Ryan’s Docket: Case #1906-417 “Sweetie” (2008)

Intriguing episode bolstered by some transsexual shock value and an ending that doesn’t wrap everything up into a pretty little package.  From time to time I appreciate conclusions of this nature, especially on shows like L&O for its closer reflection of reality.  Oops-a-daisy.

SUMMARY

Allegedly this episode was inspired by the experiences of JT Leroy (pen name of American writer Laura Albert) of which I know nothing about.  Vivica Fox guest stars as the editor of Sweetie’s book and gives de la Garza a solid run in the looks department.  At one point or another every character is accused of being the real Sweetie.  Ultimiatley Vivica’s sordid past is revealed despite wrongly prosecuting trucker-boy Sweetie.

ITEMS FILED INTO EVIDENCE

I believe this is Vivica’s first appearance on L&O orginial recipe.  But her presence wasn’t what held my attention.  Janice.  Yes Jancie.  And no I don’t have an ugo-fetish.  Without the assistance of IMDB I was able to place her hurtin mug.  She played Barbara from the movie “Devil’s Advocate”.  Testifying in court seems to be a recurring theme for actress Heather Matarazzo.

OBJECTION

I was beside myself when Cutter utters “stick around, you might learn something” to McCoy.  I let out a Whoa! No one speaks to Jack like that.  Sure enough moments later McCoy easily shoots holes in Cutter’s prosecution tact and retorts with, “I stayed, I watched…what was it I was supposed to learn?”  Zing!  Btw, Cutter is at the top of my settle scale.

THE PROSECUTION RESTS?

NO!  I cannot rest.  I recently realized why it’s been difficult for me to warm up to season 19.  No it’s not because old ironsides Sam Waterston plays a backburner role as DA.  I point the finger at senior & junior dectectives played by Jeremy Sisto and Anthony Anderson.  These actors are readily identifiable from previous roles in other projects.  I cannot see past “Clueless“ , “Transformers”, and “The Departed”.  Not a historic trait of Dick Wolf.  What’s the deal here?  I’m filing for appeal.