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« Law & Order: SVU
Episode Recap: "Snitch"
I have more news on the Richard Belzer front. I spoke with the actor himself this week and he is very grateful that you guys all miss Detective Munch and it turns out we weren't imagining things: Belzer’s contract this year was reduced from 22 episodes to a measly 13.
No word on why this happened. Belzer is as mystified as we are but the 63 year old's character was pretty much replaced by 35 year old Adam Beach this season. Nobody is saying its ageism and maybe I am just as conspiracy minded as Detective Munch but you do the math and tell me what you think.
Executive Producer Neal Baer would not comment further. Although he told me last week Munch wasn't going anywhere, they have sure found screen time for Adam. I think every episode this season.
Personally Munch is one of my favorite characters. He is funny, cynical and real. If you want to see more Munch let your voice be heard. Write to NBC or send a letter to TV Guide Magazine and let the show’s producers know how you feel. You can also log onto NBC.com and vote for him in the People's Choice Awards. He's nominated for "Favorite Scene Stealer".
At least he made an appearance in this one...however briefly.
As for the rest of this week’s episode…the guest star was Method Man (born Clifford Smith). The rapper previously had a recurring role on Christopher Meloni's HBO series OZ. Wonder if Chris ever jokes around with his former co-stars now that he's the good guy and not the sadist, rapist, white supremist they all knew and most likely didn't love. Maybe not.
Great look on Olivia's face when she realized Elliot had dated his "friend" at immigration during his separation from Kathy That's what is known in medical circles as "stink eye". She didn't even try to cover it. I don't think she wants Elliot for herself but I think she is disappointed with how much her partner has kept from her. Probably not too impressed with how much he got around during that time either. Interesting how she was offended by the polygamy and Stabler was more sympathetic. Although I suppose not too surprising.
Former ER regular Gloria Reuben was back last night...I seem to recall last time she was on the show she was a former drug addicted mother whose daughter was abducted...nice to see she got her life together and is now a high powered lawyer....What was that? She was playing a DIFFERENT character? Are you sure? I've never known Law & Order to recycle stars like that. Next thing you know you'll be trying to convince me that Diane Neal played a murderer before she became an ADA and that is obviously outrageous.
When the husband said "I wanted to be a Hero, but I'm not", I immediately flashed to another NBC show. I think I've been watching too much TV.
The twist at the end was unexpected. I didn't suspect Sarah as the killer. Apparently one other wife was ok but a second one was out of the question. Kind of a coincidence that her husband was about to testify against a violent gang leader though. And do people on trial really jump up and threaten the lives of witnesses as much as they do on television? Because I have to tell you that seems like a pretty bad idea for a strong defense.
Overall I was a bit bored by this one. They did an earlier and better show on female circumcision and they've covered ineffective witness protection many, many times. Remember to heed Gloria's advice here. If you are going to witness a crime make sure its federal since their program is much better.
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TVGuide Links:
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Dec 5, 2007 2:04 AM
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I have to say, I've been a little bored by SVU this whole season. Maybe it was the knowledge of the impending strike, but the writing does not seem up to par to me. I've been really busy, and while this used to be appointment TV, I'm not been upset if I've missed it lately. It also may be that I'm nostalgic for the old SVU. Everyone seemed edgier, Munch was around more, we had Stephanie March and not Diane Neal (who I thought was horrible as a murderer, so I can't believe they asked her back to be the permanent ADA!)
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Dec 5, 2007 2:36 AM
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I have to agree with you, that I was also bored with this episode. Mainly because, I was actually preoccupied in doing some other work and still trying to figure out about Elliot's eyesight. I know I sound like a broken record , but Im still puzzled about that issue. Elliot's blindess reminds me of Abe on Days of our lives.
Anyway thanks for the info about Ricard Belzer. I also like him as Detective Munch, he cracks me up. And I think its ageism.
Also thanks for reminding me about Gloria Rueben's previous stint on SVU. I totally forgot that she was on the show looking for her daughter.
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Dec 5, 2007 4:15 AM
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This was definately the most "traditional" SVU this season. Lots of Stabler/Benson, witness with a shady past, everyone fleeing the cops (??), moral at the end...yeah.
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Dec 5, 2007 6:56 AM
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The big squeeze play is on so that they can save a few bucks by hiring Mr. Beach probably at a lot less $$$$$$$$. Richard Belzer is a television icon, don't screw him Dick Wolf.
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Dec 5, 2007 7:53 AM
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As I was heading over here to check out the recap I thought "this was a pretty boring episode. Come to think of it, the entire season has been bland." I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that ya'll were saying the same thing! I do hope things pick up post writers strike.
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Dec 5, 2007 8:11 AM
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Too many issues in this episode. First the debate over female circumcision. That turned out to be a red herring.
Then there is the issue regarding snitching. And then finally we get to the polygamy. Say what? The lawyer woman who was the American citizen fell in love with and married a man who already had a wife? Too wierd.
Oh, and then there was the rapper-playing-hardcore-gangster angle to this episode. Seems like the writers just took a few pages out of some old scripts, put them in a blender, and poured it into this mess. WGA, you are not entitled to more money if you keep churning out crap like this.
