Since the devastating Law & Order: Criminal Intent news, I have had two more Law & order related experiences; I saw Jeff Goldblum and the production of part of an SVU episode. I mention it because I find it interesting; so much Law & Order.!

I was crossing eighth avenue at the forty-fifth and eighth intersection in New York City, and as I was about half way across, I noticed Mr. Goldblum. He was coming in the opposite direction, and walked right by me. He was accompanied by another gentleman, whom I didn’t take the time to focus on. At first, I saw him and had some sort of block, I couldn’t put my finger on who this guy was, but it all clicked when I heard his voice –he had said something to the other guy. We both continued on our ways and well, that was that.

Seeing him was a very pleasant surprise, I guess you could say that I was star struck. After all, I do like the guy, just not In L&O:CI. That whole experience came as a rude awakening for me because television—and by that I mean, the kind of television that indulges in celebrities’ personal rather than professional lives—has always depicted celebrities being harassed by the media and followed everywhere they go; and that is something I have gotten used to. So seeing Jeff Goldblum calmly walking the streets of New York City, came as a bit of a shock. Sometimes we forget that these are regular people like the rest of us.

I came to find out about the shooting of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, by way of a notice that the show’s location scouting department (or something along those lines) brought to where I work. It was on a Friday I believe, and the notice said that the following Tuesday SVU’s crew was going to be around from 5:30AM to 10:00PM. So it was no surprise to me to see, as I arrived at work, a group of people redirecting pedestrians and setting up cameras on rails and talking on head sets. What did come as a surprise, however, was the way production took place. I confess, this aspect of a TV show I had never thought about. But in the back of my mind, I guess I saw it as a major film production; lots of famous faces, trailers for the stars, catering tables and maybe extras waiting to be directed. This was not the case. It all turned out to be very targeted and specific; they closed off the number of yards of sidewalk they needed and extended that out toward the street, about a quarter of the way across. Then they put cones out to alert the oncoming traffic, and had pedestrians walk around the sealed area. It was crowded, since it was a sizable crew and there were a number of bystanders watching them work .

It all had a cozy and comfortable feeling to me because it turned out to be just about the opposite of how I think a feature film production is. It wasn’t a media spectacle or something that wanted attention, in any way.

I know, some of you out there are probably saying that there is no need for trailers and catering tables, since this was a quick “on location” shooting that probably did not involve the major stars and that since this isn’t the show’s lot, the crew must make as little a racket as possible. And while that, I agree with, I guess I just wanted to convey that I was excited to see it happen, before my eyes, for the first time.

Technorati Tags: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Jeff Goldblum, show’s location, production, TV show, famous faces, trailers for the stars, “on location” shooting, extras

I would like to talk about the major casting changes on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. I know I’m a late on the topic, but I wanted to wait until all the information was out there. When I first heard the news, I admit, I almost cried; as it is one of my favorite shows. It is the only one of the three I watch. The USA Network says that it wants to lighten up the show’s tone, so they are getting rid of Goren and Eames and they are leaving Nichols and his new partner as the only detectives. I agree that the show was in need of a reboot, much like the righteous reboot that “24” needed and got. But I don’t agree that the way to go about this is by getting rid of the only reason anyone watches this show. Nichols is a good character, he is interesting and he keeps you watching. But he is not going to grow on me because anything he might have to offer, Goren has been giving us. Not to mention, it effectively kills the Sherlock Holmes aspect of the show, although it was diluted by the addition of the second set of detectives in season 5. Additionally, Nichols lacks that which helps us relate to a character and makes us understand a character; which is that dark, lonely, disturbed side that we see in characters like Goren, Gregory House and Jack Bauer. These are characters that reflect us in many ways.

One article I read said that the USA Network wants the show to be along the lines of Monk. While Monk is a good show, the character himself isn’t someone too many people would know, let alone be. It’s just fun to watch. Considering the kind of show that Criminal Intent has been and the kind of universe it forms part of, the Law & Order Universe; making the change they have decided to make, I think will cost them dearly.

Having Goren, Eames & Nichols work together rather than having two sets of detectives is a notion that got a lot of positive feedback. I too, thought it was an interesting way to revitalize the show, because there was the possibility that to some capacity the threesome along with Ross could have that same relationship that Goren, Eames, Carver and Deakins had. One attacks, one plays defense, another one referees and the last one has the final say. Given the kind of guys that Goren and Nichols are, having them collide on screen would be nothing short of powerful. And Ross would be forced to make tough decisions because of his relationship with Nichols and Goren’s analytical persona. As far as Eames, well, she’s the referee, the control group; she’s there to sort of defuse the bomb.

Also, a switch back to the “straight up cop work” that we saw during the first four seasons, would be great. Diving into the characters’ lives was good but it changed the show; and I think that is also what changed Goren. I prefer just revealing small details about the characters because it forces you to use your imagination to create a background for the character. Having them open ended, I find exciting.

Sadly, the decision has been made. As I said before, Goren and Eames are the heart and soul of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. And come the end of that season 9 opener, when Goren fades out, I think I will too.

Technorati Tags: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, USA Network, casting changes, Goren and Eames, reboot, “24”, Sherlock Holmes, relate to a character, understand a character, Gregory House, Jack Bauer, Monk