When it comes to Law & Order: SVU, one of the most iconic police procedurals on TV, fans often expect compelling storytelling, intense drama, and, of course, a righteous portrayal of the justice system. However, recently, SVU has come under fire—not just from critics but from someone who was once a part of the franchise: actress Diane Neal, who portrayed ADA Casey Novak. In response to John Oliver’s recent criticism of Law & Order, Neal took to social media to acknowledge what many viewers may not want to hear: the show is, in some ways, propaganda.
In this article, we’ll dive into why Diane Neal agreed with Oliver’s stance, the impact of SVU’s portrayal of law enforcement, and how the show’s glossy depiction of the justice system might be doing more harm than good.
John Oliver’s Criticism: ‘Law & Order’ as “Copaganda”
On a recent episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver took aim at Law & Order creator Dick Wolf for what he described as an unrealistic, hero-washed portrayal of the police. According to Oliver, Law & Order presents the NYPD and law enforcement as a beacon of competence and justice, masking the systemic issues within the criminal justice system.
Oliver highlighted a few key points in his critique:
- The overblown success rate: One of the major issues with the show is the inflated crime-solving rate, which doesn’t mirror reality. In Law & Order, most of the cases get solved neatly in a matter of hours or days, but in real life, investigations often drag on with far fewer convictions.
- Police recruitment tool: Oliver also pointed out that Law & Order functions like a “recruitment ad” for the NYPD, showcasing a sanitized, idealized view of the police force that doesn’t address the ugly truth of police misconduct, corruption, or racial discrimination.
- The lack of diversity in defendants: The show frequently casts white, middle-class defendants, making the criminal justice system seem more just than it often is, particularly for people of color, who are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement.
Oliver’s critique didn’t stop there. He also referenced a notorious interview with Dick Wolf, where Wolf dismissed the importance of covering controversial topics like the Abner Louima incident, which involved the brutal police abuse of a Black man. Wolf’s refusal to portray the story of police misconduct was, according to Oliver, a prime example of how the show promotes a sanitized view of the police, ignoring structural racism and other flaws in the system.
Diane Neal Agrees: ‘Law & Order’ Often Paints a False Picture
In the wake of John Oliver’s remarks, Diane Neal, who played Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on Law & Order: SVU from 2003 to 2008, chimed in with her own take on the issue. While Neal has long praised the show for its willingness to tackle tough topics, she’s now acknowledging that the portrayal of the justice system is not as perfect as it seems.
Neal took to Twitter, agreeing with Oliver’s perspective, and openly admitted that SVU—despite being one of her favorite shows—sometimes misrepresents how law enforcement operates in real life. She shared that while the show’s heart is in the right place, its portrayal of the police and justice system is often too optimistic, especially when compared to the realities faced by crime victims.
Here’s a breakdown of her key points:
1. The ‘Spectacular’ Show vs. The Reality of Law Enforcement
Neal was quick to acknowledge that SVU is a spectacular show and that it has played an important role in raising awareness about issues like sexual assault and victim advocacy. She also praised the show’s stars, particularly Mariska Hargitay, for their genuine efforts to make a difference in the lives of real-life victims.
However, Neal was equally candid about how the reality of law enforcement doesn’t always align with what’s depicted on screen. In particular, she pointed out that many crime victims, especially sexual assault survivors, face a system that often does more harm than good. While SVU’s detectives are always portrayed as empathetic, competent, and tirelessly working for justice, the real-world justice system is often frustrating and unyielding, particularly for marginalized communities.
Neal’s honest assessment is grounded in her own experience working on the show, and her recognition of the systemic flaws in law enforcement mirrors the broader conversation happening in society today about police reform and accountability.
2. Realistic Expectations of Law Enforcement: A Call for Truth
Neal echoed Oliver’s call for a more honest portrayal of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. She shared that viewers need to have realistic expectations about how the system works, especially when it comes to sexual assault cases and the treatment of victims. In her tweet, Neal emphasized that real life is nuanced, and while SVU tries to offer a sense of hope, the truth is far more complex.
Neal also applauded the current season of SVU (Season 24), which, according to showrunner David Graziano, focuses on the theme of healing trauma. Neal believes that, as the show evolves, it’s important to continue addressing the truth about how law enforcement often fails its victims.
3. The Problem of Victim Blaming and “Law & Order” as Propaganda
Neal’s reflection also touched on how Law & Order—both in its original form and its various spin-offs—presents a narrative that unintentionally victim-blames. In real life, many sexual assault victims experience re-victimization at the hands of the legal system, police officers, and even society at large. However, SVU often presents a more hopeful view where the victims are always believed, supported, and given justice.
Neal’s critique wasn’t just about the portrayal of law enforcement. She also expressed concern about how the show’s portrayal of criminal justice impacts viewers’ expectations. She pointed out that, thanks to shows like Law & Order, people are conditioned to believe that the system is there to help, when in fact, the system often fails those who need it the most. The line “No one wants to be a victim” is a powerful one, and it underscores how important it is for media to be truthful about the realities that victims face.
The Impact of “Copaganda” on Public Perception
The concept of “copaganda”—propaganda that serves to glorify or sanitize law enforcement—has become a hot topic, particularly in the wake of high-profile cases of police misconduct and racial inequality in the justice system. Law & Order is often cited as a key example of copaganda, with its portrayal of competent, morally upright police officers and detectives who consistently solve cases and deliver justice.
By showcasing a law enforcement system that is efficient and just, SVU and its parent show Law & Order paint an overly idealized picture of the police. For many viewers, this creates a disconnect between the reality of policing and the image presented on screen.
As Diane Neal herself pointed out, the truth about how law enforcement operates, especially for marginalized groups, is more complicated than what we see in these fictionalized stories. While SVU does highlight the struggles of victims, it rarely addresses the broader structural issues in policing, such as racial bias or the failure of the system to adequately support survivors of crime.
Conclusion: Striking a Balance Between Entertainment and Truth
Diane Neal’s candid comments and John Oliver’s critique of Law & Order bring much-needed attention to the real-world consequences of the show’s portrayal of law enforcement. While SVU is beloved by many for its emotional storytelling and advocacy for victims, it’s crucial to recognize that the show often glosses over the flaws in the system it portrays.
As fans of the show, we can appreciate its efforts to create awareness while also acknowledging that law enforcement and the criminal justice system are far from perfect. The balance between entertainment and truth is difficult to strike, but as Neal and Oliver have pointed out, it’s essential for shows like SVU to continue evolving and reflecting the realities of the world around us.
