Thoughtful, provocative critique of tv and film through an Afro-centric lens.

by Will Lemon | 23 October 2025

 

​Like so many nerds I love a good cop show. What makes the genre successful is their authenticity. Sure, it's make believe but you have to make me believe it's all feasible, that it could actually take place. That's why so many of these shows have technical consultants, to help the actors and writers maintain the mystique.

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So why, oh why, do shows like 'FBI' and 'Law And Order' delete their Black characters? Both of these shows are set in NYC, a city with the largest African-American population in the US yet there are zero African-Americans in the principal cast - the main actors who carry the primary storyline and have speaking roles. In a city of 2M+ Black folks there should be at least one or two on your team.

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In my estimation, a few chocolate sprinkles in the background do not count. With all due respect to those actors, they do not impact the storyline. They are tokens put there to give the casual viewer the sense of diversity.

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The original 'Law And Order' is in its 24th season. There have been a handful of quality Black actors to come and go. Most notably S. Epatha Merkerson and Anthony Anderson. Mechad Brooks played Det. Jaylen Shaw for three seasons but did not return for the 24th season. For continuity sake 'Shaw' simply transferred but IRL there was no clear reason for Brooks' departure. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the first time, we do not have a dynamic duo hitting the streets/solving crimes with a lieutenant back at the house supervising. Instead of bringing on another detective, Maura Tierney as Lt Jessica Brady is in the field with Det Vincent Riley. But why? Are they trying to save money in a true-to-life corporate move of having one employee doing multiple jobs?

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It's more likely that the writers were beleaguered and inept in writing a Black characterfor the past few seasons. Then, someone had the novel idea of writing in a story arc of racism directed at 'Shaw' to give him something to do but only succeeded in making him a malcontent and miserable.  'Riley' and 'Brady' said they had his back but their actions didn't match their, frankly, weak profestations of loyalty. Mr. Brooks more than likely became frustrated with the stereotypical characterization and subsequently left.

 

<Sigh>

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I expect a lack of representation more from broadcast tv than streaming, being so desperate for middle-America's approval. Unless it's a project like 'Cross' with a solid Shaft-esque protagonist, which was effected by James Patterson putting his foot down. With it's eight-plus Black characters, it is a breath of fresh air. 

 

Aldis Hodge plays an unapologetically Black man leaning into his masculinity and daring anyone to stop him. He's the smartest guy in every room yet meets his match in a formidible villain. He is affectionate with his family and brash with anyone who crosses him.

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See what I did there?

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For a minute I believed streaming services seem to be bolder in their approach to storytelling. I found 'Bosch' one night while surfing Prime Video and saw that there were two Black men in the cast including the venerable Lance Reddick. I was not disappointed for seven seasons until 'Bosch:Legacy'. I assumed it would be just as gritty, cool and diverse as it's predacessor. To my dismay, it only checked two out of three.

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'Jerry'(Jamie Hector), 'Bosch's'  partner, who was in every episode of the original series, is absent save one episode. As well as 'Chief Irving' (Lance Reddick). There are a plethora of female characters and even a Black woman in the first episode but Black men, once again, are non-existent.  

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The most glaring oddity is there were several other characters from 'Bosch' who show up in 'Legacy' to help with a case but no 'Jerry'. Not a good look to call others in and not your own partner. There are many reasons why this occurred that may have nothing to do with the writers like logistics, contracts, etc. Still, I missed the fudge swirl in the bowl of vanilla.

 

Hopefully, one day, observations like these will be in our rear view. Hopefully, one day, entertainment will truly reflect the tapestry of our diverse populous and not their stereotypical perceptions from the last century but I'm not holding my breath.

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