One Law & Order: SVU Character Fans Will Never Come to Tolerate
Why does John Buchanan make fans’ blood boil?
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ( SVU) has been a staple of television for many years. However, every show has that one character that fans love to hate, and for SVU, it seems that character is John Buchanan.
A recent Reddit discussion brought fans together to share their thoughts on why Buchanan gets under their skin.
John Buchanan, portrayed by Delaney Williams, is a recurring character on SVU, known for his role as a defense attorney. He has clashed with the Special Victims Unit multiple times, employing brash and often cruel defense tactics, especially towards rape victims.
Buchanan has represented a variety of clients, ranging from officers and commanders to doctors, showcasing his versatility in the courtroom. Despite his abrasive personality on-screen, Buchanan has made appearances across seven seasons, indicating a significant presence in the series.
The Reddit discussion revealed a mix of annoyance for Buchanan's character and appreciation for Williams. Many users expressed their disdain for his snide comments and quick "withdrawn" remarks in the courtroom.
However, amidst the frustration, fans also recognized the actor's talent. Fans point out that the strong reactions Buchanan elicits are simply a testament to Delaney Williams' acting talent. They believe that hating the character so passionately means Williams has done a fantastic job bringing Buchanan to life.
During an SVU podcast That's Messed Up, Williams made a very good point when he was asked whether he likes or empathizes with his character:
“I start with the idea that somebody has to play Hitler. [...] Somebody has to play the person that me personally, I could not stand. And to do that, you have to believe what he believes and you have to like what he likes.”
It’s great that SVU’s fans can tell the difference between the actor and his character. Hollywood has had its moments where an actor played a hateable character so convincingly that fans literally couldn't stand them (an actor). Take Game of Thrones ' Jack Gleeson, for instance. He nailed the hated Joffrey Baratheon so well that he had to take a break from his career.
Sources: Reddit, That's Messed Up on Apple Podcasts