Should I Skip Seasons of Law Order: Special Victims Unit and Continue from Season 10?

Whether to skip seasons of Law Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) and continue from season 10 depends on your viewing preferences and what you're looking for in the series. Here are a few points to consider:

Character Development

Seasons 1-9 introduce key characters such as Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler and their backstories. Skipping these seasons might lead to a lack of context for their relationships and motivations. To fully appreciate the depth of these characters and the complex dynamics between them, it's advisable to watch the earlier seasons.

Story Arcs

Many plotlines and character arcs are developed over multiple seasons. Watching from season 10 may mean missing important developments that significantly affect later episodes. These arcs often culminate in significant payoffs that are crucial to understanding the show's overarching narrative.

Tone and Style

The show evolves over the seasons in terms of tone and storytelling style. Early seasons have a different feel compared to later ones, which might impact your viewing experience. Early seasons are often characterized by a more gritty and 90s vibe, while later seasons might reflect more contemporary and complex storytelling techniques.

Stand-Alone Episodes

Many episodes are designed to be stand-alone, allowing viewers to enjoy specific cases or themes without needing to catch up on previous seasons. This feature can be particularly useful if you're primarily interested in particular cases or themes. If you're interested in certain storylines or plot points specifically, you might find enjoyment in jumping ahead. However, for a more cohesive and in-depth experience, it's generally recommended to watch the entire series from the beginning.

Some viewers have watched the show in a specific order, such as 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 2, 19, current. This order highlights the difference in the 90s feel of the earlier seasons, which can enhance the viewing experience. If you skip seasons, you might not miss much in terms of plot, but you could miss out on the background and ongoing storylines that are crucial to the show's narrative. Watching a few key episodes or doing a quick catch-up can help bridge the gap.

It's worth noting that since Mariska Hargitay took over as a producer, the show now has a running storyline that occasionally surfaces. This adds an extra layer of importance to watching every episode, especially if you're a fan of Olivia Benson's character. The running storyline ensures that the show remains consistent and cohesive, even as seasons progress.

Ultimately, whether to skip seasons depends on your goals and preferences. If you're okay with missing some character background and ongoing storylines, starting from season 10 can still be enjoyable. However, if you want a fuller understanding of the characters and the show's evolution, it might be worth watching the earlier seasons first. Happy viewing!