Wherefore Art Thou, Law & Order: UK?
American Networks Yet to Pick Up British Adaptation
Sep 8, 2009
It's a simple premise with a resilient, episodic structure that allows for endless permutations of crime and intrigue from week to week. Coupled with its uniformly strong performances through the years, it's this formula that has kept Law & Order – about to enter its twentieth season, which will tie it with Gunsmoke for the longest running drama in US television history – on the air for so long, to say nothing of the multiple spinoff series it has produced.
Why No Law & Order UK on US Airwaves?
Could it be because we're so proud of this successful formula, then, that we're afraid to see someone else get it right? There doesn't seem to be any other explanation for why Law & Order: UK, creator Dick Wolf's latest jump-start of his juggernaut, doesn't seem to be getting a US debut anytime soon. Having premiered in February to excellent ratings on Britain's ITV network, the show – a first for an American series to be adapted for British screens, whereas the reverse has been taking place for years – has been picked up by broadcasters in various other countries including Canada and Australia, but not in the States.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, both of which focus more on the law part of the equation, have been consistent ratings draws for several years now, and though the brand isn't completely foolproof (Law & Order: Trial By Jury, more of a courtroom exercise, crashed and burned in 2005 after just 13 episodes) it has demonstrated the kind of stamina and longevity few series manage for half as long a shelf-life.
Law & Order UK Gets Good Early Reviews
Though early reviews were mixed to favorable, Law & Order: UK seems to be performing solidly with overseas fans of the franchise. The scripts, revised and updated in line with British policing and prosecution rules and regs, are based on classic installments of the original Law & Order. It also comes with a stellar creative pedigree in show-runner Chris Chibnall, a veteran of hits such as Life On Mars and Torchwood. (Though Chibnall will step down as for the second series of L&O: UK, he's been credited with setting the show's strong presence from the outset.)
The show's cast, meanwhile, are receiving high marks, in particular actor Bradley Walsh who is best known in the UK for his comedic skills but whose dramatic chops in the erstwhile Jerry Orbach role have drawn raves. Another built-in draw that should give the show legs on US television is its sci-fi connections; it co-stars Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica) and Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who), both of whom command huge fan bases who might not otherwise tune in to a procedural drama.
So far, only the first half of L&O: UK's first thirteen episodes has aired on ITV; the back six installments are slated to air at the end of this year, while the second series goes into production this month. With any luck, US audiences won't have to wait much longer to get a peek at this import, which seems tailor-made for midseason replacement duty at the very least.
 |
