Law & Order is smarter than has been produced elsewhere.

As a final example of the clear differences between this and many other criminal and legal dramas and the standout nature of Law and Order, both the police and the District Attorney's office are shaded slightly differently to how drama tends to present both offices of state. In Law & Order, the police are often anything but impartial, with many of the detectives being entirely prejudiced as soon as their investigation begins, typically due to the sensitive nature of many of the crimes such as the bombing of an abortion clinic. As complex as the police investigation is, it is often the necessary balance between demonstrating that justice has been served on behalf of the victim and that punishment has been handed down to the suspect that ensures Law & Order is a crime drama considerably smarter than has been produced elsewhere in recent years. As well written as Law & Order is, and it is very well written, the show is made by the performances of the leading actors. From Season One reviewed here to the latest series being shown on Five in the UK and NBC in the US, Law & Order has ensured that only six main actors are used, replaced as they leave from season to season - three in the police, three in the District Attorney's office.
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