Accuracy?
You’ve heard the complaints: “Crime drama is so unrealistic” “It’s not that exciting in real life.” “Cops are never that attractive.” Every serious crime drama fan is hit with an onslaught of attacks every once in awhile from an otherwise intelligent, well meaning friend who just doesn’t understand. Here’s the deal: accuracy is not the most important thing for me when I’m sitting down for a new episode of Law and Order. Sure, I want the shows I watch to have a reflection of reality, but if the legal or medical jargon on a how isn’t quite accurate, I am not going to complain. You see, the moment you start to critique the minutia of a good television program is the moment that you lose sight of the bigger picture. There are so many good lessons about ethical growth, interpersonal relationships, and societal development in good crime drama. I think that all good producers and writers should strive for accuracy in a show, but I think viewers should try hard not to lose sight of what the show does give us. Maybe we need a little fantasy in our programs to make them interesting–if that’s the case, I say, bring it on! Because with the inaccuracies that grow from that fantasy also come a more compelling, and arguable more truthful show, especially if the truth that a person is seeking is less about forensic procedure and more about moral and emotional achievement.
August 17th, 2007 at 8:52 am
I agree with you…also, I like to watch these shows for entertainment. You have to suspend your disbelief for an hour and let yourself be entertained.