Rating: 
Summary: An excellent reference for an excellent TV series
Review: Let's hope authors Courrier and Green keep putting new editions of this book out. Law and Order has been renewed for another four seasons by NBC, which would make a total of 15. The book is a must-have, as indicated by most of the other reviewers. The only problem with doing such a book while a series is in production is that it gets out of date quickly. Since the latest edition came out in November, 1999, seasons 10 and 11 episode descriptions obviously are missing.
Rating:
Summary: Great reading for Law & Order fans and pure trivia hounds
Review: Most companions to hit television shows tend to be little more than dry reprintings of studio press releases. Luckily, this book, dealing with the second greatest crime show on TV (right after Homicide reruns), is a wonderful exception. Along with the expected episode guides, Law & Order: The Unofficial Companion is an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how a great television show was produced and somehow managed to thrive even as things occasionally got a little weird once the cameras were turned off. For a show that has managed to maintain the same basic formula for a decade, Law & Order has had a tumultous history marked by an almost constantly revolving cast and production crew. Rather than whitewashing, this book goes into the details about what led to such controversial departures of beloved performers like Chris Noth, Richard Brooks, Jill Hennessy, and especially Michael Moriarty. Moriarty's infamous personal demons are explored with an evenhanded honesty and, despite the opinions of some of his former castmates (Noth comes to mind), he emerges as the show's secret hero -- the man who sacrificed a good career for his own beliefs. (Of course, I happened to agree with a lot of his beliefs so I can't claim to be completely unbiased in my opinion.) Also of interest were the criticisms offered by current cast members like S. Epatha Merkerson who is very outspoken about her own feelings about the way the show has portrayed her and other African-Americans. Jill Hennessy comes across as the little sister we all wished we had, Chris Noth as the rebellious smart alek that we all secretly wished we could be, and George Dzundnza as the co-worker we all dread. Its indeed rare that a "tv companion" leaves us feeling as if we've actually met and gotten to know the men and women who made our favorite shows possible and Law & Order does that. As a fan, I was disappointed to learn of the lingering bitterness that several actors seem to hold towards the show but it still made for a wonderfully honest read. On the whole, the people behind Law & Order come across as a rather outspoken, independent group and its easy to see how those combative personalities have helped keep the show consistenly enthralling even while occasionally straight-jacketed by an unchangeable style. If you want to see what makes a great show great, this is the book to read.Also, I have to commend the episode guide. Along with the expected cast lists and plot summaries, the authors take a refreshingly, no-holds barred approach with their criticisms -- even while praising the show, they're willing to point out where they feel mistakes were made and, in true fan fashion, their negative comments are far more honest and pointed than what you'd get from someone who hated the show to begin with. I didn't agree with all of their opinions but they were still wonderful to read and consider. True, the current edition of the book does not contain details for the past few seasons but, with Law & Order in continual reruns on apparently every cable station in America, that's not as much of a problem here as with other shows.
Rating:
Summary: Great reading for Law & Order fans and pure trivia hounds
Review: Most companions to hit television shows tend to be little more than dry reprintings of studio press releases. Luckily, this book, dealing with the second greatest crime show on TV (right after Homicide reruns), is a wonderful exception. Along with the expected episode guides, Law & Order: The Unofficial Companion is an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how a great television show was produced and somehow managed to thrive even as things occasionally got a little weird once the cameras were turned off. For a show that has managed to maintain the same basic formula for a decade, Law & Order has had a tumultous history marked by an almost constantly revolving cast and production crew. Rather than whitewashing, this book goes into the details about what led to such controversial departures of beloved performers like Chris Noth, Richard Brooks, Jill Hennessy, and especially Michael Moriarty. Moriarty's infamous personal demons are explored with an evenhanded honesty and, despite the opinions of some of his former castmates (Noth comes to mind), he emerges as the show's secret hero -- the man who sacrificed a good career for his own beliefs. (Of course, I happened to agree with a lot of his beliefs so I can't claim to be completely unbiased in my opinion.) Also of interest were the criticisms offered by current cast members like S. Epatha Merkerson who is very outspoken about her own feelings about the way the show has portrayed her and other African-Americans. Jill Hennessy comes across as the little sister we all wished we had, Chris Noth as the rebellious smart alek that we all secretly wished we could be, and George Dzundnza as the co-worker we all dread. Its indeed rare that a "tv companion" leaves us feeling as if we've actually met and gotten to know the men and women who made our favorite shows possible and Law & Order does that. As a fan, I was disappointed to learn of the lingering bitterness that several actors seem to hold towards the show but it still made for a wonderfully honest read. On the whole, the people behind Law & Order come across as a rather outspoken, independent group and its easy to see how those combative personalities have helped keep the show consistenly enthralling even while occasionally straight-jacketed by an unchangeable style. If you want to see what makes a great show great, this is the book to read. Also, I have to commend the episode guide. Along with the expected cast lists and plot summaries, the authors take a refreshingly, no-holds barred approach with their criticisms -- even while praising the show, they're willing to point out where they feel mistakes were made and, in true fan fashion, their negative comments are far more honest and pointed than what you'd get from someone who hated the show to begin with. I didn't agree with all of their opinions but they were still wonderful to read and consider. True, the current edition of the book does not contain details for the past few seasons but, with Law & Order in continual reruns on apparently every cable station in America, that's not as much of a problem here as with other shows.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Have Book for "Law & Order" Viewers!
