assault.

i really think they are beging to becoming some what unlikeable.

i was particualry unipressed with the fact that stabler tryed to cover up the fact that he made a suspect have break down.

i think casey is a good lawyer, decent and hard working.
i think her chracter is also compassionate to a point and
that she is a little bit more grounded than cabot at times. cabot i think was little to incled to let the dective have to much free reign and did not at tiems keep their actions in check enough. casey on the other hand is not willing to take crap from people liek stabler beacuse they screw up a case, i oculd have sworn if that she had of been in privite when she accused stabler of a cover she would have taken his head off literlly.'

this season i also think fin has becoming somewhat dull and as for munchs new haircut what the hell is up with that honeslty i think he looked better before. i think the new look is just crazy.

reagrds all rom.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by metella on Mar 28, 2004, 7:08am

well, since you brought it up ROM ....

Yeah, munch's haircut is really without any flair.

He looked much more intriguing before.

Fin; they just are not giving that character enough screen time.

Cops cover up stuff like that all the time, not right, but I think the punishment for something like that would not have fit - he would have been over-punished in my opinion & as a move of "self-defense" he hushed it up. When the punishment is so outrageously heavy for something that should be just a review - discussion and re-training - then it is not surprising these things happen.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by lilee on Apr 1, 2004, 7:35pm

Quote:

BTW Lil'E, did you get to see the episode "Home"?

nikki, I haven't been watching the show at all while this business with me is going on. Too close to home. This guy is a sex offender himself, and was in prison for three years for molesting (putting it gently) his 12 year old step-daughter. Now that he's fixated on me, I'm too sensitive to what watching the show brings up.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by romulanavatra3 on Jun 16, 2004, 12:54am

hey guys does anybody know why casey/diane neal are knoced so much at the moment granted she is diffrent ot alex but that is good and ireally have to say i amy be in aminority but i like casey and just cannot understand the way people feel about her.

she has diffently changed over the season and has got stronger as a chracter and iahave alos noticed that the rest of the cast have gotten used to her presence around the place. at times i think she is alot more involed in the investagtions that alex sometimes was.

reagrds all

rom

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Jul 28, 2004, 4:16pm

I thought this was rather interesting. The first episode mentioned was quite well done.

Psychologists praise SVU

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-07-27-svu-award_x.htm

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by jaquetta on Jul 29, 2004, 4:16pm

I can't watch SVU half the time because of the content. It's like Animal Precinct. Little children and animals being tortured or hurt makes me want to institute the death penalty. On point of contact.

As for "Coerced" that's another time when I just don't feel that someone's right for informed consent to medication overrides finding a little girl he abducted. (Okay, other than what would be almost an inevitable abuse of such power to follow). But still, the rights of an innocent child to not die of say, exposure, surely overrides the right of a man not to be given the drugs that will snap him into his right mind? If he had taken them in the first place........

Poor Rom. Sometimes you just have to ignore what other people think. Casey doesn't bother me one way or another, but I HATE Serena on the original Law & Order. And even if that wasn't the prevailing opinion, I would have it still, lol.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Oct 13, 2004, 3:37pm

Anyone see SVU last night?

I have a real problem with Casey! How can she get away with talking to (1) a minor who is (2) the criminal without his lawyer present?!

Although I liked her superior's (played by Judith Light) line to her "Did you lose yet?", how come she didn't get threatened with disbarment or something? I'm sure Adam would have verbally knocked Jack upside the head or something!

Stupid, inept Casey! :-/

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Oct 13, 2004, 3:40pm

So, how was it with Lewis Black last night? I meant to see him, but what with settling into the dorm and all I was in the shower and missed it.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Oct 13, 2004, 3:48pm

He played the "shock jock" BJ. He was pretty good. Dana Delaney, as the boy's mother, was okay. Ricky Ullman, who appeared in CI episode "Crazy" was the young rapist.

The name of the episode was "Obscene", which is what I thought of Casey!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by enthralled on Nov 24, 2004, 6:20pm

Is anyone else amazed that SVU is having fans vote on the ending of this week's epi?

My husband & I were watching and said "come ON" at the same time

I haven't been watching much TV, but I haven't seen as much hype about this "let the fans" decide type ending -seems like too much of a bad idea to begin with...

What's next, do we get to vote on Sirena's replacement on LO? Bring back Angie Harmon!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Nov 24, 2004, 8:01pm

I don't think we, the fans, are supposed to decide on the ending, as they've given three choices on the vote list. The show just wants us to think about the subject matter.

So, do you think the Professor was guilty? I voted for the more evidence.

Annie Parisse is going to replace E Rohm on mothership.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by enthralled on Nov 24, 2004, 9:32pm

I didn't go to the NBC site - guess the whole Nicole thing kind of bummed me out

I think would vote for more evidence. I haven't seen SVU fo a while and was surprised Elliot's wife left him, are they taking him down the Goren depression trail?

I'm not familiar with Annie Parisse - will I recognize her from any other programs? Can't say as I will miss Elizabeth - here acting has gotten better, but when you start at -50, anywhere is up

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Nov 26, 2004, 1:19pm

They haven't really been showing Elliot's family much lately. In some articles for the upcoming season, there was 'angst' mentioned for Elliot for the sixth season.

Annie Parisse starred in "As the World Turns" as Julia Synder (a part for which she received an Emmy nomination). She was also in a season 12 episode of L&O Attorney Client.

"...when you start at -50, anywhere is up". [image]

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Nov 26, 2004, 2:38pm

A friend and I were talking this week, and he thinks we should start a betting pool on who's going to the psychiatric hospital first, Goren or Stabler?

Patcat (who thinks Goren will implode while Stabler explodes)

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Nov 26, 2004, 2:54pm

If I was the betting type, I'd say Stabler, most definitely.

He's a bit of a hot head and has been a bit "unstable" as far as perps are concerned. And he has had to fire his weapon a couple of times, with deadly results.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by enthralled on Nov 26, 2004, 3:21pm

"Patcat (who thinks Goren will implode while Stabler explodes)"

Perfectly said! Let's hope we have already seen the implosion via the phantom fainting spells!

Eliott on the other hand...is a whole different story :-/

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by js on Nov 26, 2004, 6:42pm

Question about last Tuesday's SVU: Just as the jury foreman was to read the verdict - professor guilty of rape of innocent or only providing the TA/grad student with the rough sex she wanted - lightening struck ---No, I'm not kidding --- and I didn't hear the verdict. Please fill me in on the ending.

I was surprised about the Stabler marriage fizzle. Have there been hints about this that I've missed? When his family has been included in episodes, they seemed stable- not a pun - and pretty much OK. Kathy, the wife, seemed to understand about Eliot's hours and job requirements.

js

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Nov 26, 2004, 6:57pm

No lightening, js :-X

The episode finished when the jury foreman was about to open his mouth. They didn't tell the audience the verdict.

NBC has a poll on the SVU site asking your opinion:

Was the professor (Billy Campbell) guilty or innocent?
``Guilty
``Innocent
``Need More Evidence

I don't seem to recall seeing any hints about the Stabler marriage either.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by js on Nov 26, 2004, 7:13pm

A page from LOCI??? De ja vu all over again??? I'll check out the site about voting. Thanks.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Dec 1, 2004, 10:33am

Rumor du jour (a much happier one than other recent ones, if true) is that Mariska Hargarity may be pregnant.

Patcat

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Dec 1, 2004, 1:03pm

Well, shoot that one down. Apparently Ms. Hargarity's publicist has told some press that she's not pregnant, although she hopes to be soon.

See what I get for posting rumors?

Patcat

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Jan 17, 2005, 7:41pm

Anyone catch The Golden Globes last night?

Congratulations to MH and her win as best actress in a drama. 8-)

She certainly looked very beautiful and her speech was quite charming. That's one proud papa!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by darmok on Jan 24, 2005, 10:59pm

Did anyone see Tuesday's episode? The boy from "Happy Family" was on. I believe he played a dual role. Although I had the plot figured out early on, it was a good episode. As we said for HF, the kid is a pretty good actor.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Jan 24, 2005, 11:25pm

I saw Identity. You're right...that was Reiley McClendon playing Logan and Lyndsey/Lucas. And he did indeed do a good job.

Lyndsey's eyebrows gave the gender identity part of the plot away!

It was also good to see Peter Firth, playing someone other that Harry Pearce (MI-5/Spooks

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by meltex on Jan 25, 2005, 1:32pm

That was a pretty twisted episode!

I guess its just my worry for the young boy who played Lindsay/Logan--but it kinda scares me that he made such a "pretty" girl!

He did a great job, and he's pretty brave to play a part like that at his age--when teasing from other boys is so common.

But he really did make a pretty girl! I hope he's okay with that! LOL!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 22, 2005, 6:01pm

Alex Cabot returns tonight, in the episode titled Ghost.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Mar 23, 2005, 2:19pm

An Article I thought the SVU fans might like.

Patcat

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 (SF Chronicle)
With hot 'Law & Order' squad's focus on sex crime, suddenly everybody's
watching the detectives
Neva Chonin, Chronicle Critic at Large

Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay)a.k.a. Saint Olivia;
a.k.a.
O!livia
Modus operandi: Taking cases personally, advocating for victims,
kicking
perps tothe pavement.
What makes her tick: A child of rape, Benson exorcises her demons on
the
job while looking fabulous in v-neck sweaters.
Signature line: �Is this how you like it, you little freak?� 
Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni)a.k.a. �The Ass of Life�;
a.k.a. �Un-Stabler� Modus operandi: Slamming perps to the wall and overwhelming them
withsexual menace.
What makes him tick: Under the machismo, he�s just a somewhat
peevishpussycat.
Signature line: �I oughta put you in pigtails, you little B***h!� 
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: 10 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC.

