If you like Law & Order and/or its spin-offs, then you have your favorite characters. I have seen every episode of Law & Order (in the U.S.) ever aired, including Criminal Intent and SVU. That is almost one thousand episodes--yes you could consider it an addiction. This kind of dedication, if you will, has led me to choose favorites. It would take forever to list my favorite episodes, so instead I'll list the best main characters.
Law (Lawyers and DAs)
1. Jack McCoy played by Sam Waterston
Jack is my favorite lawyer on the show without a doubt. He pushes limits to get what justice he can in an imperfect system. McCoy is a kickass ADA/DA as well as a ladies' man.
2. Adam Schiff played by Steven Hill
Through the first ten seasons of Adam the District Attorney charged with constantly trying reign in his crazy Assistant District Attorneys. His professional and sometimes stiff demeanor was iconic.
3. Alex Cabot played by Stephanie March
Alex Cabot is an ADA on Law & Order SVU,Cabot is graceful and well-spoken. She tends to be too serious at times, but she cares about the victims.
4. Casey Novak played by Diane Neal
Casey Novak is spunkier than Cabot, but holds similar beliefs. She works really well with the SVU squad which gives her a place on this list.
Order (Cops)
1. John Munch played by Richard Belzer
Richard Belzer started as John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and the character carried over to Law & Order: SVU. He is my favorite detective because he is known for his conspiracy theories and hilarious one-liners. When Munch retired, it was a sad day for every L & O fan.
2. Robert Goren played by Vincent D'Onofrio
D'Onofrio stars on Law & Order: Criminal Intent and he is probably too perfect for the role. He is the perfect amount of crazy, intelligent, and broken. Goren makes Criminal Intent worth watching all on his own.
3. Mike Logan played Chris Noth
Okay, to be honest, he's on the list because he was very attractive on the show. He was the in-house bad boy/ ladies' man. Most people know him from Sex in the City or The Good Wife, but to me he will always be Detective Logan.
4. Alex Eames played by Kathryn Erbe
Eames is Goren's partner on L & O: Criminal Intent and she balances out his crazy. She is responsible and dedicated and she comes from a long-line of cops. She is a total bad-ass.
5. Olivia Benson played by Mariska Hargitay
Benson is on this list more because I think that Mariska is amazing. She has used her fame to help fight sexual assault and domestic violence. Benson is a cool character, but she is nothing compared to the woman who plays her.
All of the characters on L & O bring their own personality to the show so this is just my top picks, it is by no means the entire list. Hopefully, there are many more episodes and more characters to come. Thank you Dick Wolf!
