CSI Made Me Do It!

Learning how to kill from TV

Published on July 26, 2007 By singrdave In Movies & TV & Books

We are having a discussion at work that I think is JU-worthy:

Is the current spate of real-crime dramas like the many cities of CSI and the many departments of Law & Order teaching people to commit murder, rape, and mayhem? Are Hollywood writers showing how to commit and get away with murder? Or is it just entertainment?

First off, I think that Hollywood believes that we aren't exposed to enough crime and depravity in our lifetimes, so they feel there's a market for more.

I believe that it's inevitable that these shows will be used for putting murderous thoughts into action. Joe Killah says to himself, 'How can I off my pregnant/cheating girlfriend and not get caught? I saw something last week on Law & Order: SVU! Let me try that...' These shows teach everything, including how to fake a suicide by making sure the gun is being held in the victim's shooting hand... or don't use a machete because the tell-tale marks it leaves between the L4 and L5 vertebrae are too incriminating.

Can L&O or CSI: Wherever be held as Accessories Before the Fact? What are your thoughts?

Comments

singrdave

on Jul 26, 2007

I'm pretty darn serious with this article, too. I'm sure there are some budding Jeffrey Dahmer types out there who are taking notes.

Locamama

on Jul 26, 2007

There is no such thing as the perfect crime or criminal. I have always liked cop shows/mystery suspense novels. I could kid myself that I am learning what not to do but there are always unaccountable things that you don't consider. Actually I think shows like CSI may deter the premeditated murders when they see all the technology that is in use today that can nail them. I think it would be more inspiring to them if the killers got away with it which sometimes they do on Law & Order but generally they get caught on CSI. I suppose if someone is already delusional they could think they have learned from a TV show how to commit a crime but it's not reality. It's like the difference between watching a courtroom drama and watching a real trial. Real trials generally don't have the dropped bombshell and tearful confession like the TV and movies do.

I would say the biggest thing I have learned from watching NYPD Blue and the Closer is that you are an idiot if you talk to the police without a lawyer.

Dr Guy

on Jul 27, 2007

I dont see it as an absense of crime that makes those shows popular. I see it as a way to shut out the real world - where all too often killers go free or are never caught - with a make believe world that gets the bad guy (but they do get off sometimes). It is not egging us to kill - it is playing on our desire for vengence and justice.

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