It's tough being a sexy cop. In the season five opener of "Law & Order:
Special Victims Unit," the exceedingly handsome Detective Elliot
Stabler
(Christopher Meloni) had to browbeat a suspect, run like a girl and
squabble with his partner, the exceedingly beautiful Detective Olivia
Benson (Mariska Hargitay). All this before driving recklessly to an
abandoned warehouse, calling in reinforcements and delivering a kidnap
victim's baby in 45 seconds. The mortally injured mother beamed at her
newborn, paused to eyeball her rescuer's physique and expired. Cue that
mysterious "Law & Order" sound.
Chuh-chung!
Pretty detectives, sexual predators, teen hookers, pregnant kidnap
victims
and things that go bump-bump in the night. Together, they've made
Tuesday
night's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU)" the most popular
installment in NBC's "Law & Order" franchise and an unlikely breakout
hit
in its sixth season. By tweaking the original "Law & Order's"
plot-over-character paradigm, "SVU" has become a regular fixture in the
Nielsen Top 20 and hooked demographics its parent show only dreamed of,
most notably the coveted 18-to- 49 age bracket.
The show's alchemy works something like this: First, hook viewers
with
byzantine story lines and heinous sex crimes, then let the ensemble
cast
work its magic. "SVU's" detectives are the rock stars of the "Law &
Order"
universe: Millions tune in just to ogle the impeccably fine Hargitay
(who
took home best actress honors for drama at this year's Golden Globe
awards) and Meloni (whose chest and rump have been christened the Rack
of
Life and the Ass of Life by online admirers).

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Mar 23, 2005, 2:22pm

Part II

Others relish arcane ruminations from the unit's forensic
psychiatrist,
George Huang (B.D. Wong); others collect cryptic one-liners from its
free-
lovin' Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer) and his neocon partner,
Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (gangsta rapper-turned-TV cop Ice-T). Like the
cast
they love, "SVU's" fans are an eclectic lot.
"For me, it really does come down to the characters," says Leslie
Talbot
of the pop-culture blog SingularExistence.com. "More importantly, it
comes
down to what the actors are able to do with their characters,
considering
this is a "Law & Order" show. They're the core. When I tune into "SVU,"
trust me, I'm not doing it because Chad Lowe or Dana Delaney is the
guest
star."
Finding the right balance between character exposition and plot was
a
delicate operation, and "SVU's" first season foundered by focusing too
much on the detectives' private lives. When executive producer and head
writer Neal Baer arrived for the second season, he steered the show
back
into a whodunit format that linked character development to story. In
the
right hands, he reasoned, a character's approach to topics like marital
rape, transgender rights and stem-cell research can be as illuminating
as
a soliloquy.
"The characters all have different points of view," Baer says. "The
way
they respond to a case reveals volumes toward what they believe in. At
the
same time, we take on the most socially debated questions and let the
audience wrangle with them."
The characters do their own share of wrangling over how to face the
daily
horrors of their jobs while remaining human. Sometimes they fail
spectacularly. Stabler neck-locks suspects -- "perps" in "SVU" parlance
--
while whispering paeans to the death penalty in their ears (violating
civil rights has never been so sexy); Benson resorts to acidic sarcasm
and
legally suspect maneuvers (self-righteous vigilantism has never been so
sexy).
For followers of the show, such ethical lapses help humanize the
show's
too-good-to-be-true detectives. This is especially true of Hargitay's
character, lovingly nicknamed "Saint Olivia" by her fans. "Olivia
Benson
is a really strong female role model, yet we're also allowed to see the
parts of her past that are dark and unsavory," City College student
Angie
Landau says. "She's a child of rape and almost seems to have a hatred
of
herself at times, yet that's the reason she joined the SVU. It's easy
to
identify with her because everyone at some time has a reason to not
like
themselves and grapple with self-doubt."
Subtext, psychological and sexual, plays a pivotal role in "SVU's"
fandom.
More than a few viewers wonder, for example, whether the perennially
single Benson shared more than just case files with "SVU's" former
assistant district attorney, the so-cool-she's-chilly Alexandra Cabot
(Stephanie March). By the time Cabot departed the series in a hail of
gunfire last season, an online cult had flowered, devoted to the
allegedly
never-consummated love between the shows' two bombshell crime fighters.
"SVU's" writers know a fun thing when they see it, and played to the
Alex-
Olivia cult by bringing Cabot back for a night in the February episode
"Ghost. " At one point, Benson is shown arriving at the former A.D.A.'s
apartment clutching an overnight bag; soon, the two women are trading
meaningful gazes and bemoaning the difficulty of trying to be "someone
you
aren't." Oh! The tension.
Baer admits tweaking fans with veiled references to Sapphic love.
"We read
the fan sites. We know that people are into the Alex-Olivia thing. All
the
codes are in there."
For his part, Stabler (who sparked a frenzy in a recent episode by
peeling
off his shirt) boasts a fan base that lives for his bouts of monumental
angst. It's understandable: Even the most dedicated civil libertarian
might feel politics slipping when Meloni's comely detective tucks his
tie
into his shirt, rolls up his sleeves, and goes caveman on an array of
suitably scummy suspects. On the popular TelevisionWithoutPity.com
forums,
his psychosexual interrogation methods have even earned titles: the
Husky
Whisper of Confrontational Accusation; the Looming
Lean-Around-From-Behind; the Negligent Slouch of Just-You-Wait-Perp.
The nature of the crimes on "SVU" makes rooting for the detectives
easy,
even when they're behaving badly. In the words of KPFA disc jockey,
artist
manager and lifetime liberal Bonnie Simmons, "The subject matter can be
confusing in the other 'Law & Orders,' and you can find yourself not
rooting for the good guys. But everyone's against the child molesters
and
rapists, right? 'SVU's' morality is more black and white."
This season, "SVU's" writers have pushed binary good versus evil
questions
to the fore with what fans are calling the Great Stabler Meltdown.
Facing
the collapse of his marriage and the Sisyphean stress of more than a
decade of sex-crime work, the SVU veteran's moral compass has audibly
cracked. Violent outbursts have become the norm, and Meloni's character
has seemingly ventured too far from his stable-Stabler days to turn
back.
The question now becomes one of where he'll go next. Toward resolution,
or
off to a psych ward with blood on his hands?
Meloni, for one, figures that his character will ultimately
transcend his
wrathful self-loathing. "You can't live in anger; it's a dead end for
any
character," he says. "There will be a sea change, hopefully an epiphany
in
him with how he deals with the disappointments and how s -- life can be
at
times.
"This is a guy who all the way was trying to do the right thing, and
he's
stumbled in his personal life and made mistakes. He carries that
sadness
and that anger and that loss of security, and in the end I think he
emerges as a wounded beast. When he's conducting crime investigations,
people look at him as the hero, but he has chinks in his armor."
Talbot, for one, admits that she's kind of enjoying all the Stabler
trauma. "It's fascinating to see the toll that this kind of job takes
on
somebody, the way it eats away at his life and emotions and ability to
maintain a distance from what he sees every day. In the end, though,
I'd
love to see him pull out of it."
So would the series' writers. Before "SVU" wraps its sixth season in
May,
Baer promises "a big revelation" for Stabler, perhaps as a result of
"something bad" happening to one of his daughters (something bad is
always
happening to one of his daughters). Still, even if Stabler's tortured
story arc ends, he'll face new challenges.
"This season we had him take his shirt off," Baer says. "Wait till
next
season. We're going to have him take a shower."
The potential for new trauma looms. Will Stabler drop the soap and
trade
existential angst for sudsy homoerotica? Can fans stand the subtext?
Meloni plays coy. "What can I tell ya? If it's in the script and I can
defend my character dropping the soap, I'll drop it, baby."
It's tough being a sexy cop.
Chuh-chung!

Detective Odafin �Fin� Tutuola (Ice-T)
Modus operandi: Delivering trenchant one-liners, slapping perps
upside the
head.
What makes him tick: He votes Republican and keeps puppy pictures on
his
desk. What more do you need to know?
Signature line: �Hey, don�t look at me. I just know stuff.� 
Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer)
Modus operandi: Random philosophizing while wearing sunglasses in
darkened
rooms.
What makes him tick: Figuring out how to keep his freak flag flying
while
working for the Man.
Signature line: �There should be a special level of hell for this
pus-
sucking,gangrenous malignancy of a mental amoeba.�

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by insaneizzi on Apr 6, 2005, 7:10am

hehe
patcat, that article was SOOOOOO funny
thanks for putting it up
on a different note, i have a theory about L&O
It all depends on who the ADA is, to whether I like the episode or not (just a random thought here, choose to ignore me at will)

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Apr 6, 2005, 9:58am

My usual disclaimer--I'm not a regular viewer of SVU--but it seems to me that Mariska Hargarity is benefitting from some terrific writing this season. And to her credit, she's really running with it.

I like Christopher Meloni, but I've not been fond of the "let's hammer Detective Stabler" storyline. (Reminds me of the character played by David Morse in ER, whose wife died, son got kidnapped, ...)

I do wish Munch and Fin would get some storylines again.

Patcat

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by insaneizzi on Apr 6, 2005, 11:22pm

Yeah, I agree, the angle they're going with with Stabler isn't the best, and I do wish there was more with Munch (I like Munch)

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by metella on Apr 7, 2005, 7:25am

I would actually watch it if Munch & Fin got more air time; I like Munch's conspiracy outlook while still working for the government & Fin just gets to the heart of any matter.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by stephanie on Apr 7, 2005, 12:05pm

Yes, I am a Munch and Fin fan too. I think Munch is really funny sometimes.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Apr 15, 2005, 6:06pm

On Tuesday May 3 there will be back-to-back crossover episodes of SVU and TBJ. The SVU episode "Night" will be brodcast at 9PM Eastern, followed by the TBJ episode "Day" at 10PM Eastern.

