MovieChat Forums > Law & Order: Los Angeles (2010) Discussion > Why does everyone idolize Skeet Ulrich?

Why does everyone idolize Skeet Ulrich?

posted 13 years ago by Chadsymptom
37 replies | jump to latest

I can't believe how many of these posters are crying over the loss of Skeet Ulrich like he is the greatest actor of our generation. What are his top credits? Scream? The Craft? Jericho? I would be upset if they replaced him with a no-namer, but Alfred Molina is a legend! Raiders of the Lost Ark, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Frida, Spider Man 2...the list goes on. Why so much hate for Molina? I think Molina is much more believable as the weathered/expert cop and he partners with Stoll's character much better than Ulrich did. Winters was always pounding his chest and snarling, while Morales seems like more of a professional.

Fans of shows hate change. Think of all the cast changes in all of the L&O shows. I don't know why Ulrich was canned...I thought he was pretty good. I think Molina makes this show better, though. His character has more layers...like Goren (my favorite L&0 detective)

I have been watching LOLA since episode 1, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Winters and TJ. Obviously it would take time for them to reach the ranks of Benson/Stabler and Goren/Eames, but they had me gripped. I was shocked when they killed off Winters, but I can see why. Winters was a VERY angry character, and seemed a little too unhinged and erratic to be a long-running LOLA character. Goren has a similar anger streak, but he keeps it cool for the most part. Morales reminds me of him.

I'm ready for my IMDB message board assault from the Knights of Ulrich.

[–] fctiger 13 years ago

LOL yeah I dont get it either? I LIKE Ulrich on the show, but the guy didnt exactly make it worth watching all by himself. I'm just surprised how many fans he apparently has? I've seen him in a few things here and there, but I never considered him one of these actors I HAVE to see if he appears in a movie or TV show. I dont get why they get rid of him either though? He wasnt the problem of the show, but no, he certainly wasnt the saviour of it either.

And its L and O, fans of this show know these characters are turned over all the time. Hell they got rid of Goren of C:I and the entire show was BASED around that one character. Ulrich was part of an ensemble like the original. It sucks he's gone, but I'm not going to stop watching it or boycott the show over it.

[–] hotmeow11 13 years ago

It has nothing to do with Molina. I liked his character to begin with, they didn't need to change it. He would have been a good DA at some point too. I don't understand why Skeet doesn't get cast more often. I love him and I miss seeing him around. This was a good part for him and i was so happy for him. I just think we are pissed off because it was so unnecessary. If he was wrong for the part, I would understand.

Obviously people love skeet because the ratings have dived by millions since he was killed off and a lot of people are pissed/complaining. Every article I've read about the show, the critic/journalist says he isn't the character that they would have killed off. I've stopped watching all Law and order's now and I'm sure Im not the only one.

BTW, They got rid of Goren after YEARS of being on the show, not one flipping half a season!!! If they did, I would have been pissed bc I love Vincent D. too. Mystic pizza ahhhh Oh and they're bringing him back anyway.

[–] ravmeltt 13 years ago

Tiger I get you, but some of these fans carried on and on like he was the last great actor on the planet. They boycotted the show, they complained, they wrote and did whatever they could to sabotage the show after Ulrich was canned. Some of them even predicted, and wished, that the show would get the ax. Well guess what. They're getting their wish. Just learned that it is being axed. But you know what? Those same fans are going to start complaining as to how NBC can ax a show like this to put on a reality show, which is what might happen. They're going to want to boycott NBC and carry on about good shows getting the ax, but when they sabotage a show because an actor was removed, or because they just don't like a character because they don't like a particular actor etc, and ratings drop, this is exactly the result. I hope they're happy now that it's axed. And I'm sure Skeete has gone on with his life. Hell it happened to him after Jerico and he had moved on; he'll do the same with this.

This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol

[–] fctiger 13 years ago

Yeah, I get you too! BELIEVE ME, this 'oh pooor Skeet' on these boards are annoying.

What REALLY bothers me though, is that people act like he was the ONLY one that got the boot. Two other actors went as well, no one is crying for them. They like Skeet personnally, I understand that. I liked him too. But they act like it was something personal, like Dick Wolf had some kind of grudge with the guy. He obviously liked him to cast him, but the show was failing, they decided to go another way.

But yeah, the shows done now, so I guess they can all jump for joy. If they couldnt watch the brilliant and fantastic SKEET ULRICH in the show, then nobody could.

And yeah, I think its fair to say Skeet Ulrich knows what its like to be on a failing show.

[–] ravmeltt 13 years ago

But they act like it was something personal, like Dick Wolf had some kind of grudge with the guy. He obviously liked him to cast him, but the show was failing, they decided to go another way.

