The long running drama series might trade in human depravity but by focusing on victims and delivering them justice it delivers hope and comfort too
In the first ever episode of Law and Order Special Victims Unit SVU which aired in September 1999 two detectives from the New York Police Departments 16th precincts sex crimes division are called to what appears to be a run of the mill murder. That is until a uniform cop reveals the victim has had his genitals sliced off.What unfolds is a complicated surprising and nuanced story about revenge trauma and war crimes. Its a fitting start to a series that, in its 23 seasons has sought to explore every shade of grey in the reporting, investigating and prosecution of sex crimes in New York City.
In the shows famous opening monologue, a monotonous voice announces that in the criminal justice system sexually based offences are considered especially heinous. But heinous does not go far enough to describe the crimes the show interrogates child molestation rape domestic violence and sex trafficking are stalwart subjects. Its interesting in a post MeToo world where calls to defund the police are still echoing across America that a pro-police procedural about sexual violence is not only still on our screens its the longest-running American prime time live action series in the history of television. There are currently 516 episodes or more than 352 viewing hours available to watch making it perfectly bingeable. And its not done yet its 24th season will premiere in late September.
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