Guest stars: Alfred Molina as a serial rapist, and Angela Lansbury as his wealthy protective mother.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by observer2 on Apr 28, 2005, 7:02pm

Probably as a tie-in to the crossover Techguy posted about, according to posters on another board, Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni [any misspellings are mine] will appear on The View on Tuesday, May 3.

That article was hilarious � especially the quote from Meloni. I think I�d like him a whole lot better than I like the ironically named Stabler.

Finn is the only detective on that show I really enjoy watching. Well, Munch is funny, but I can�t quite believe him as a cop. Huang has seemed okay, what I�ve seen of him. I don�t watch it enough to have gotten a very good sense of him. I was impressed with one episode where he went �undercover� as a Chinese immigrant looking for work for his sister. On the other hand, I was *not* impressed with the writing in the episode where we actually saw him in a session with Stabler. Most of it was like a illustration of how to avoid establishing any hint of therapeutic rapport with someone like Stabler. But I blame that on the writers, not on Wong.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by domenicaflor on Apr 28, 2005, 7:09pm

Quote:

Guest stars: Alfred Molina as a serial rapist, and Angela Lansbury as his wealthy protective mother.

Now THAT'S a crossover I plan to watch. I will enjoy seeing Molina and Lansbury as guest stars.

D.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Apr 28, 2005, 10:55pm

Add Bradley Cooper, Larry King, and Rita Moreno to the guest stars list for the SVU/TBJ crossover shows on Tuesday May 3. Warning--the news release contains some plot spoiler elements:

http://nbcumv.com/entertainment/release_....specialtwo.html

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Sept 1, 2005, 1:57am

I'm bumping up this thread to post the news of the SVU Season 2 DVD release on September 27: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050830/latu091.html?.v=22

In addition to the 21 episodes, the DVD set will include
SPECIAL BONUS MATERIAL

* Profiles of detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler
* Cast interviews reacting to the types of cases they are involved in
* Cast interactions with real SVU detectives
* Behind the Scenes on the Law & Order: SVU set
* Deleted Scenes you won't see anywhere else

The MSRP is $59.98, but Amazon is taking pre-orders for $41.99
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det....46&vi=tech-info

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Sept 6, 2005, 5:03pm

My Dad heard part of this interview with Ice-T the other day and mentioned that I might want to listen to it when I had a chance. Apparently NPR's "Fresh Air" program focused on hip-hop last week. THe conversation itself (a good twenty minutes) is over ten years old, long before SVU, but I thought it very interesting and fun to listen to. (Some of his comments about pimps and hos made me deja vu--Marx said the same thing, as I just read in Philosophy of Religion--but I digress.) I've posted the link and the online blurb, but no transcript, sorry. Besides, from there you can see related links.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4824690&ft=1&f=13

August 31, 2005 � Born Tracy Marrow, Ice-T is one of the original gangster rappers, of whom Greg Knot of The Chicago Tribune wrote: "Ice-T is that rare gangster rapper who leads with his brain instead of his gun or his crotch."

Ice-T's 1992 song "Cop Killer,� performed with his heavy-metal band Body Count, landed him at the center of a controversy about gangsta rap -- was it a legitimate form of expression or incendiary hate-mongering? His latest album is The Pimp Penal Code.

Ice-T continues to perform as a musician but has also cultivated a successful acting career. His roles include a policeman on the TV show Law and Order Special Victims Unit and parts in the films New Jack City, Trespass and Ricochet. (This interview originally aired May 1, 1992.)

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by sirenna on Sept 6, 2005, 5:30pm

Chris Meloni was seriously sexy on Oz - L&0's version of everyone else's 10th year reunion. He was able to be multi-dimensional; Smart, cold, compassionate, the scene lead or supporting actor, in a way he doesn't get to be on SVU

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Sept 6, 2005, 6:55pm

Yes, there are several casual fans of SVU (if it's on, especially after "Monk", and there's nothing else to watch). The prime rationale for many being that "Yeah, Stabler's hot." I personally prefer Munch and Fin.

Missed Oz, suppose I ought to try to find it at some point. As to SVU, if there are episodes I really enjoy I chase down the title and wait for a rerun to tape. Tonight NBC shows one with Marlee Matlin ("Parts"), so I am definitely recording that one.

--Catbird

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by sirenna on Sept 6, 2005, 7:08pm

Actually I didn't say Stabler was hot. I said Chris Meloni in Oz was.

Sexy is not a word I'd use on SVU - it's got really twisted connotations considering the series subject matter. Personally I think all the characters (not the actors) on SVU need shrink therapy. Their work has messed them up.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Sept 6, 2005, 10:14pm

Forgot to mention that on one of Ice-T's other NPR interviews he does spend a couple minutes talking about SVU. (You should see a link to that article on the webpage I listed some posts above.) I believe it's the one about "New Jack City" anniversary DVD or something. Ah, here we go.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4815101

"August 25, 2005 � Rapper and actor Ice-T, one of the pioneers of the "gangsta rap" genre, now has a regular role as an undercover cop on the NBC crime drama Law and Order. Born Tracy Marrow, the rapper got his big acting break in the film New Jack City. He talks about his acting career and the film's 15th-anniversary release. Note: Segment contains language some may find offensive."

END BLURB

SVU is only a minute or two near the end of the interview. Not terribly in-depth, just working with Richard Belzer. "On the show they call us the Men in Black"--sometimes you need comic relief and they're the ones cracking jokes. Besides, as Ice-T said, you want someone to rough the perps up, and they'll do it. I can't remember the exact quotes, but coming after a discussion of his role as an (undercover) cop in the movie it was neat to hear. And as to rough language, I don't recall anything worse than one beep and a couple of n------s in a clip from the movie, but don't wanna catch people off guard.

--Catbird

PS: I'm not a regular enough viewer of SVU to really say what's happened to the characters over time, I catch USA reruns and just mentioned the opinions of 20 year old college co-eds, and we all know what those are worth...she says with a sly grin.

I enjoy Munch and Fin as characters, especially when they peel back enough layers to see behind the wisecracks and street cred. Marlee Matlin's appearances, in particular for Munch, as well as "Legacy". (Munch brings the little girl a stuffed lion, since "Lion King" was her favorite, and the end fade-out is him at her bedside reading "Oh the Places You'll Go".) I keep missing Fin's big moments, but I'm keeping an eye out. At least I saw the episode where his son visits him in the hospital, to have the rest of the hour go to Fin tracking down first a girl he knew from his undercover days, then her baby. ("Haunted", I think is the title.)

As to Benson and Stabler--yeah, they need some serious counseling. Stabler gets old; Meloni is a fine actor in that part but the writing seems to be second verse same as the first. Benson is alright, but it's not one of those "Oh my gosh she's terrific" type things. Not for me anyways.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by sirenna on Sept 6, 2005, 10:58pm

I get the feeling that personal angst getting in the way of solving the case is going to be a fixture with the logan partnership on season five. It's got to be how logan and his partner distinguish themselves from Goren and eames'. I watch LO:ci because the characters are involved but never to the extent they absorb the warped aspects of the villians they chase.

Nooooooooh! :-[

I hope I'm imagining this but I don't think I am.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Sept 21, 2005, 10:56am

Was I the only one who got seriously hacked that Munch NEVER APPEARED in the opener last night?!?!?! Oh well, I liked Cragen's concerns and the alcoholic analogy, I also liked Huang's scenes to try to prep Elliott: "Well, I talked to the idiot..." But no Munch?!?! Congrats to Tamara Tunie for getting in the credits, so where the heck was she? Oh well, it's not like we see Rogers in every Mothership, so I can live with that.

I've gotten into the reruns on USA--taping the ones that seem to be very good and significant-- as if I needed any other distractions from homework. Actually, I've realized that if I know "Hey, Law & Order comes on at 10:00 and I'd like to watch" I'll actually work on stuff so I feel OK about the indulgence.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Oct 4, 2005, 10:56pm

"911", Ehh...I thought Hargitay did a decent job with the phone scenes, although the crying at the first hang-up was a little premature. Ice-T was way too melodramatic during the early traffic stops, but thankfully he settled down a bit. More Munch!! While I hated his "That's supposed to be funny" bit about Spamalot tickets--you'd think after all these years he'd know when to crack wise and when to pipe down--at least the character was cautiously sympathetic. I've always liked Cragen.

What was up with the camerawork? The aerial shot of Munch talking on the phone in the street was weird, and the tight close-ups on Hargitay's face. I wasn't thinking "Oh, what a great dramatic reaction" but rather "Why the heck won't my mascara/eyeliner go on that smoothly?"

If Benson was so upset and near hysterics after Richard got the phone, would you really want her behind the wheel of the car? While you certianly understand her being worked up in this case, had I been Tutuola I would have made her get in the passenger seat.

SPOILER:

What a wimpout on the ending. Maybe not impossible, but highly improbable and just too darned convenient. Especially confusing given the credit of "The voice of Maria..." (although I must admit the little girl actress did a nice job, maybe a bit pouty at times but given the script and the fact that Maria was 9 years old, it certainly wasn't awful). She should have died--never thought you'd hear that from Catbird "I wanna see the baby!" the Sentimentalist!

--Catbird

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by erotica on Oct 4, 2005, 11:43pm

SVU is leader of the L&O pack:

Click Here

Special Victims Unit is the new leader of the Law & Order pack

By Kate Aurthur
The New York Times
Posted October 4 2005

On a summer day on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in North Bergen, N.J., the cast was shooting new opening credits. The two leads, Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay, stood as part of the eight-person ensemble, staring intensely at the camera. Trying to snap the group into character, Ted Kotcheff, an executive producer who was directing the scene, yelled, "All you perps out there, you're in danger from us!" The actors broke up with laughter.