And you know what? They are so silly. They're probably patting themselves on their backs and saying "I told you so". Dick Wolf did what he had to do to revamp the show, and if they had been loyal to Wolf and the show, and not ONE ACTOR, and supported the show, it might still be around. It was getting better. I wish they get stuck with a reality show in it's place. One that's horrid. Or they might get a show that they love, and yet because viewers like myself who are fed up of new shows not being given a chance, may tune out, that show don't get the ratings, and we're all back to square one. I think it's going to be the norm. We're going to start getting one season or half season shows because people are getting fed up and not tuning in to new shows much, or just not sticking around after an episode or two when they realise that they lost their old show to a new show that looks similar to what they lost.

This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol

[–] zuzus_petalz 13 years ago

So, you want people to be loyal to the show creator who gets rid of a good actor who was not the problem on the show, and Wolf's comments initially were quite rude regarding the departure (saying that Molina and Howard were world calibre or whatever -- I disagree --- and implying Ulrich wasn't) Wolf got what he deserved. And, even if you weren't a fan of the actor specifically, to get rid of the one element of the show that worked, and that was the pairing of the detectives, TJ and Winters, was a kick in the head for the fans. Why stick around for a ridiculous plot twist of the lawyer turned cop? That was just silly and the ratings refelcted that.

Sidenote:
Most fans of Ulrich fought to bring his other show back.....one of only a few times in history, and much faster than any other show in history. The difference is, Jericho was worth saving. It was a fantastically written, cast and acted show that was about something. Law and Order LA had dull scripts and the alternating DA scenario was just plain stupid. Why watch a dull show? I had to force myself to watch each week because I was a fan of Skeet and I did enjoy his scenes with Corey most of the time -- they had a genuine chemistry, not forced. It felt real and watching the behind the scenes clips of them confirmed this.

You all just sound bitter that the show was cancelled and are directing this at Skeet fans. They aren't the reason this was cancelled. It was cancelled because the retooling choices were ALL bad, except maybe adding the new female lawyer, though they did it in a underwhelming way.

We can disagree about Molina to cop and the pairing with Corey, but most people who aren't shills of the show felt it was forced and not an improvement. The changes should have been with the lawyers. Pick one, stick with him, that's it.

Too little, too late.

Better Roland than Bardem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19aQDShRagU

[–] ravmeltt 13 years ago

"You all just sound bitter that the show was cancelled and are directing this at Skeet fans. They aren't the reason this was cancelled. It was cancelled because the retooling choices were ALL bad, except maybe adding the new female lawyer, though they did it in a underwhelming way."

We are bitter; at least I am. Many of the fans of Skeete actually admitted that they were boycotting the show and also were encouraging others to do so as well.

"So, you want people to be loyal to the show creator who gets rid of a good actor who was not the problem on the show, and Wolf's comments initially were quite rude regarding the departure (saying that Molina and Howard were world calibre or whatever -- I disagree --- and implying Ulrich wasn't) Wolf got what he deserved."

Yes I do want people to be loyal to Wolf. He wouldn't make changes like this lightly. We've been watching his show for years and he's good. So what if he looked at his show and realised he made a mistake in his casting of Skeete. Is that a crime? Haven't you ever done something and decided you wanted to change it? Anyhow the point is, Molina and Howard ARE world calibre. They are movie stars while Skeete is a TV star. There is a difference. And I see nothing wrong with his statement. You can choose to disagree and I can choose to agree. As you say, it's a done deal. If the Skeete fans wanted the show to tank after Skeete left, they got their wish. I still feel that it was a good show. And by the way, stop saying Skeete like if he was the only one given the boot. Two other actors were but people were only writing like Skeete. It comes across more like pity for him at this point than anything else.

Skeete and Corey had no chemistry. I find Molina and Corey had more chemistry. I do agree with you though that it was a bad idea about the two lawyer thing, but that is why Wolf tried to rectify it, but people were still angry when he did try, so what is a director to do?

This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol

[–] zuzus_petalz 13 years ago

We are bitter; at least I am. Many of the fans of Skeete actually admitted that they were boycotting the show and also were encouraging others to do so as well.

That is exactly what the Mothership fans did, they boycotted LOLA in protest of the original being cancelled. The difference is, Wolf didn't really have a say in the original being cancelled so to take it out on LOLA wasn't really fair. However, Wolf had something to do with the cast changes, and as a fan of the actor, and the ONLY reason I had tuned in (I am entitled to tune in to a show for whatever reason I choose....I'm not a L&O fan, but Skeet brought in a lot of people to this genre of show that they otherwise might not have watched...) it is within my prerogative to leave the show in protest and also because I have no interest in watching the reboot as the scripts were not compelling enough to engage me.

