First Day

Watching the first episode of SVU was definitely a different experience for me. I began watching the show well into it's first season and I agree with many of you that the shows content progressed drastically. What I appreciated the least about the first episode is how heavily it relied on the stereotypes and gender roles created and designated by society. Perhaps, the creators of the show felt this would be the quickest way to win and solidify an audience for the show. Unfortunately, U.S. society still maintains societal norms to the disadvantage of many U.S. citizens and residents.

One norm that the show definitely perpetuates is that of assumed heterosexuality and what the consequences are for those who challenge that norm. When detective Stabler, a heterosexual male, replies to the "Disco Queens" (a transgender male) sexual advances he states: "oh, I'd hurt you." The threat of violence in this instance was realistic I believe, yet unnecessary. T.V. shows have a lot of influence in our society and they should take great care to not play off of society's prejudices against those who are "different" from "everyone else." Even when playing to societal norms the show does a great disservice. Such as Olivia as the single, dedicated detective. Unlike Stabler who is both a detective and family man, Olivia has chosen her profession over motherhood thereby forfeiting, by society's standards, her ability to have a family as well.

Even with its faults I could still point out one of the shows attempt at social commentary. Like when Munch states: "What are you sheep? Will you believe anything?" Unfortunately, for the average viewer such an effort I feel would be lost amongst the gritty content and faced paced story line. Even in its first episode SVU has the makings of a sufficient vehicle for the social analysis of issues regarding sex crimes. Too bad it is television and even the best shows with the best intentions have one goal in the end, to stay on air. - Jennifer