Kotcheff tried a different approach, thanking "these eight wonderful people who made it possible for us to go into a seventh season." Nearby, a Doritos-eating crew member whispered, "I thought it was the eighth season."

Well, with three different Law & Order series on the NBC schedule, it can be hard to keep track -- Wednesday's episode will be the 600th of the combined franchise. But last season, something unexpected happened: Special Victims Unit -- which focuses on sexually based crimes, and is nicknamed SVU -- became the most popular of the trio. According to Nielsen Media Research, it drew an average audience of 13.46 million, one of only two scripted NBC series to finish the season in the top 20. (ER was the other.) And it was the only show on the beleaguered network to increase its audience from the previous year. Its seventh season has also begun well: 16.8 million viewers watched its premiere on Sept. 20.

Neal Baer, the executive producer who has run SVU since its second year, described how the show has evolved into what he calls "a hybrid procedural." He compared its formula to those of other workplace dramas like L.A. Law, and ER, which he helped write and produce for six seasons. "You're going to solve a crime every week, you're going to be taken through a twisty, turny whodunit," he said. "But you're also going to learn about the characters just a tiny bit -- or maybe a whole lot. It's not just the facts, and it's not a soap."

It took a while to find that balance. As designed by Dick Wolf, the creator of all things Law & Order, SVU was meant to be much more character driven than the flagship show. He wrote the pilot episode himself for its debut in fall 1999, and included so many personal details about the two lead detectives, Elliot Stabler (Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Hargitay), that Law & Order viewers who were used to a don't ask/don't tell approach were jarred; it was like seeing your therapist in the steam room. Its early plots even involved the home life of Stabler, whose wife and four children were also characters. "We stopped doing that about six episodes in -- even though we'd built nice big sets -- because it just stopped the storytelling cold," Wolf said.

By the beginning of Season 2, Wolf had gone through two executive producers. In October 2000, he hired Baer. "Neal put his stamp on it," he said. "He moved it into a much more intellectually fruitful area."

In her office on the set, Hargitay discussed the early missteps in trying to "find the show's voice." She said: "There was a concern: Is it going to be the rape-of-the-week show? That's when Neal came along and elevated it."

Criminal procedurals have become an epidemic, and shows like CSI have increased the amount of gore on television. After a third-season SVU episode "where there was a woman tied up to a lamppost and had her foot cut off," Baer said he decided "not to do anything more that was really violent." Pointing at CSI, as well as Fox's medical show House, he said: "We don't go inside anybody's body, through any orifice. You don't see blood gushing out of people or heads cut off."

Baer has also increasingly relied on the strengths of his actors, particularly Meloni and Hargitay. "It's all about the victims and Mariska and Chris' reaction to it -- Mariska's compassion and Chris' abhorrence," he said. "And the two together make a compelling stew."

This fall, SVU is going up against ABC's Boston Legal and, starting tonight, CBS's Close to Home, a new crime show from CSI originator Jerry Bruckheimer. Baer will counter by tackling matters like hate crimes and HIV among gay crystal meth users.

"We don't look to other shows -- we try to be faithful to the kinds of stories the Law & Orders tell," he said. And the SVU characters will inch along as well. (Last season, Meloni's character began approaching a mental breaking point when his marriage ended -- in an SVU way, that is, one minuscule hint at a time.) "You just start to put together the pieces, as you would in a normal life, in your workplace," Baer said. "You just have to watch it, because you never know."

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Oct 5, 2005, 1:19am

Catbird, all I have to say is that Maria must have had a real *magical* cell phone because it sure kept working for a long time on a low battery[/sarcasm]

Oh...and that Olivia needs to learn how to do CPR properly.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Oct 5, 2005, 10:36am

I can't comment on the CPR, but I think the script was kinda lousy for Maria. Maybe I've been watching too many crime shows/traumatized victims, but if a child had been help captive for a porn guy for some time, would she be so petulant? She was near tears when she called on the phone, but then she got sulky when Olivia's "voice is angry". Wouldn't a girl in her circumstances think she had made Olivia mad? The actress can only do so much with what they give her.

Erotica, thanks for the article! Although it's kinda sad that SVU is the go-to show for the brand, it's not like the others have to rely on it. I wonder how much of the SVU viewership is drawn by the sensationalized aspects (not that they're exploitative, but they do push buttons) or to drool over Meloni/Hargitay. I started with the original, got into Criminal Intent, and while I've recently begun to watch SVU I don't think it'll ever be my favorite.

--Catbird

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nicolemarie on Oct 5, 2005, 3:47pm

My question about 911 is how could that girl be buried alive while wrapped in suffocating plastic all that time, and survive. I had no doubt the girl would survive come on. make it believable.

And another annoyance: the girl falls asleep just as they need her to hang up and call back, which would enable SVU to actually find her? And of course, Mr. Goober picks up the phone when the girl falls asleep.

And yes, the low battery snag. Anyone knows the phone dies within minutes once the battery gets low.

I have always favored SVU but, the melodramatics is really getting irritating. And the believability factor is taking a nose dive too!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by sirenna on Oct 5, 2005, 6:02pm

Mariska Hargitay is terrific but SVU has never been my favourite and for the reasons you said. I watched yesterdays episode and found it unbelievable but worse, twenty minutes in I didn't really care if they found the girl since that was the surprise so I wasnt' suprised. I like the L&Os because they can be counted on to have several twists to keep things fresh.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Oct 11, 2005, 8:02pm

Apparently, we find out tonight what makes Stabler so 'tightly wound" up.

http://nbcumv.com/entertainment/release_....rtmasterso.html

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nicolemarie on Oct 12, 2005, 1:30pm

WHOA! I completely forgot SVU was on last night.

After reading what's bugging UnStabler, I can't help but say, SVU is teetering on the edge of "jumping the shark". Here's hoping they don't drown the viewers in bubbles with the soap!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Oct 12, 2005, 6:40pm

Catbird's Note: This was posted on the Town Hall thread, but since RIchard Belzer is on this show I figured I'd put it here too.

As to the Richard Belzer does Bob Dylan, it was an interview on NPR. When Dylan turned 60 back in 2001 one of the rock critics on "Fresh Air" did a little gush-fest. (I'm sorry, I'm not a big fan.) Anyways, at the end of the segment they played a clip from an old 1987 interview with Richard Belzer. Belzer spoke about it was so strange to have a hero who was a Jew growing up as a teenager, so he imagined what Bob Dylan's bar mitzvah sounded like, and then Dylan as an old man. Quite funny: Hebrew read in Dylan-speak, and then an old man with a stereotypical Yiddish accent (is that the right term?) yelling the lyrics to "Like a Rolling Stone" in a scolding fashion.

Here's the link, but if you want to skip Ken Tucker and go straight to Belzer fast forward to the 5:00 mark.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1123404

Apparently Belzer did a segment on his CD "Another Lone Nut" called "The Ballad of Bob Dylan". The one-minute sample I could access on amazon.com was funny, but incomplete. But it's freaky how good his imitation is.

Also, if you search NPR's website www.npr.org for "Richard Belzer" you can find some other stuff. Bob Edwards spoke to him some years ago about "National Lampoon's Radio Hour" and there was an extended segment on "Homicide: Life on the Street" but since I never saw the show (except for Mothership crossovers--Munch and Lenny!) I didn't listen to much of it. They mentioned Belzer as an actor on SVU but I never heard any questions about his role on the show.

--Catbird

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Oct 13, 2005, 5:13pm

NicoleMarie, I hope you can catch the re-run on USA.

It was a fairly decent episode, certainly more so than the over hyped '911'.

And Meloni sure cries pretty.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Oct 15, 2005, 5:50pm

Being a fan of ME Warner, I wish I could get to New York to see this thing. I'm afraid I'm not too familiar with "Damn Yankees" (isn't there only 1 Lola in the musica?), but I like baseball and it's supposed to be a good old classic. Darn those school nights and empty student wallets!

http://www.theaterscene.net/ts/articles.nsf/FI/D3CA0BD083B1E97D852570850043611B

AMAS MUSICAL THEATRE SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT-ONLY BENEFIT CONCERT of DAMN YANKEES

By Staff Writer

Amas Musical Theatre Honors LESLIE UGGAMS at
'Blast from the Past'

A SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT-ONLY BENEFIT CONCERT

OF DAMN YANKEES ON NOVEMBER 14

AT LUCILLE LORTEL THEATRE

Donna Trinkoff, Producing Artistic Director of Amas Musical Theatre, announced the company will produce its third "BLAST FROM THE PAST" Benefit on Monday, November 14th featuring a 90 minute concert presentation of the hit Broadway musical " DAMN YANKEES" , set for the first time in the Negro Baseball Leagues.
"DAMN YANKEES" will star Tony winner Sara Ramirez (Spamalot) and Tamara Tunie as dueling Lolas; Alton F. White (Ragtime, Lion King) as the devilish Mr. Applegate; Rodney Hicks (Rent) as Joe Hardy ; Tony winner Chuck Cooper (The Life, Caroline, Or Change) as the Coach ; Ken Prymus (Ain't Misbehavin', Cats) as Older Joe ; Vivian Reed (Marie Christine, Bubbling Brown Sugar) as his wife Meg , Tina Fabrique as Sister and Rob Evan (Jekyll and Hyde, Little Shop of Horrors) as Mr. Welch , with Wayne W. Pretlow, Raun Ruffin, Eric Anthony, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Rob Evan, Stacey Sargeant, Christine Clemons, Amber Efe, Britton Jones, Kevin Anthony, Michael Blackman and Delance Minefee. The concert presentation of DAMN YANKEES will be directed and choreographed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj with music direction by Charles Creath. The original production, which opened on Broadway in 1955 and played 1019 performances, starred Gwen Verdon as Lola. The musical has a book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop , music by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross and Lyrics by Mr. Adler and Mr. Ross.