Loved the look on Liv's face at the ICE office when she realized there was more than friendship going on between El and this woman. That alone is worth an Emmy.
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Dec 5, 2007 8:19 AM
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I actually liked this episode. It kept me guessing...I also didn't figure the other wife as the murderer.
But I'm with everyone else as far as Munch! Bring back Munch. I don't mind the Adam Beach character, but keep him as a recurring role and bring back Munch!
Anyone have the addresses for tvguide magazine and NBC? I for one, will be writing a letter! And I hope tvguide.com shares the polling results with NBC as well!
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Dec 5, 2007 8:31 AM
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lol, Traci- I was wondering why Gloria Reuben looked familiar. I guess we should watch all the guest stars, since they all might eventually turn up in the DA's office.
My problem with the episode was that I just think that the counsel tables wouldn't flip like that when a defendant got mad; nitpicky, I know, but surely they're attached to the floor to avoid that very scenario?
Anyway, I sort of had suspicions about Sarah all along, just because that actress always seems a little shady.
Wow, I love how we're seeing just how much Elliott got around while he was separated from Kathy. I mean, I'd get in line, but still! 
Overall, the episode was a bit boring, but since I was trying to work on something while it was on, I'm glad I didn't have to give it my 100% attention.
Oh, and Team Munch!!! 
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Dec 5, 2007 9:28 AM
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I agree with all that SVU has not been as good this season. I DVR it and it used to be the first thing I watched, now sometimes I don't get around to it until the weekend. I don't think it's ageism that's keeping Munch to a minimum, but the money issue. Wolf must have made some kind of deal in order to keep the other two in production. No offense to Beach, but he's nowhere near as engaging as Munch and I really feel it has hurt the show. On a side note, is the actress who plays the ADA pregnant in real life? Her appearance this year is noticibly different from prior seasons. Just wondering.
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Dec 5, 2007 10:00 AM
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I actually didn't mind last night's episode (Am I the only one?)
I like when they get twisty turny and the bad guy ends up a total surprise. Fin and Beech were funny at that guy's shirt stand, Yea I got nowhere to be right now. I love Fin. I love Munch too! I hope NBC pays attention to us and keeps Munch around. The guy is an icon.. so his character!
Olivia's evil eye that Elliot got was awesome.. I started laughing as soon as she looked at him... Elliot got a round!!
I really felt bad for Chuckwei (Sp) He tried to help the poor girl from dying in Nigeria only to have the lawyer who brought her over to kill her.
I loved at the end when he stood up for himself and testified.
It wasn't the best SVU i have seen, but it definetely wasn't the worst!!
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Dec 5, 2007 11:49 AM
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Well, add me to Team Munch!! He was never my favorite, but damn, I miss his spook stories! LOL! Adam Beach does NOTHING for me. He's a worse actor than Ice-T (and I love Ice but his acting skills aren't exactly great). Bump Det. Lake to recurring and bring back Munch. This is ridic!
Yesterday's ep was OK. Not great but not bad either. I did laugh a few times, mainly w/ Liv's face! LOL!! OMG -- that was priceless!!! And Gloria Reuben looked good!!! But yes, go ahead & witness a federal crime. Maybe you'll meet up with Alex wherever she is! LOL!!
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Dec 5, 2007 12:02 PM
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We want Munch!!!
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Dec 5, 2007 3:04 PM
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Unfortunately I thought this episode was a little boring since I thought as soon as I saw the blond wife that there was something up with her. Granted I wasn't positive that she did the killing, but I thought she was involved in something shady. When it came out that she killed the other wife, I kind of just chuckled and said, "see I thought so."
Oh well, hopefully it will get better not worse. Here's to hoping!!!
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Dec 5, 2007 4:07 PM
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Although I love Richard Belzer and his "Det. Munch," Adam Beach is something not seen on TV - a Native American that isn't portrayed as the reservation-living, wise man caricature often portrayed in entertainment.
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Dec 6, 2007 9:37 AM
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Hi Fellow SVU Fans,
I just wanted to let you guys know I resigned from the blog last week. The bosses at TV Guide want me to take on fewer responsibilities so I had to let it go.
Thanks for all your support. I am sure the great web guys are looking for a suitable replacement as we speak.
Cheers
Thank you for the information on Richard Belzer's episodes being cut. I was very irritated over the situation, since I really miss seeing Sgt. Munch and want him back on the show ASAP. On ALL the episodes.
I'm starting a letter campaign, encouraging all Belzer (John Munch) fans to write in and voice their wish for him to be included in every episode.
Please send your letters to:
Wolf & Baer
SVU
Chelsey Piers
Pier 62/Suite 305
New York, NY 10011
To further show Belz how much we miss him on the show, please e-mail a copy of your letter to his manager:
Eric Gardner
Panacea Entertainment
Juno@panacea-ent.com
Many thanks for taking the time to write! Let's bring Belz back to SVU!
If you want to write to the magazine re: Richard Belzer or anything else for that matter.
TV Guide
Radnor, PA
19088
or
letters@tvguide.com
Include your name address and phone number.
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