Review: One of the most informative books about a television series that I have ever come across. The authors do a great job of going behind-the-scenes, and giving us the story of this series, from its creation to the present time. Cast interviews, interviews with the production staff, character and actor biographies and an episode synopsis--all the information you could ever want about this series. A job well done! Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: IF YOU WATCH LAW AND ORDER, BUY THIS BOOK
Review: That's about the end of my review. I suppose you want clarification. THE REAL STORY BEHIND LAW AND ORDER IS CRAZIER THAN ANY SERIES COULD POSSIBLY IMAGINE! It's nuts. But the the series is great. I read it about six months ago. The actors kept having fights. One main character came on the set and proclaimed that he was among the handful of greatest actors in the world. Chris North was told 1 week before a season started that he was out. Put in a black. Done. Put in a woman. Done. No, the combination of detectives and/or attorneys is too strong. Now too weak. AND THE WHOLE CAST SEEMS TO HATE EACH OTHER. Anyway, back to business. Each show is listed. The writing is beautiful and honest. The portrayals of the actors is truthful and insightful. It's a wonderful show. But when you find yourself reading the book while episodes are on, something is terribly wrong. The book right now is on my bottom shelf and I'm not even going to look at it for this review. I haven't seen an episode for 6 months! I'm going back. Probably the best series ever. And the best book on a series ever written. But right now my hands are healing from reading the book. And my eyes are healing from watching the series. I did like one thing Michael Moriorty(spelled correctly? I'm not touching that book!) said. "Acting is like being in a car crash and having everybody watch." Not without some truth.
Rating:
Summary: Most informative about the show and the stars......
Review: The best 'companion' book, that I have ever read. It details the actors, the shows, the photos are good (though I would like to see more) and I refer to it often. I guess it is my 'chairside' book. The series is smashing and I do hope that they consider a sequel that would cover from Season Eight on...I have given several as gifts and they have always been appreciated!!
Rating:
Summary: Law & Order The Unofficial Companion
Review: This is a definite MUST HAVE for all Law & Order junkies. "The Players" and "The Episodes" chapters are by far the best. "The Players" gives the background on each of the main characters and the actor who played the role, while "The Episodes" has the most in-depth synopsis of of each installment I've found to date, including a complete list of guest stars. I use it all the time to find out if an ep airing is one I want to tape!
Rating:
Summary: Law and Order - and quality TV fans - this is it!
Review: Thought you could win any L&O Trivia game? This book will up your info 50%, guaranteed. But this fact-packed and readable companion isn't just for L&O fanatics. New interviews with all past and current principal actors, plus plenty of quotes on the tech aspects of the show such as story structure and development, make this a most satisfying read.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring Book about a terrible show....
Review: Two people spend a ton of time writing a book about a show that shows the cops as being just as corrupt as those they send to jail. It's cheap add promotion for the show nothing else.
Rating: 
Summary: Not that big an improvement over the 1st edition
Review: Unfortunately the second edition of the L&O companion only adds a few episode summaries more than the first edition (the second edition has episode summaries through the 9th season). Moreover the new information on the newest characters to join is now a few years out of date. Unless all of seasons 8 and 9 matter to you save your money and wait for a third edition
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