SVU: Law & Disorder at NBC

Fox news announced that NBC is stonewalling negotiations with Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay for compensation for their star power. This seems like “Friends” revisited with NBC. It is a wonder that there is even the slightest second thought about the stars of a program that controls it timeslot week after week.

We saw this stupidity with the cast of friends. The cast vowed unity and stuck it out. Remember “Everyone Loves Raymond’? The CBS network loved Raymond too much and almost lost cast that made the show. It is a corporate mentality that prevails throughout the business world. Once a member of corporate America myself, I recall two slogans, “Do it for the company” and “Remember who helped get you there.” The honesty behind them is as unreal as the character’s in a television sit-com.

The one way mentality of the business world.

All businesses seem to thrive on the “you need me more than I need you” way of thinking. In business, they never forget what you did. They just know they do not need you now. NBC knows the Hargitay and Meloni are ingrained in the viewer’s consciousness as Michael Richards still is as Kramer from Seinfeld. How many people know that Hargitay was in several failed series before? How many realize that Meloni starred it some real Z grade movies before coming to the L&O franchise? After 8 years of being the team of Benson and Stabler, they will always be remember as the partners in SVU. It is a special show and they have special chemistry between them. NBC is knows how many attempts it took Julia Louis-Dreyfus before she met modest success after Seinfeld. Also, keep in mind the lack of success after “Friends” most of that cast has met. NBC suits are banking that Hargitay and Meloni are aware of that too.

What about the viewer?

How I found out about the SVU situation is almost comical. I have this friend, who maybe watches two TV programs a week. SVU is one. This woman emailed me very upset at this dilemma. Her world won’t end, but something she enjoyed very much may be taken from her for a very stupid reason drawn from greed and stupidity. I went to one of my information gathering forums and discussion groups about this revelation were popping up like bells on a slot machine. The war in Iraq was no longer the leader on the discussion board. NBC and Dick Wolf were being smeared like statues with pigeon droppings in New York City. All I could think this is New Year’s Day and all anyone is concerned about is some one hour program.

Wake up call for NBC

This program has hit a cord with the American audiences. I don’t know and don’t care what the Nielsen ratings are saying to you, but this isn’t the show “Cop Rock” that lasted one or two episodes. This show touches people. (I find that ironic since the concept of the show is about people touching people the wrong way.) Maybe regular Law & Order will do an episode based on this story ripped from the headlines. If they do not Saturday Night Live just may.

What can be done?

Actually, people have gotten the ball rolling. Forums have sprung up. Websites have begun to display outrage. I read a joke which centers on the knowledge that many of the performers who have regularly role in a CSI or Law & Order program appeared in the other franchise at one time. For instance Alana Del Garza, who is the current ADA in regular L&O had a reoccurring role is CSI: Miami. The joke goes next season we may have a SVU: CSI L.A. show with Hargitay and Meloni. Judging for the fallout on the net and other media this is an important show for many. Let NBC know you care, don’t just sit there except if it is Tuesday, 10 pm est.