By User:Kristenmollica @timeAndDate(1276101065)
"In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories." Now insert the 'clang' noise here. ''Law and Order'' was the longest running crime-drama series, not to mention one of the longest television series ever. A tear was most definitely shed when the show ended its 20th season this past May.
The Original Is the Best
What makes ''Law and Order'' such a great show is that every episode starts fresh and new. You don't have to deal with all that unnecessary drama between the main characters. Of course there is drama between the victims and killers and rapists and all the other bad guys. But I know I won't be seeing them again next episode. The format is simple: the first half of the episode is about the detectives investigating a crime (usually a murder) and the second half deals with the trial (from the District Attorney's point of view). What makes this show so intriguing? The plot twists and the verdicts of course! A friend of mine thought the person was always found guiltyoh how wrong she was.
Over the past 20 years there have been ''a lot'' of different actors who have worn the badge or prosecuted in court. Two of the longest lasting characters, and my two personal favorites, were Detective Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Assisant D.A. Jack McCoy (Sam Waterson). No one could make quite a closing argument like Jack. Notable Junior Detectives were Mike Logan (Chris Noth), Rey Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) and Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin). The Assistants to the D.A. were always played by women (excluding the first 3 seasons). Although characters came and went, it was always easy to fall in love with them and stand behind their convictions.
The show often takes their ideas from real life stories and adds embellishments. Because each episode is different, you can start from any season and it's hard to get bored with the show, unless of course crime shows don't tickle your fancy. The show is always upbullying or terrorism.
Spin-Offs
The show has had several spinbased crimes and crimes involving children. Criminal Intent deals with the NYPD's Major Case squad and veers from the traditional format, showing the perspective of both the criminals and the police (make sure to check out our guides on these two shows as well). A new series, ''Law and Order: Los Angeles'' will debut in Fall 2010.