This year, Amas will present the "Rosie" Awards (named for founder Rosetta LeNoire) to Tony Award-winner Leslie Uggams and to The JPMorgan Chase Foundation, and will present The Ossie Davis Award for Inspirational Leadership to Brian Cashman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the New York Yankees. The Rosie Award is given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishment and dedication in the theatrical arts and to corporations that work to promote opportunity and diversity. The late Ossie Davis and his wife Ruby Dee, were recipients of the 2003 Rosie Award. This year's presentation to Brian Cashman marks the first Ossie Davis Award, given to a key leader of an organization, in any industry, that epitomizes the color-blind search for excellence that has characterized the Amas mission since its founding. Celebrated director, choreographer and performer Maurice Hines will present the awards to this year's honorees. Leslie Uggams won the Tony Award for Hallelujah Baby! and was nominated for another Tony recently for her role in King Hedley II .

The Blast from the Past Gala Benefit evening begins at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street, at 7 PM, followed by a buffet dinner, auction and raffle at The Garage (99 Seventh Avenue South). Benefit ticket prices range from $125 (performance only) to $500 (cocktails, premium performance seats and buffet dinner). For tickets, call (212) 563-2565.

" Setting our concert version of Damn Yankees in the Negro Baseball Leagues is a fresh and unique interpretation of this classic tale of baseball, temptation, second chances, and the power of the human spirit," says Trinkoff. "No text has been altered except the Washington Senators are now called the "Black" Washington Senators, and the musical arrangements and dance numbers are unmistakably influenced by African American and Caribbean music of the era. As conceived and directed by our artist-in-residence Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, this is a show that both breaks new ground and pays homage to the past," she adds.

During the benefit evening, the third Rosetta LeNoire Scholarship will also be presented to a deserving college-bound student attending Amas' arts education program, The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy.

Amas' Honorary Benefit Committee is chaired by Bob Boyett and Chita Rivera with Judith Ann Abrams, Billie Allen, Mary Ann Anderson, Joe Nenincasa, Ruby Dee, Carmen deLavallade, Andre DeShields, N.Y. State Senator Tom Duane, Dasha Epstein, Angelina Fiordellisi, Tara Fishman, Michael Frazier, Micki Grant, Whoopi Goldberg, Maurice Hines, Geoffrey Holder, Jeffrey Kent, Eartha Kitt, Willette Klausner, Pam Koslow, Jack Lang �Hall of Fame Baseball Historian, Jeff Larson, Nathan Matthews, Charles Mirotznik, Esq., Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congressman Charles Rangel, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Tamara Tunie, Elizabeth Williams.

The Amas Blast from the Past Benefit is an annual event held to raise funds in support of Amas Musical Theatre's ongoing theatre and arts education programs.

About Amas Musical Theatre

Amas Musical Theatre has been a pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts since it was founded in 1968 by actress and visionary Rosetta LeNoire. Amas ("you love" in Latin) is devoted to the creation, development and professional production of new American musicals and to the training and encouragement of inner-city young people.

For 37 years, Amas has engraved its unique trademark in the world of musical theatre, producing groundbreaking work embracing different cultural perspectives while reaching out to underserved audiences.

In recent years, under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Donna Trinkoff, Amas has produced a series of acclaimed Amas Mainstage shows that have moved to expanded touring, regional and commercial productions after their Amas appearances.

These productions include Rollin' on the T.O.B.A, Reunion: A Civil War Musical, 4 Guys Named Jose � and Una Mujer Named Maria, Langston Hughes's Little Ham, Zanna, Don't!, Latin Heat, From My Hometown, and Lone Star Love . Musicals developed and produced at Amas have been nominated for and received numerous awards, including Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel, Kleban, Richard Rodgers, Dramatists Guild, ASCAP Popular Songwriters, and Audelco Awards.

Amas also places special emphasis on the well-being of young people. At Amas, they learn the many disciplines of theatre, music and dance with seasoned professionals, who not only serve to educate, but act as important role models.

The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy is a year-round pre-professional training program for teenagers. Each graduating class presents a full Off-Off-Broadway showcase production. The Immigration Experience is Amas' artists-in-school program for public high school students to research their personal and communities' immigration histories. Based on their research and writing the students formulate a musical, which they perform for the entire school and community.

BENEFITS/SPECIAL EVENTS LISTING INFORMATION

Amas Musical Theatre Gala Benefit evening � concert presentation of the hit Broadway musical "DAMN YANKEES" (set in the Negro Baseball Leagues) starring SARA RAMIREZ, TAMARA TUNIE, ALTON F. WHITE, CHUCK COOPER, KEN PRYMUS and others. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street. Performance begins at 7 PM followed by buffet dinner at The Garage, 99 Seventh Avenue South. Tickets range from $125 to $500. For information and reservations call (212) 563-2565

Reviewer's bio

--Catbird

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Oct 19, 2005, 10:39am

I thought last night's episode was decent. I like Fin, always interesting to dig beneath the street swagger. The whole Tutuola/Ken tension was, I thought well-done. Ice-T may not be the greatest actor, but he handled it well. And I loved how the actor playing Ken picked up on Daddy's vocal inflections and posture! I have to admit that I was terrified either 1) Ken would turn out positive with the HIV strain or 2) Ken and Tutuola would have a good cry and walk off happily ever reconciled. (I'm not sure Ice-T's acting skills are up to that, like he cares what I think on his way to the bank.) But I liked the ringing phone at the end, and what a sadly nice touch that Tutuola had to look at the scrap of paper for the number: a quiet way to show that the communication isn't such that he'd even program it into memory, much less know by heart.

That scene outside the club: Fin's pimp suit--I literally was shielding my eyes. That just seemed very conspicuous to me, especially since the club goers seemed to be along the lines of shirt/slacks casual. At least the hat didn't have a feather--do not ever show Ice-T in that get up again. And Olivia decked out in her Ho Gear; is it just me or did Captain Cragen have this "Oh dear God," look of horror when she approached him? While I thought her playful hooker tone of voice was annoying, it was logical--hushed urgent whispers would have been suspicious if someone passed by.

For the love of heaven, get Munch back in the show! Olivia and Fin may be OK as occassional partners, but put the fun guys back together, please!

The episode may have been a bit contrived/convenient in terms of the connections, but we've seen elements before. Mothership had an episode where the mother of a thrill-killing victim announced (very sincerely and believably) that she forgave the murderers. You only find stuff out about the characters when it mirrors the case they're working or in aside comments. And while the father's speech at the end was heavy-handed, I thought the actor did a nice job conveying the conflicted emotions. Sure, a bit too easy to have Fin's reaction Oh, he'll never get to make up with his son, I ought to talk to mine so I don't turn out like him, but sad thing is, people generally have to get shocked into healing and acceptance by loss--or at least the threat thereof. (And I'll refrain from singing "Big Yellow Taxi", I really don't care for the song much anyways.) This is the stuff that Chicken Soup for the Soul is made of.

--Catbird

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Oct 19, 2005, 6:06pm

Last night's episode was fairly good.

I see that *they* didn't even bother mentioning this time why Stabler wasn't around.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Nov 2, 2005, 12:29am

"RAW":I thought this was a very good episode--minus one plot twist too many, the little girl revealing the molestation then suddenly dropped-- a solid ensemble outing, hooray! Let's hope this is a return to form and not a sweeps stunt. (Admittedly it seemed like they were trying to break the record for "How many racist slurs can we cram into 44 minutes", but when the actors played it as matter-of-fact and casual SOP it was very freaky.)

But Oh My God, Marcia Gay Harden just tied Vincent D'Onofrio for Worst Fake Southern Accent Ever. At least they let her keep it after she revealed herself as an FBI agent--I didn't see it coming-- if she had just been faking the accent as a ruse to be believed as racist I really would have flung something at the TV. But Loooord Aaaall-maity (yes I talk that way) the speech was bad. "My Name is Earl" may poke fun at redneck stereotypes, but at least they talk right! (And I love that show, by the way, so I'm not ragging.)

Yay Munch and Fin! I'm so sorry Munch got shot, but at least he got some good screen time, and it's not life-threatning. Loved how he and Fin kept their contemptuous cool with the scuzzbuckets. Was I the only one who got the giggles when Fin slammed the laptop shut for JFK Revisited: "Trust me, you do not want to go there." Hee hee, conspiracy theory shoutout! Is it just me or did Fin come across as almost playfully gallant with Marcia Gay Harden with his tone and handshake at "We're good"? (And her apology was a very decent, courteous touch as a professional.) Maybe he was just ready to drop the subject and get her out of the room so he could banter with Munch. But Munch looked so frail! Yeah, he'd been shot, but skin and bones and--good grief, someone get some food in that poor man!

Benson and Stabler did good--believably intense and concerned, but not over the top. Poor Elliot witht he divorce, although I certainly would at least inform his kids about him being in the hospital--and at least the promos keep up the injury consistent, but why would he be on active duty in a cast? Never mind. Cragen was great, the little bit B.D. Wong appeared was well-done with the kid. Now, show Warner and I will be a happy camper.

--Catbird

PS: Could someone explain "Tuna Feminist" to me? Is that a reference to "fish without a bicycle"?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Nov 2, 2005, 2:23pm

We're not racists. We just needed the money. Man, that's just cold! :-/

It was nice seeing the teams working together again, especially Munch and Fin.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Nov 2, 2005, 3:09pm

That may have been sadly believable if they hadn't pledged the money to RAW or whatever splinter group that was mentioned at the end. But God Almighty...that poor little boy. Whether or not they specifically targeted the child, to quote Ben Stone: "I hope there's an afterlife. There are some crimes the penal codes don't even begin to punish."

