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Does anyone want a half-assed thread about cop shows and how police are portrayed on TV?
I can't promise it will be a GOOD thread, but it's been something percolating on the back burner for a while.
I can't promise it will be a GOOD thread, but it's been something percolating on the back burner for a while.
Okay, there seems to be interest!
Let's start with reality TV.
Every country has their own version, and for simplicity sake I'll stick to U.S. tv.
You have documentaries like 48 hours, "journalistic" approaches like Dateline, and sensationalism like America's most wanted.
Let's start with reality TV.
Every country has their own version, and for simplicity sake I'll stick to U.S. tv.
You have documentaries like 48 hours, "journalistic" approaches like Dateline, and sensationalism like America's most wanted.
And everyone remembers COPS. "Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?"
Police, the way society views them, are meant to protect law-abiding citizens from those who are "bad people".
But as we've being reminded, bad people also become police.
Police, the way society views them, are meant to protect law-abiding citizens from those who are "bad people".
But as we've being reminded, bad people also become police.
So we turn our attention to the police drama. In nearly every single drama, you will see examples of law enforcement breaking the law in order to seek justice. But it's okay, they're doing it for the right reasons, right?
Let's take a tour of what is current and see.
Let's take a tour of what is current and see.
Let's deal with the non-fantasy, long running series first.
Keep in mind I haven't watched most of these series in years If at all.
Law and Order SVU has been running since 1999, its L&O franchise since 1990. Based off of what I remember, it seemed fairly "good" as a show.
Keep in mind I haven't watched most of these series in years If at all.
Law and Order SVU has been running since 1999, its L&O franchise since 1990. Based off of what I remember, it seemed fairly "good" as a show.
However, a quick Google search reveals shows like this have disproportionate while Male writing staff, not to mention these kinds of dramas are all Dick Wolf knows how to produce.
And once again we have the Good Guys breaking the law in order to catch the Bad Guys.
And once again we have the Good Guys breaking the law in order to catch the Bad Guys.
Other shows of this variety: NCIS, (mostly white leads)
Blue Bloods (need I say more?)
And others I haven't watched or heard of.
Not to mention the ones that no longer air. So many.
All following the same script, more or less.
(A couple links to follow)
Blue Bloods (need I say more?)
And others I haven't watched or heard of.
Not to mention the ones that no longer air. So many.
All following the same script, more or less.
(A couple links to follow)
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/04/entertainment/law--order-column/index.html
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-06-09/dick-wolf-law-and-order-chicago-pd-fbi-color-of-change
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-06-09/dick-wolf-law-and-order-chicago-pd-fbi-color-of-change
Oh, let me focus on Prodigal Son for a moment.
While they are currentl6running a storyline featuring racist police abuse toward one of the ensemble detectives, let's see what the show represents:
We have a rich, white lead, who the police rely on, who does not have to follow ( c)
While they are currentl6running a storyline featuring racist police abuse toward one of the ensemble detectives, let's see what the show represents:
We have a rich, white lead, who the police rely on, who does not have to follow ( c)
Police code, and can skirt the law in order to solve crimes. Who frequently consults his father, an incarcerated serial killer.
So yes, we have diversity. I LOVE Lou Diamond Phillips and the diverse cast.
But we have the same problem as all the rest.
So yes, we have diversity. I LOVE Lou Diamond Phillips and the diverse cast.
But we have the same problem as all the rest.
White Male Savior, with the surrounding cast supporting, guiding, even at times babysitting him.
Plus, while Bright's mental issues make for gripping TV, the show's law enforcement ensemble have shown they will do almost anything to let his behavior pass.
Plus, while Bright's mental issues make for gripping TV, the show's law enforcement ensemble have shown they will do almost anything to let his behavior pass.
I'm going to detour into fantasy/supernatural territory for a moment.
Lucifer.
Manifest.
Even The Flash.
It's easier to excuse bending and/or breaking the law when there are super powered people, mystical events, or monsters on the loose, right?
Lucifer.
Manifest.
Even The Flash.
It's easier to excuse bending and/or breaking the law when there are super powered people, mystical events, or monsters on the loose, right?
Once again, in spite of more diverse supporting/ensemble cast, we have more White Savior Lead aspects.
And I'm coming at this from someone who LOVES watching Lucifer.
But I watch it less for the police drama and more for the characters.
And I'm coming at this from someone who LOVES watching Lucifer.
But I watch it less for the police drama and more for the characters.
Even if I love a show, I can still view it critically.
I mean, look at how SPN fans have dissected its problems over the years.
Critical thinking is good, y'all.
I mean, look at how SPN fans have dissected its problems over the years.
Critical thinking is good, y'all.
Now to switch to comedy.
Brooklyn 99
This is an example of making the problems within the system acceptable through comedy.
Yes, it can throw a light on internal corruption by humorizing, but that same humor also normalizes it.
Look at the criticisms people have about South Park
Brooklyn 99
This is an example of making the problems within the system acceptable through comedy.
Yes, it can throw a light on internal corruption by humorizing, but that same humor also normalizes it.
Look at the criticisms people have about South Park
Once again, people LOVE B99. It has a diverse cast, and like we've seen with Prodigal Son, I fully expect for them to cover BLM and brutality.
But, it is inherently a cop show. And these cops are BAD at their jobs.
But it's okay because it's funny!
Right?
But, it is inherently a cop show. And these cops are BAD at their jobs.
But it's okay because it's funny!
Right?
I haven't watched enough 9-1-1 to know how it handles the police side of the drama. I'm not into the constant slew of disproportionate disaster porn.
I appreciate how it does focus more on the rescue, fire, and paramedics.
So if someone wants to discuss that franchise, feel free.
I appreciate how it does focus more on the rescue, fire, and paramedics.
So if someone wants to discuss that franchise, feel free.
So the topic at hand:
Cops in media have existed since media has existed. Sherlock Holmes solved crimes in book form.
Fantasy genre aside, the way police are portrayed on TV and in movies matters.
Especially after the past year.
Cops in media have existed since media has existed. Sherlock Holmes solved crimes in book form.
Fantasy genre aside, the way police are portrayed on TV and in movies matters.
Especially after the past year.
But until we iron out how police should be portrayed that doesn't fall into the old stereotypes, do we really need yet another cop show featuring White Male Savior who is babysat and taught to be more aware by his colleagues?
Food for thought.
Food for thought.
