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Is Munch SVU's Newest Victim?
Richard Belzer by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com
Hey there, and welcome to Beam Me Up, my blog about... whatever happens to be obsessing (or irking) me at the moment. Today's topic: the apparent phasing out of the inimitable Richard Belzer as the conspiracy-theory-spouting, comic-relief-providing Sergeant John Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Let me start off by saying that I love all things Law & Order — I've watched all three series since their inceptions (I'm ignoring the whole Trial by Jury fiasco, 'cause its five minutes on the air were regrettably forgettable). SVU has been the franchise's powerhouse in recent years — and, let's be honest, the most consistently entertaining L&O to boot.
Part of what makes it so darn good is the fascinating, complex variety of personalities that comprise the cast. Which brings me to the topic at hand. Has anyone else noticed a distressing lack of Munchitude this season? He did have that brief story arc in the very first epi, when he temporarily took over for Captain Cragen.... But according to an inside source over at SVU, Munch's appearances have been cut from 22 episodes last season to a mere 13 this year. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying me some Adam Beach — I mean, he's certainly handsome, and let's not forget young. But what gives — is Fin now officially paired off with him? And where exactly has everyone's favorite curmudgeon been?
Granted, Detective Lake qualifies more as eye candy. But Munch is one of those fan favorites whose appeal just can't be denied. In fact, Belzer is up for a "Favorite Scene Stealing Star" People's Choice Award this year. And Munch isn't just a compelling character: He's a TV institution. Detective John Munch first appeared in Homicide: Life on the Streets, one of the grittiest, most gripping crime shows ever to air, back in 1993. After Homicide ended in '99, he was "transferred" from Baltimore up to New York and joined the cast of SVU. What's more, Richard Belzer as Detective Munch has also guested on oodles of other series (8 and counting, to be precise), including The Simpsons, Arrested Development, The X-Files and, most recently, The Wire.
The point is: Munch is not an expendable character. While the producers have clearly been tweaking the formula over at SVU as of late, what with the emphasis on the lead characters' personal lives rather than the criminal cases, hopefully replacing Munch with Lake is not part of the plan. Because that really would be a crime.
Am I right here or what, people? And to the folks over at SVU: We want our Munch!
UPDATE I just got off the phone with Richard Belzer, who had this to say: "I'm mystified by the cutback and incredibly flattered by the reaction of the fans. People are saying, 'Where are you? You weren't on last week.' It's happening a lot. New York is dense with people, so when I walk down the street, it's a lot of fun, because people come over to me and stop me. It's very heart-warming, actually." When I asked him why he thinks this is happening, he said, "I don't know. I honestly don't know."
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Dec 4, 2007 1:45 PM
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I AGREE! I just don't see the reason for replacing Munch with Lake except to lure in the younger audience. Seems like the shows don't care about longtime viewers. If you're not one of the 18-49 crowd, forget it! Shame
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Dec 4, 2007 2:01 PM
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Hey, I'm a Munch fan! Don't care much for Lake. More Munch! More Fin!
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Dec 4, 2007 2:07 PM
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I've loved the character of Munch since his "Homicide" days and they better not be phasing him out. What about exploring more of his personal life? I loved the SVU episode where his crazy uncle was on the show. And there's got to be a lot of material with all of his ex-wives.
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Dec 4, 2007 2:12 PM
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I'm missing Munch too this season. Some of the things he says are funny and he and Finn made a good team.
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Dec 4, 2007 2:19 PM
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It would be nice to see Munch...
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Dec 4, 2007 2:25 PM
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I too feel Munchless this season. I have followed him from Homicide and have loved him in all things Munch. Belzer is a great actor with great timing. He can do drama and comedy. Please more Munch and Fin.
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Dec 4, 2007 2:28 PM
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As far as I'm concerned they can transfer Det. Lake to the other side of the world and I wouldn't miss him eye candy or not. I DO, however, miss Munch. Dick Wolf, are you listening?
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Dec 4, 2007 2:36 PM
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Is he going to be (cameoing, I assume) on The Wire during the upcoming fifth season or did I miss him appear on it in a previous season?
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Dec 4, 2007 2:38 PM
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I, too, have been a fan of Munch since our days in Baltimore - he on "Homicide: Life on the Streets" and me in my little 9-5 job...it's been fun to follow him to his new digs in New York and I miss seeing him regularly on "SVU" - I really hope he's just cutting back and not cutting out entirely.
I don't think Adam Beach is a bad addition to the show but I don't like the way he delivers his lines...the way he speaks is unusual - kind of flat and monotone at times. I much prefer Munch's acerbic tone...more Munch and Fin - they belong together!!!
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Dec 4, 2007 2:44 PM
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I totally agree with your analysis. Munch is awesome and brings some humor, albeit sarcastic usually, to an often dark and despressing show in terms of the storylines. SVU is my fave of the L&O series (although Conviction was a fave too) and getting rid of Munch to add a hot young guy is just dumb. I am 29 and suppossedly in the 18-34 demo but guess what--I will always love me some Chris Meloni, not the new guy. And just an FYI, I was watching Homicide when it came on in 1993 and remember Munch from my high school and college days so to take him off the show is just an insult really since he is kinda like an institution in the landscape of TV history, at least to me anyways. Maybe we should start a save Munch petition!? lol. Oh and love the new blog--very well done.
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Dec 4, 2007 2:46 PM
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I am 22 so in that key demo they love, and I want more Munch. Detective lake does nothing for me.
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Dec 4, 2007 2:47 PM
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hey brian 73107 -- yup, Richard Belzer already shot an episode of The Wire that will be coming up in Season 5 ...
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Dec 4, 2007 2:49 PM
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Munch Rules:
Dr. Audrey Jackson: We still have 45 minutes.
John Munch: Well, I could give you a complete detailed account of my sex life... but what are we going to do with the other 44 minutes?
And rules again:
John Munch: I was never much into sports. My high school basketball coach said I looked like a retarded gazelle with a spastic disorder. Mr. Daley. Real loving guy.
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Dec 4, 2007 2:54 PM
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I love Munch and I am squarely in the 18-49 demo. I agree he is being under used this season. I have always liked the way he contrasts with Fin. I don't see as much of a contrast with Lake. I think Lake could be an interesting character, too, but not at the expense of Munch or Fin for that matter.
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Dec 4, 2007 3:02 PM
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