But how do you respond to these assholes? (I do apologize for the language, I try to avoid profanity, but sometimes there's no other phrase that works.) Ignore the problem? It won't go away--if anything things might escalate just to get attention. But much as we'd like to slap these people upside the head, a cycle of violence isn't gonna do any good.

Molly Ivins, in a column describing the Texas mentality, explained a real event some time back in which the KKK got hold of a permit to hold a rally in some big city. 1st Ammendment and all that, had to let them speak. Get this: the protestors organized their own "Moon the Klan" rally right across the street at the same time. 500 or so angry Texans dropping trou whenever a rant got started; "sometimes you even got a cool wave effect." Heck yeah man!

---Catbird

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Nov 2, 2005, 4:05pm

One of my favorite moments in THE BLUES BROTHERS comes when Jake and Elwood plow into the Nazis.

Patcat (who is a First Amendment absolutist, but heavens I hate the KKK)

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by observer2 on Nov 2, 2005, 5:59pm

I don�t watch SVU often, but I watched this one. I thought it was pretty well done, and I enjoyed the focus on Fin and Munch.

Catbird, I wonder whether the FBI agent�s accent might have been deliberately exaggerated a bit, to bring home the fact that it was a Southerner who was working *against* racists groups. I was puzzled, though, and not for the first time, by your reference to D�Onofrio�s Southern accent being so terrible. The only Southern accent I remember him doing was in The Whole Wide World, and in that his accent sounded like the accent of a woman I knew for years who came from a rural area in Texas.

As to the requisite tuna feminist comment, I was puzzled by that, as well. A visit to www.urbandictionary.com cleared it up for me. Definition # 4 says it�s a derogatory word for lesbian. Since the man who said the line was being played as a misogynist sexist as well as a racist, I expect that�s the meaning that was being used. (I just can�t seem to keep up with slang any more...)

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Nov 2, 2005, 6:44pm

Observer,
Like I said, I was glad that Harden kept the Southern accent once they knew she was an agent. Because God how I cringe every time a backwoods, southern drawl is presented as the Speech of Bigots. Even L&O, with the exception of Arthur Branch, tends to present Southerners as either Klan lawyers or beuty queen ditzes. (That's one reason I like the character, and get annoyed with forums where people who don't know the South roll their eyes at "Senator Cracker" and his illustrative stories.) So nice to see them break the stereotype--or trying to anyways. Like I said, cringing speech but I am glad they reminded viewers that not all Southerners--not even the ones with the thick accents--are turd-kickers.

Not to rag too hard on your boy Mr. D'Onofrio, but I'm just saying how he sounded to me. I know there are lots of regional variances--the South is a pretty big area--but nobody I know talks like he did in "Whole Wide World". He sounded waaayyy over-done and seemed to be an actor trying to project "Hey, I'm a small-town hick eccentric!". It seemed deliberately drawn out and exaggerated, not the casual talking that people do without thinking how it sounds. D'Onofrio sounded especially hokey when working with Renee Zellweger, who may not speak like that ordinarily but obviously knew how real Southerners talk. But then, a lot of actors base their Southern accents on other actors' fake southern accents. Vivien Leigh is not an accurate model. I'm sure part of my reaction was knowing that the actor D'Onofrio had to assume an unnatural accent for the role, having seen him in CI I knew he didn't ordinarily talk like that. But even if I hadn't seen him in anything else, his speech would have had me cringe.

If we knew each other face-to-face people might get surprised at my defensiveness. My own Southern accent is not especially strong, it's more of vocabulary and phrasing than pronunciation. (It's not deliberate, I wish I had more of one.) Every now and then it thickens without me really trying, just certain words or conversations. But a good deal of my family talks like this, and a lot of the people at my school come from rural areas and working-class families where the accent is going to be more present than in the suburbs with a lot of Yankee transplants--where I grew up. So while I know North Carolina southern accent does differ from Texas/Southwest or Old Money Charleston/Savannah, or anything like that, it's not so terribly separate from other parts.

Like I said, in actors like D'Onofrio and Harden (or for that matter, John Turturro in "O Brother Where Art Thou" as compared to Tim Blake Nelson) it's the very deliberateness of their delivery. They may pronounce the vowels or words in keeping with a region, but the presentation gives it away. Observer, if I recall correctly you've mentioned in the past that you can often pick up on an actor's process of How do I portray this emotion? as opposed to the character actually feeling a certain way, and therefore feel detached from the narrative. (Sorry if I'm mangling your words.) That's how I am in certain cases of accents, I hear the actor attempting to talk Southern as opposed to just a Southern character opening their mouth to talk. But then, I'm a sucker for voices, and kinda sensitive to them.

"Tuna" = "lesbian"? Thanks for the definition, but Huh? Admittedly I'm a sheltered naive baby, but where the heck do you get that from? But it seems in keeping with the character--and the episode trend of packing in the slurs. But to me, such over-the-top blatant "This man is a bigot!" only comes across as eye-rolling. It's much creepier when the characters are casual and matter-of-fact/automatic in their words and gestures.

Sorry for the length. But then, we Southerners are known for our digressions and side stories when asked a simple question! "Pithy", obviously, is not my personal strong point.

--Catbird

ETA: A kind soul was nice enough to PM me and explain the "tuna" term. So unless people especially want to continue the discussion, no need to belabor the issue. Besides, we wouldn't want to cause a headache for the Dear Mods who try to prevent trouble related to public postings.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by janetcatbird on Nov 8, 2005, 2:39pm

Hate to double post, but different topic. Munch fans, we are not alone!

http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/features/article/0,2564,ALBQ_19849_4221675,00.htm

The Albuquerque Tribune

To print this page, select File then Print from your browser
URL: http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/features/article/0,2564,ALBQ_19849_4221675,00.html
What's On Tonight
By Mary-Ann McBride
November 8, 2005

Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer) on "Law & Order: SVU" is a little rough around the edges, making him this week's spotlighted kooky, male character.

Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer) on "Law & Order: SVU" (9 p.m., KOB-Channel 4) was once described as a man who could "smell a conspiracy from a 5-year-old's lemonade stand."

Not many women would line up for an anorexic-looking, four-time divorced, paranoid dude. But there's just some intangible quality that draws you in.

And that's what makes him this week's spotlighted kooky, male character of Tuesday night.

Munch got his start on the now-defunct "Homicide: Life on the Streets" and was carried over into the "Law & Order" franchise.

Yep, he's a legend.

Apparently, he has been busy, having crossed over to six TV shows on three different networks ("Homicide," three "L&O," "X-Files" and "The Beat").

In the last few seasons, Munch has become completely under-used on "SVU," mere backup for angst-mongers Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). I am outraged on his behalf. Here's a guy who can simplify the horror of the sex crimes unit with a quip but still let viewers see his mushy side. Other characters just aren't that cool.

Creator Dick Wolf needs to rectify this screen-time injustice immediately.

Favorite Munch quote: "Some of us appreciate simplicity. Others of us lost the knickknacks in the divorce settlement."

Tonight, Munch is once again relegated to the background as Detective "Screen Hog" Stabler investigates the remains of a boy found at a construction site. Not that I'm bitter.

"Masterminds" (9 p.m., Court TV) offers insight into the baddies who want to steal your precious vehicle and strip it for parts.

This episode follows an auto theft ring from its inception until the group gets nailed by the coppers. I dare any well-organized car thieves to try to take my Metro. Bring it on!

Mary-Ann McBride, a Tribune page designer and TV addict, can be reached at 823-3631 or mmcbride@abqtrib.com

Copyright 2005, The Albuquerque Tribune. All Rights Reserved.

Eh, farkle, stupid link not working. I tried!

--Catbird

ETA: "Name" (11-8-05). Munch and Fin open the episode with Warner, I had such high hopes. Umm, why was the forensic girl tagging along with Stabler on this case? And of course, she was tearfully and insistantly correct in her detecting while the trained investigators, who presumably have crime-solving skills and not just lab chemicals, are left in her dust. I got a sneaking suspicion that she's being set up as Stabler's rebound girl now that Kathy has filed for divorce. Bad writers! No cookie!

I don't even wanna see Rogers and Warner doing the whole amateur detective thing, much as I love them. They do good work in the labs to help out/bail out/correct our dear detectives, and they're the recurring ones! Although I've seen Millie in a couple of the episodes at the crime scenes this season--she wasn't a complete stranger, for what it's worth--if Warner and Rogers haven't gotten that much screen time and participation in an investigation then certainly some uppity youngun shouldn't either. Yes, I'm territorial.

At least Munch had a presence in the first ten minutes of the episode, although I'm having trouble understanding why Stabler is still in a cast and Munch is walking/sitting just fine as if nothing ever happened. Sitting especially, you'd think they could provide a cushion or something. BD Wong was good in his few scenes with Anna, though I think Stabler was extremely jerkwad to harass Anna like he did when she was obviously sick and Dr. Huang should have yanked his butt sooner. Not that I'm a big fan of Benson, but why wasn't she there? And where was Cragen? You'd think in a big case that got publicity and was never solved, as well as the discovery fo a serial killer, the captain would at least pop up to check progress or complain about the media leak.

There were some (brief) good moments: "Twinkies last forever" and Fin daring Munch to eat it, plus Ice-T's facial reactions were funny when he opened the lunch box. I thought that Carlos (was that his name?) and Anna were terrific. To think that you had caused someone's death because you were a scared kid who couldn't do anything to protect them...Maybe stretching credibility that she'd remember him after all these years without even hearing his name, but that adolescent puppy love continuing to adulthood, aww sweet. I know I'm a sucker.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by emccoy on Nov 9, 2005, 8:32am

I'm getting a touch tired of the this week Benson, next week Stabler eps. I mean why can't they go back to them working as a team? I love John Munch! I think he could be used more often than he is. I think this show has really gone down hill as far as what they used to be like, where all the principle characters were used as a whole team.

