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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate Fan Guide, October 21, 2001
This review is from: Law & Order: The Unofficial Companion -- Updated and Expanded (Paperback)
I am, without a doubt, THE BIGGEST "Law & Order" fan. I've seen every episode at least three times and I can tell you about all the actors and characters. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the show until I was given this book for a birthday gift. That's when I REALLY started learning about my favorite television show. Aside from the actor/character profiles, pictures, and run-down of all the villians, there's also the ever helpful episode guide that gives you a rundown of every episode ever aired! What more could you possibly ask for? Well, how about all the juicy gossip that went on behind the scenes. All the backstabbing, fighting, and quarrelling amoung the stars and the show's producers/writers are aired out for everyone to read. There's also some really nice cast/actor pictures for your enjoyment. I took deep interest in the Chris Noth pictures (he's such a doll!). I totally recommend this book if, like me, you're a fan and you want to know EVERYTHING about the show. This book is a must-have for the ultimate "Law & Order" fan! Gennie Bailey-Rogers
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45 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great reading for Law & Order fans and pure trivia hounds, October 15, 2001
This review is from: Law & Order: The Unofficial Companion -- Updated and Expanded (Paperback)
Most companions to hit television shows tend to be little more than dry reprintings of studio press releases. Luckily, this book, dealing with the second greatest crime show on TV (right after Homicide reruns), is a wonderful exception. Along with the expected episode guides, Law & Order: The Unofficial Companion is an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how a great television show was produced and somehow managed to thrive even as things occasionally got a little weird once the cameras were turned off. For a show that has managed to maintain the same basic formula for a decade, Law & Order has had a tumultous history marked by an almost constantly revolving cast and production crew. Rather than whitewashing, this book goes into the details about what led to such controversial departures of beloved performers like Chris Noth, Richard Brooks, Jill Hennessy, and especially Michael Moriarty. Moriarty's infamous personal demons are explored with an evenhanded honesty and, despite the opinions of some of his former castmates (Noth comes to mind), he emerges as the show's secret hero -- the man who sacrificed a good career for his own beliefs. (Of course, I happened to agree with a lot of his beliefs so I can't claim to be completely unbiased in my opinion.) Also of interest were the criticisms offered by current cast members like S. Epatha Merkerson who is very outspoken about her own feelings about the way the show has portrayed her and other African-Americans. Jill Hennessy comes across as the little sister we all wished we had, Chris Noth as the rebellious smart alek that we all secretly wished we could be, and George Dzundnza as the co-worker we all dread. Its indeed rare that a "tv companion" leaves us feeling as if we've actually met and gotten to know the men and women who made our favorite shows possible and Law & Order does that. As a fan, I was disappointed to learn of the lingering bitterness that several actors seem to hold towards the show but it still made for a wonderfully honest read. On the whole, the people behind Law & Order come across as a rather outspoken, independent group and its easy to see how those combative personalities have helped keep the show consistenly enthralling even while occasionally straight-jacketed by an unchangeable style. If you want to see what makes a great show great, this is the book to read. Also, I have to commend the episode guide. Along with the expected cast lists and plot summaries, the authors take a refreshingly, no-holds barred approach with their criticisms -- even while praising the show, they're willing to point out where they feel mistakes were made and, in true fan fashion, their negative comments are far more honest and pointed than what you'd get from someone who hated the show to begin with. I didn't agree with all of their opinions but they were still wonderful to read and consider. True, the current edition of the book does not contain details for the past few seasons but, with Law & Order in continual reruns on apparently every cable station in America, that's not as much of a problem here as with other shows.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Valuable, interesting information, well researched, but . ., September 10, 2001
This review is from: Law & Order: The Unofficial Companion -- Updated and Expanded (Paperback)
Fans of Law and Order will find this book a valuable guide; the episode section of this book is great, listing the main stars, guest stars, crew, and production staff for each show. The narrative about the concept of the show -- how it came into being, who did what, etc. -- is lacking, however. The authors have chosen a thematic approach, short chapters on the main stars, guest stars, the executive producers, the theme song. The chapters are far too short. The interviews with cast are good, but the narrative holding it all together is kind of dull.
You'll find some great revelations in this book, especially about how the cast members, past and present, think about each other, but really you'll flip past most of that stuff to get to the episode guide. The book is now sorely out of date, missing more than two seasons of new episodes. I suggest you wait for an update.
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