User Reviews

Of all the premises of Season 20, that for "Reality Bites" was easily one of the least appealing. A large part of it being my rather intense dislike of reality shows, and while 'Law and Order' have generally portrayed reality television in a much more tasteful way than expected it has done nothing to change my negative perception of it. It also sounded on the trashy side, which didn't surprise me considering how exploitative and sensationalist reality television is (two of my biggest issues with it).

The good news is that "Reality Bites" does execute its plotline more tastefully and compellingly than expected and not near as exploitative. Like all the 'Law and Order' (this show and the franchise) episodes with a case centered around reality shows, "Reality Bites" though does nothing to convert me with a kind of story that may intensify the dislike if anybody else thinks negatively about reality television. It is a pretty good episode, just not a great one and a let down after two great previous outings.

"Reality Bites" is a long way from perfect. Other episodes have a lot more tension and emotions, as well as more surprises. Did find the truth rather obvious too prematurely and the case too straightforward.

Did think that the ending was pretty silly and the verdict anti-climactic, will agree that the ending is hilarious (especially for the reactions to the truly unrealistic revelation) and not in my view for the right reasons.

However, "Reality Bites" does do a lot of things right. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction is alert and accommodating. The writing is intelligent and while there is a lot of talk, as usual, it doesn't ramble and is accessible. As ever, a great job is done with the interesting questions and dilemmas raised when getting a result.

While the story is far from extraordinary, it is much more tasteful and less sensationalist than it sounds and a case of the person one hates by the end not being the one one would expect to most hate. It is still compelling and interesting and not hard to follow. The acting all round is very good, even from Jim Gaffigan who is not a favourite usually.

In conclusion, very well done surprisingly. 7/10.

It is entirely possible that I am totally the wrong person to review this particular Law And Order episode. I truly hate reality TV as entertainment. This episode will give one more reasons than ever to hate it.

The mother of several adopted special needs children is murdered and after some and accent on some investigation the father is arrested for his wife's murder. Jim Gaffigan is in need of liquid capital as a lot of his real estate projects have gone south. The wife was not crazy about the idea even with the enormous amount of money that the show will give them.

Gaffigan is a likely suspect, but my own opinion is that the DA's office went into this one with half a case. But even with a whole airtight case the producers of the proposed reality series turn the whole process into a joke.

Also a likely suspect is Nina Lisandrillo a 'bouncy' suspect who tells the world that she the mother of septuplets courtesy of a fertility drug and a donor sperm would just 'kill to get that reality show'.

Anthony Anderson and Jeremy Sisto should have finished the investigation on this one. If you hate reality TV this story will give you a dozen more reasons to.

Reality show meme stretched to extreme. Multiple suspects where all seem guilty which is reasonable doubt for the Captain Obvious guiltiest one. Predictable producer manipulates court. Bad finances motive presented, objection sustained means heard but Not allowed in the jury room is enough to hang. The show was obviously slipping before this predictable unwatchable episode

It's always risky allowing your iconic TV series to be a springboard for a comedian to stretch and show off dramatic chops. On this series alone we've seen Chevy Chase, Robin Williams, and now Jim Gaffigan change their colors.

Here Jim portrays a likable husband with a wife who share a large family of adopted special needs children whom they've turned into TV reality show stars.....or freaks. The wife turns up dead, driving the story.

The most pleasant surprise for me was the strong performance of Marin Hinkle as Gaffigan's defense attorney. Gaffigan, whose familiar comedy act is largely about raising his five real children, is credible going completely straight as a murder suspect.

The episode's closing line, directed at Jack McCoy, is a stunner.