I feel as though they are trying to get Hargitay and Melloni (sp?) Emmy nods. When really I yes would like to see them win a few awards, but that's not why I watch this show!

As to last nights show, I was so excited to see Munch and Fin in the beginning of the ep. However, when they were not really seen the rest of the show I lost interest. I also do not like it when they pair the leads up w/ people who have little to no backround in detective work. BRING back the teams, after all their is no *I* in team!!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Dec 1, 2005, 12:10am

The Associated Press is reporting that Mariska Hargarity is expecting a child.

Patcat

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by comedykicks on Jan 7, 2006, 10:47pm

Hee! I love Munch too.

Fin and Munch are so under-rated, but I still like Stabler and Benson too.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by darmok on Jan 16, 2006, 9:39am

Anyone watch last week's episode? It was an "ME" episode. She had the major role. I thought it was pretty good.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Jan 16, 2006, 3:31pm

I thought it was one of the better episodes of the season. Warner was certainly great. Does this mean we'll see more of her while 'they' have MH hiding behind file folders and such?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by digresser on Jan 24, 2006, 11:06pm

Anyone catch tonight's episode, "911"? It was quite gripping. Mariska Hargitay carried the show wonderfully and there were a few good Munch moments to boot!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by psychochik on Jan 25, 2006, 1:36pm

Missed it !! Third time I've missed it too. I am so hooked on Boston Legal right now its so hard to catch SVU first time around unless its a repeat. Damn, cuz this episode has been talked about alot. I really need a vcr. LoL

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by comedykicks on Jan 25, 2006, 4:52pm

I saw it. I was sitting on the edge of my seat too! I didn't think they were going to get to her in time. I was a little freaked out over the second phone call from a young girl crying for help only to find out it was Munch with a voice changer.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by dna on Feb 1, 2006, 10:01am

I don't watch SVU but I thought you guys might get a kick out of these

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" Limited Edition Valentines

unfortunately the guy has been swamped with orders and is not able to accept anymore, but check out the crime fighters t shirts at the bottom, I might order a Lennie T.

courtesy of Anna Johns TV Squad.com

According to Michael Ausiello at TV Guide.com Benson and Stabler are going to "shag"...

ASK AUSIELLO

Question: Do you have scoop on the Law & Order: SVU episode that will feature Benson and Stabler bonding while on a stakeout? � Megan

Ausiello: Save the date: The episode, titled "Fault," is slated to air April 4. In it, something happens that's so huge, it'll not only pave the way for Mariska Hargitay's impending maternity leave, its aftershocks will be felt all the way through next season. "You're going to see things that you didn't expect," teases exec producer Neal Baer. "There's a very surprising turn of events." Might said events involve the two sexually repressed detectives giving each other mouth-to-mouth? "I couldn't tell you that," Baer hedges. "You'll have to watch. I will say it's unexpected � and you know I don't bull---- you." Hey, watch the language, mister! This is a family column. (OMG, they're so gonna shag, it's not even funny.)

And now for more reliable info:

yahoo news.com

Connie Nielsen temping at 'SVU' unit

Connie Nielsen will guest-star in six episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" while series star Mariska Hargitay is on maternity leave later this year.

Nielsen will play an NYPD detective on temporary assignment to the sex crimes unit that the NBC drama revolves around, while Hargitay's character, Detective Olivia Benson, is working on a special assignment. Dick Wolf, co-creator and executive producer of "Law & Order: SVU," said Nielsen was expected to begin shooting her first episodes sometime next month.

"This is an unremittingly positive situation for us," Wolf said. "I'm thrilled that Mariska is having a baby and thrilled that we have someone of Connie's obvious talent, beauty and stature to come in for these episodes. I think she's going to be a great addition."

Nielsen is best known for her role in the Oscar winner "Gladiator." Her credits include last year's "The Great Raid" and "The Ice Harvest" and 2002's "One Hour Photo." She is currently dating fellow Dane, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by digresser on Feb 1, 2006, 4:26pm

Quote:

Connie Nielsen will guest-star in six episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" while series star Mariska Hargitay is on maternity leave later this year.

And then she shall fade away and will go on to join Bishop & Falco merrily prancing about in the Land of Used-Up Filler Partners.

Or they'll just kill her off...

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on Feb 6, 2006, 10:54pm

Since SVU has always featured 4 detectives unlike CI or the original, I do not understand why they are not featuring Munch and Finn in some episodes while Benson is unavailable. In previous seasons, ADA Novak, Cragen, Munch, and Finn had episodes that featured their characters. I liked the one that featured M.E. Warner.

I think Connie Nielsen is a fine actress but I do think having her on the show to replace Benson in 6 episodes is unnecessary since SVU used to be more of an ensemble show than CI. It made more sense to me when Jesse Martin was replaced by Michael Imperoli since that show has always had one detective team.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by noc on Feb 6, 2006, 11:15pm

Agreed. It will be interesting to see if they make it work or if it will be a sort of awkward time, like Bishop on CI. In the case of SVU, it would be a wonderful time to bring in some interesting story lines with B.D. Wong, Ice T, Richard Belzer, etc.

I think I've seen "911" about 3 times and each time caught something new. I thought it was some sort of prank at first, too, and then all the technical (FBI) stuff and the twists and turns get you.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nicolemarie on Feb 24, 2006, 12:45am

The one with Rebeccca DeMornay ("Manipulated") was a great one.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Mar 30, 2006, 4:03pm

I'm bumping this up for all the SVU fans. I just read this on nbcumv:

ACTOR LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS TURNS IN A DISTURBING GUEST ROLE IN 'LAW & ORDER: SVU' ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4TH AT 10 P.M. ET/PT
Published: March 30, 2006

NEW YORK -- March 30, 2006 -- Actor Lou Diamond Phillips guest stars on NBC's "Law & Order; SVU" in a role that will leave viewers reeling. His disturbing performance as Jeremy Paul Wilson, a sadistic pedophile and murderer, will have a profound impact on the partnership of Dets. Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Chris Meloni). This gripping and powerful episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" airs on Tuesday, April 4th at 10 PM ET/PT.

Wilson, a cold blooded murderer and pedophile, is in possession of a cache of hunting knives, has kidnapped two children and has nothing to lose. This "must see" hour of SVU will bring Dets. Fin (Ice-T), Benson and Stabler to a bus terminal where a violent and emotional showdown with Wilson takes a dangerous turn.

Executive Producer Neal Bear said, "Fans of this show will be sitting on the edge of their seats at the twists and turns in this emotional hour. I think this episode showcases the strength of our ensemble cast, and their compelling performances as well as an unusual and forceful performance from Lou Diamond Phillips."

Phillips diverse performances include work on the big screen in "La Bamba," Young Guns," "Courage Under Fire," and "Stand and Deliver." He received a Tony Award nomination for his role on Broadway in the critically acclaimed remake of "The King and I."

Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, B.D. Wong, Diane Neal and Tamara Tunie also star in "Law & Order: SVU."

"Law & Order: SVU" is produced by Wolf Films in association with NBC Universal Television Studio.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Apr 5, 2006, 7:25pm

"Actor Lou Diamond Phillips guest stars on NBC's "Law & Order; SVU" in a role that will leave viewers reeling. His disturbing performance as Jeremy Paul Wilson, a sadistic pedophile and murderer..."

"Disturbing" would be an understatement! LDP was quite impressive as the sadist.

Fault was actually quite an impressive episode. No where even close to the NBC promos, of course. Good thing I first saw CTV's version.

Best line definitely belongs to Warner (referring to unStabler): "All that brooding intensity just becomes annoying after a while."

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Apr 8, 2006, 2:17am

A commentary on the LDP SVU episode "Fault" can be found here: http://www.tvsquad.com/category/law-and-order/:

Law & Order: SVU - Fault
Posted Apr 5th 2006 9:59AM by Anna Johns
Filed under: Drama, NBC, OpEd, Law & Order

Well, it was pretty obvious to me where the writers got the idea for this episode. Last summer, a pedophile killed the oldest members of an Idaho family and took the two youngest kids. Just like on SVU, the dead parents were involved in drugs and the biological father of the youngest children was not in the picture. I found tonight's episode incredibly disturbing simply because that real story was so upsetting.

And this news is posted in the same link:

Jerry Lewis is latest guest star on SVU
Posted Apr 4th 2006 11:21AM by Anna Johns
Filed under: Drama, NBC, Talent, Law & Order

Add comedian Jerry Lewis to the list of guest stars on Law & Order: SVU. But you'll have to wait until next season to see him.

The 80-year old actor will play the homeless uncle of Detective Munch (Richard Belzer). In the episode, titled 'Uncle', Munch finds his uncle living on the streets and ends up arresting him for homicide.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by dna on May 2, 2006, 7:42am

Yahoo News.com

Actress Caron in rare appearance for "SVU"
By Robert Osborne

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Veteran French actress Leslie Caron is making a rare appearance in front of American cameras this week for an episode of "Law & Order: SVU."

Caron, 74, who begins work in Manhattan on Wednesday, has been stealing the hearts of moviegoers since 1951, when she appeared in "An American in Paris" during the glory days of MGM, and then cemented her star status in such films as "Lili" (1953) and "The L-Shaped Room" (1962), both of which brought her best actress Oscar nominations.

Her other credits include "Gigi" (1958) "Fanny" (1961) and dozens more, all the way to the more recent "Chocolat" in 2000 and "Le Divorce" in 2003.

Besides acting, Caron also runs a restaurant called Le Lucarne aux Chouettes, or the Owl's Nest, in Villeneuve sur Yonne in the Burgundy region of France, about 90 minutes southeast of Paris. The restaurant sits in an idyllic village setting overlooking the River Yonne and is part of a guest hotel she also owns.

Caron's "L&O" episode will be directed by Juan Campanella, whose Argentinean film "Son of the Bride" was nominated for the 2001 Academy Award as best foreign-language film.

