Dun-dun. If you’re a true fan of “Law & Order: SVU” like I am, you will know what that sound is referring to, and I won’t explain it here, because I only appreciate the true fans. If you’re super curious and feel so inclined, feel free to view the theme song sounds here.
“SVU,” one of my all-time favorite renditions of the “Law & Order” franchise, was recently renewed for its 19th season. The show’s pilot episode aired the year I was born, which was 1999. Although the show began 18 years ago and has been through many changes, particularly in terms of iconic characters leaving but equally excellent ones taking their place, somehow nearly every single episode is entertaining.
Despite the fact that the show focuses on, as it states in its introduction, “sexually-based offenses that are considered especially heinous,” I still love this show because the good guys normally win in the end, and I think we could all sometimes use a show that is predictable. Well, it’s normally predictable, besides that time Detective Stabler (Christopher Meloni) left suddenly without warning. I’m still salty about that one.
While I love the cheesy and rather dated introduction, in which the main characters’ photos individually pop up on the screen against a sepia-tone background with shots of New York City, my favorite part of the show is Ice T.
The rapper turned actor/reality TV star (if you have never heard of his old show, “Ice T Loves Coco,” you need to Google it right now) is a true cinematic gem. Watching him take on a serious role with often ridiculous lines always provides entertainment.
However, his character also plays an integral role in the series and always strives to help people, those from marginalized communities. My friend Izzy echoed the way I feel about Ice T’s character, Fin Tutuola.
“Ice T’s performance in SVU as Detective Tutuola offers a fresh and genuine perspective of an NYC cop. He advocates for social change, as well as women’s rights, which is an unexpected aspect to a traditional cop show. Honestly, he’s just the best. I love Ice T,” she said. “He’s also hilarious.”
His one liners are delivered in the same tone every single time, and I absolutely love it. One of my personal favorites is: “Don’t look at me. I just know stuff.” Why yes you do, Ice T. Why yes you do. Quite frankly, I could write an entire novel about my appreciation for this series, or really, for Ice T. Dick Wolf, you are my spirit animal (no pun intended.) Thank you for creating one of the best TV shows of all time. If anyone disagrees with me, please do not tell me. I just love this show too much if you can’t already tell.
Countless celebrities and cultural icons have also appeared in episodes of “Law and Order: SVU” including Elizabeth Banks, Bradley Cooper, Serena Williams, the incredible Joe Biden and the late Robin Williams.
In the wise words of creator Dick Wolf, “If you’re going to the theater and the actor does not have a ‘Law & Order’ credit on the Playbill, it means he’s just gotten off the bus [to New York], or is really a bad actor.” Truer words have never been spoken!
Image Source: The Daily Beast