The pre-publicity for tonight’s excellent episode of Law & Order, “Reality Bites,” suggested that it was going to be a ripped-from-the-ratings takedown of Jon & Kate Plus Eight. But, now in its 20th season, L&O is a sly old dog, and it’s taking nips at more than just the Gosselins.
Sure, there’s a Jon and Kate-ish couple, Larry and Joy. Joy is found dead; Larry, played by comic Jim Gaffigan turning on his fine skill for drama, is a suspect. The couple has been raising 10 kids, but they’re not their own — the children are “all special-needs” adoptions, Larry explains.
The plot quickly thickens when another woman, this one with ten children she gave birth to herself, admits she was jealous of the reality-TV series Larry and Joy were about to start filming. (Looking at early footage later in the hour, Sam Waterston’s D.A. McCoy speaks for many people in America when he remarks, “How much longer must this go on?”)
This character is clearly a stand-in for Nadya Suleman, the octomom. She hungers for reality-TV fame. But as Jeremy Sisto’s Lupo remarks, “I don’t think anything that woman is involved in could be considered reality.”
“Reality Bites” is superbly cast. Michael Showalter (again, a comic — The State; Michael and Michael Have Issues — who can go dramatic) is terrific as the cynical reality-TV producer who says on the trial stand that he helps to “manufacture emotional situations.”
And here’s a statistic: Larry’s defense lawyer claims that there have been at least “a dozen suicide attempts by reality-show contestants.” Given how well-researched Law & Order is, I wonder if that’s true.
Will you watch Law & Order tonight? C’mon, Jon & Kate haters — Dollhouse is preempted by baseball anyway…
“this one with to children she gave birth to herself”
What does that mean? Not to be rude, but it seems like professional writers who are paid for their services should proofread their articles before posting them.
don’t be a b****
“The plot quickly thickens when another woman, this one with ten children she gave birth to herself,…” is referring to the fact that Larry and Joy have 10 adopted kids.
Add a mylar balloon and everyone will be happy – RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES !!!!!!!
Mellita – Exquisite! I can’t cshooe my favourite. How’s the kiss – throw some water on them! Love your work Britt!
something other than Jay Leno, yay!! L&O is the only good thing about NBC besides Biggest Loser.
The quote you specified, Julie, refers to the fact that the couple with 10 kids adopted them all, while the jealous woman is actually the birth mother of all of her children.
The article has now been edited with “this one with ten children” replacing “this one with to children”. Ken, thank you for the correction.
Thanks Jim and Jill, lvleoy to hear from you, yeah it really is exciting, we just got back from Parliament house where a function was held for the race entrants. Darwin is a really nice place and the weather is superb, so it sounds like the place to be. Nevertheless we miss the Bay Islands and send our love to all your fine family. Check our progress on the yacht tracker sight if you get a chance. Best wishes from Fantasia xoxoxoxoxo
I usually don’t watch these kinds of shows, but making fun of these psycho parents plus Michael Showalter and Jim Gaffigan. Tivo me in.
Agreed!
I usually watch L&O so, yep.
JON AND KATE need SOME HELP.. DAMN…
http://invazion.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/b-yonest-newz-tlc-pulls-jon-and-kate-plus-8/
http://invazion.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/b-yonest-newz-tlc-pulls-jon-and-kate-plus-8/
Who plays Larry Johnson’s lawyer in this episode? She looks really familiar but I can’t place her face…
me too! I feel like she was someone’s sister in something…..??
That’s Marin Hinkle (Judith from Two and a Half Men).
Thanks for the name! I don’t watch 2 1/2 Men but her IMDB page reminded me that I know her from Once and Again
I will admit it…I watched. It was funny. The octo-mom was dead on.
Did anyone catch a quick glimpse of the first judge? Was it Anne Francis of Honey West fame? She only had a brief few seconds on screen, but I swear it was her…
okay so THATS who she was!!! Thanks a bunch Andrew!
Why the Arthur Branch reference? Is he coming back in some capacity?
I don’t think he’s coming back. It was probably just an inside joke to regular L & O viewers.
This is the one of the best shows on tv right now – it’s definitely the best one NBC has. I wonder how long before they cancel it.
Loved the shout out to Arthur at the end. The sad part is that you couldn’t tell (and the writers were wise to do this) whether the ADAs were pulling Jack’s leg or whether that ridiculous “they all live together” premise was a real reality show.
It’s so fitting because, given the ridiculous nature of reality shows, it had an equal chance of being a joke or true. I thought it was funny.