In addition to luring Caron to their set, "SVU" executive producer Neal Baer and his team also just finished working with another legendary talent, a much slimmed-down and dramatic Jerry Lewis.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by admin on May 2, 2006, 9:07am

You can start some more threads for this show, its episodes, cast & crew, and any articles and interviews

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on May 3, 2006, 11:12pm

According to Ausiello's "Casting Call article" the changes would involve all 3 L&Os. However, I have not read the first news item or even seen any internet message board discussions about any actor leaving L&O:SVU. The only scenario I can see is for the show to add characters so the other actors can have more time off or they can film more episodes each season.

Has anyone read anything about any actor leaving SVU?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by raeangel319 on Jun 18, 2006, 6:20pm

Quote:

According to Ausiello's "Casting Call article" the changes would involve all 3 L&Os. However, I have not read the first news item or even seen any internet message board discussions about any actor leaving L&O:SVU. The only scenario I can see is for the show to add characters so the other actors can have more time off or they can film more episodes each season.

Has anyone read anything about any actor leaving SVU?

other than the 6 episodes that mariska hargitay is taking off for her maternity leave, and that other actress coming in her place for those episodes?...no. but maybe that is what they're talking about? ...not a permanent change, but enough of a change to be talking about....

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on Jun 23, 2006, 6:34am

On page 57 of TV Guide issue May 15-21, 2006. Irene Rudolph does a Q and A with Neil Baer. Question : Will all the characters be back? Interesting quote : "Yes, we love our cast. They're all coming back."

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on Jun 27, 2006, 11:33pm

Source : TV Guide Online

"Question: Are there any cast changes in store for Law & Order: SVU? � Katherine

Ausiello: Actually, SVU is the one Law & Order show not in upheaval mode. With the exception of Connie Nielsen subbing for Mariska in the fall, there are no major cast changes afoot. "

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on Aug 6, 2006, 11:11pm

According to my interactive TV Guide : Mariska Hargitay will be on the Tonight Show but she is not listed on the NBC website. I guess I will tape just in case. Of course, Jay can be so silly that it is hard to watch his interviews just to see if the stars will reveal anything about their projects.

I wish some of the L&O people would do Charlie Rose like Keifer Sutherland and the 24 people have done every season. For some reason I can listen to a Charlie Rose interview for an hour better than I can listen to interviews on Jay Leno, The View, or other silly talk shows for five minutes.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Aug 6, 2006, 11:31pm

Quote:

According to my interactive TV Guide : Mariska Hargitay will be on the Tonight Show but she is not listed on the NBC website.

http://nbcumv.com/entertainment/release_....ngsfor039t.html
LISTINGS FOR 'THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO'
Wednesday, August 9: Guests include actress Mariska Hargitay

http://www.nbc.com/nbc/header/TV_Schedule/
Wednesday, August 9
11:34 PM The Tonight Show With Jay Leno - MARISKA HARGITAY

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on Aug 7, 2006, 4:49am

Thank you, well it looks like she is definitely scheduled for an inteview with Jay Leno this week.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on Aug 14, 2006, 7:09am

She was not on the show Wednesday night but I did get to see that NBC has new promos for August 22 advertising the move of L&O:CI to Tuesdays with SVU for the fall starting on August 22.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by psyke on Aug 17, 2006, 9:18am

Oh SVU I say A.D.A Casey Novak is my Fav character along with Olivia Benson though!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Aug 18, 2006, 3:41pm

Quote:

She was not on the show Wednesday night...

She wasn't on due to her father being ill

Baby Talk with Mariska Hargitay

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by spaniard on Aug 18, 2006, 5:57pm

I hate when the show takes ideas from the real life because that reminds me that real life can be much worse than any fiction you can think of.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Sept 19, 2006, 1:15am

Condolences to Ms. Hargitay on the passing of her father.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by patcat on Sept 19, 2006, 8:32am

I've read some articles that suggest he was a terrific guy--his daughter is certainly a credit to him.

Patcat

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by cassie on Sept 19, 2006, 9:43pm

Over the weekend we saw the bibography of Jayne Mansfield, mother of Mariska and ex-wife of Mickey Hargitay. They said Mr Hargitay, was from the old school, a family man. Family always came first. When he talked about his ex-wife, you could tell he still loved her, and that he was a kind man.

Mariska looks alot like her mother. Beautiful

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by untitled on Nov 2, 2006, 1:44pm

Quote:

Mariska looks alot like her mother. Beautiful

- She does, though some people dont see the resemblince. Honestly I think she's even more beautiful than her mother.

In the Nov. 21 epi, Olivia is going to comfort Bob Saget. I wonder if he'll act in the episode.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Nov 28, 2006, 1:20am

For Mariska Hargitay fans:
http://www.nbc.com/Jump/index.shtml

LIVE BLOG NOVEMBER 28th
Mariska Hargitay returns Tuesday, Nov. 28th. Join her LIVE BLOG after the east coast airing!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by sirenna on Nov 28, 2006, 1:39am

Sounds interesting

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by sirenna on Dec 29, 2006, 9:28pm

tonight's rerun was great. It totally changed my ideas on organ donorship. I think it might not be a bad idea to allow legal sale or donorship of human organs in a consentual (if such a thing exists) environment. As the show pointed out we voluntarily give other parts of ourselves; sperm, eggs, blood, hair etc.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Dec 30, 2006, 12:48am

I didn't see this episode, but I would make a distinction between donorship and sale of human organs.

I am in favor of organ donation, and I believe there should be a level playing field based on need and urgency and not who has the money to pay for them. Medical decisions about need are best left up to medical personnel, with monitoring and screening mechanisms in place to insure confidentiality and safety for donor and recipient.

The idea of selling human organs is problematic for me. Wasn't there a news story recently about the sale and purchase of a kidney on an online site like eBay? The notion of selling human organs to the highest bidder raises all sorts of legal and moral questions, and carries with it the unpleasant connotation of trafficking in human flesh. It's not quite on the level of slavery, but the shadowy cyber world of the Internet makes the organ selling "business" even more susceptible to abuse.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by techguy on Jan 17, 2007, 2:42pm

Chris Meloni is a scheduled guest on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on Friday January 26.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by jefferaldo on Jan 31, 2007, 4:59am

Adam Beach (recently guest starred as Brooklyn SVU Det. Chester Lake) is joining the cast next season

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by ragincajun on Feb 14, 2007, 5:56pm

I feel so so about last night episode. I think if Stablers wife takes him back she is crazy, I don't see how he has changed any. He is still violent, still having communication problems. Still dedicated to his job.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by nikkigreen on Feb 18, 2007, 2:19am

I wonder how Det. Lake will fit in? Caught tonight's NBC airing of the episode prior to CI. Didn't care for it any more the second time around. :-X

He better not be replacing Munch!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by donna on Feb 18, 2007, 10:53am

Is he replacing Ice-T's character? Heard he was leaving the show. Anyone know for sure?

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by ragincajun on Feb 18, 2007, 11:34am

Been seeing previews for CI and SVU, really upset that, CI previews are so much shorter than SVU's. I hope no one is leaving SVU. But bringing someone else in, will just cut Munch and Fin more than they already are.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by ragincajun on Feb 21, 2007, 3:04pm

Wow, now Oliva finds a brother, who could be a rapist, is she jealous that Bobby, found his brother. just kidding.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by untitled on Feb 28, 2007, 3:02pm

I was betting she was going to find her father.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by ragincajun on Feb 28, 2007, 3:27pm

I was hoping he would be innocent. Also was hoping dad was alive.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by untitled on Mar 6, 2007, 10:55pm

Quote:

I was hoping he would be innocent.

Not me. LOL.

Quote:

Also was hoping dad was alive.

- Me too, I think they could have done some interesting things with that.

Did anyone notice that the picture that Marsden shows Liv of him and their father looks way too new? Like it was just taken last week.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by ragincajun on Mar 7, 2007, 11:43am

Yeah sure the prop guys could have aged the photo, and not what I would have thought he would have looked liked.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by untitled on Mar 9, 2007, 2:55pm

Quote:

Yeah sure the prop guys could have aged the photo, and not what I would have thought he would have looked liked.

- Me too, It looks like they just picked some random guy off the street. I'd bet he's one of the crew.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by filmnoir5 on Mar 9, 2007, 10:31pm

They have just filmed their season finale episode. Now SVU can start filming episodes for season 9 just like it always does each year. I like SVU but I wish CI were renewed at the same time.

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by ragincajun on Sept 6, 2007, 1:35pm

bloopers Just a few bloopers

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by deathroe on Nov 10, 2007, 10:34pm

spoilers for tonight
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Did I really just see that? I mean, my glasses are broken, but did someone just send Olivia a bomb in a pizza box?! That sort of leaves special lotion in the dust, doesn't it? :-/

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by maherjunkie on Nov 11, 2007, 12:24pm

I know this is going back a bit but I thought the one where Martin Short plays a psychic/killer/virgin lover was incredible. It's always the comedian that surprises ya!

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by deathroe on Nov 11, 2007, 4:08pm

That was a good one, even if it did creep me out massively plus I feel like I've seen it about fifty times ...

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by donna on Nov 12, 2007, 10:26am

Quote:

That was a good one, even if it did creep me out massively plus I feel like I've seen it about fifty times ...

You have seen it fifty times.

It's always replayed. That & the one where Olivia is on the cell phone with the abducted girl, trying to keep her on until they can track where she is. That's on about once a week. :-/

Re: Law and Order: SVU
Post by deathroe on Nov 12, 2007, 4:10pm

And the one with the carousel and the anthrax and the three little girls who ran away from Hurricane Katrina ...

One of these days, I am going to write a giant amalgam SVU parody episode. After I finish Endgame: The Musical, that is.