I really don't watch too many television programs with consistent frequency. Normally Frontline, CSI and Law & Order are the staple of my television diet with heavy doses of "Lost" whenever I am able.

Law & Order is by and far, the one I watch the most , everything from the original to Special Victims Unit and my favorite of the three, Criminal Intent due is no small part to the abilities of Vincent D'Onofrio and the writers.

I prefer Criminal Intent because of what it is, a crime drama, a game of wits and details between the detective and the criminal, classic formula.

The original however has become a bit cumbersome as of late due in no small part to the over the top political themes some contain. This could be easily applied to sitcoms or other dramas

The most recent episode involving a gay governor and the questioning of the legality of gay marriage couldn't have been filled with more blatant or obvious slights against those who share an opposing viewpoint. The judge who grants the injunction against the marriage is a old man, very much hinted at as being southern to tip the scales, brash and constantly refers to the immoral and gays as "those" people with a snide turn of the tongue.

The scene had little bearing on the episode other than to establish that the man was a homophobe.

Later, A.D.A. Serena Southerlyn accuses A.D.A. Jack McCoy's attempt to bend the system for a victory as turning him in to a "mouthpiece for the religious right", still later in the episode she asks him if "those nuns got in your head" to make the case that the teachings of sisters in catholic schools are at best, to be insulated against or ignored.

Now, I know when someone is trying to make a point, I've spent way too much of my life in meeting rooms listening to consultants and sales directors jockey for position and I can identify a subtle point when it's presented.

This isn't subtle, in fact, it leaves nothing to the imagination. There is no hint, just a sledgehammer approach to the political beliefs of the producers. An episode of Criminal Intent skirted this with with an atheist organization in a divided family emulating the O'Hare murder but in the end, they opted out of the obvious for a twist (thankfully)

Gay marriage and gay rights aren't the limit , there are also episodes on terrorism, abuse and rape that all carry a heavy political baggage well beyond the scope of what many police and district attorneys deal with

My beliefs aside and the nature of the show as a point, I like to watch police and law dramas but I find it more than a little irritating when your one hour of viewing is a 60 minute exercise in not so indirect influence. Its not the message that bothers me since I know full well the ideals of those who create the show, its the nature of the presentation, the borderline bad taste where the audience is lead by ridicule or indignation of stereotypes to a conclusion.

I don't like being sold, especially in a negative hard sell. there are some fine episodes to be had that leave the ethical conflict open to interpretation, water cooler quality conversation on the ending of the episode. Some offer no contrary point of view, no balance simply because the creators see fit to avoid it or decry it as wrong and not worthy of accurate presentation.

Long story short, stop cramming your ideology down my throat regardless of your allegiance. I feel like I'm being treated like an idiot with hints so large most primates could identify them. I can appreciate their perspective if they were less confrontational about it, there is a certain quality and appreciation with being casual and coy with your chosen path of politics. It takes creativity to execute that however and there is a chance folks may not feel guilted in to agreement. This begs to ask then, are you making a drama or a political advertisement? Which is more important?

I would love to have the endings and the commentary left to ambiguity, a question mark that leaves one to ponder, the great irony here is that this type of ending was commonplace in previous seasons but grows less prolific as time fades on. I do have hope for the franchise with Criminal Intent and the new offering staring Jerry Orbach.

All in all, just ease up.