I disagree about the world caliber reference, I think Howard is overrated. Nic Cage stars in many movies, but he is a wretched actor, so being in movies has nothing to do with one's ability to act.

As for the other actors, I have posted that there was no need to get rid of Regina and it was clearly Wolf playing favsies with Alana, and also trying to appease the Mothership crybabies. Either way, it was wrong to ditch her as well, and I have posted that before. Megan is a good actress but she was actually miscast in that particular role. Too young.

Oh, and the fact that you are spelling it Skeete either shows how unobservant you are, or how immature. You choose.

Better Roland than Bardem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19aQDShRagU

[–] ravmeltt 13 years ago

My bad on the wrong spelling of Skeet(e). You could tell I'm not a fan. That has nothing to do with being immature zuzus. No need to resort to that. I have a name that is difficult to remember and people spell it incorrectly all the time. I don't call them immature for that. No need to go there. I am neither unobservant or immature, so no choice there.

Anyway, why would you have to bring Nicholas Cage into this mix and call him a wretched actor? That is your opinion but just as you are a Skeet fan, there are Nic fans who would think differently. That's where the bitterness comes in. People get bitter when they think their actors are being mistreated.

I do not think Howard or Molina or Cage are overrated. I think they are all good actors and pay their dues.

"That is exactly what the Mothership fans did, they boycotted LOLA in protest of the original being cancelled."

I didn't know they boycotted because of L&O being cancelled. I thought they boycotted because of Skeet being booted and the changes with Molina and Howard. But you said you're not a L&O fan, so I don't understand you then. Why the complaint about LOLA? Just because of Skeet? Goes back to the same thing I've been saying then. Skeet fans boycotted the show.

This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol

[–] zuzus_petalz 13 years ago

So, if people were typing Molinae, or Alfrede or Howarde, or Stolle, over and over and over again, despite seeing it spelled correctly on EVERY other post, you wouldn't question that poster's ability to pick up on a clue and to recognize that they are spelling something incorrectly???? It's about recognizing the bleeding obvious. You didn't once think, "Hey, every other person on here, and oh yeah, the actual actor list has it spelled Skeet, and even his fans who actually know how to spell the actor's name spell it without the 'e', hey maybe I should get a clue and figure that there is no 'e' at the end of the name...."

An observant person would have clued in. So, you aren't observant -- not a criticism, just an acknowledgement. Some people aren't good at cooking, or reading. No biggie.

Better Roland than Bardem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19aQDShRagU

[–] ravmeltt 13 years ago

zuzus what's your beef? I just saw this pop up and came to read it. I thought you were coming back at me with something about the show. Come on man. Thanks for the correction. Didn't you see I have since changed it? Yes it's Skeet and not Skeete. It's like Amanda Peet's name. I'm sure some people add an 'e'. Gosh are you going to go on and on and on about that? You're correct! Thanks! I agree with you that the spelling is SKEET. What more do you want of me? You never corrected me on it before and neither did anyone, but immediately you did, I corrected it as I think people's names should be spelt correctly. Thanks. I appreciate the correction. Now let's move on.

This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol

[–] ravmeltt 13 years ago

I had even written "My bad on the wrong spelling of Skeet(e)." and yet I wrote other things about what you said concerning Molina and Howard and Nicholas Cage, yet you chose to write a whole very lengthy paragraph and a shorter one on the spelling (or mis-spelling) of Skeet. When I already agreed with you. What's up with that, man?

This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol

[–] Robert_A_Fett 13 years ago

After what happened with Jericho and now this show, I wouldn't touch Skeet Ulrich with a 10-foot pole if I were casting a show. If you should ever decide that you need to part ways with him, all you can look forward to is crap, no matter how much he actually does need to go.

[–] ravmeltt 13 years ago

I didn't want to be too harsh mksoren, but I really don't get what the fans of Skeet carry on about. And to be honest I supported LOLA because of Dick Wolf and the brand, but I really had found it boring. When Molina came on and they re-vamped the show, I really felt like it had taken on a new life, but by then the fans had jumped ship, and you know, the rest as they say is history.

This is my signature and I'm sticking to it. lol

[–] Robert_A_Fett 13 years ago

The Skeet Ulrich douches on this board have been unbearable. Those children deserve harshness.

The show had growing pains. It was exactly what you'd expect in a first season. However, it had potential.

[–] zuzus_petalz 13 years ago

It's getting Shilly in here......brrrrr.

Better Roland than Bardem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19aQDShRagU

[–] lilyclaire 13 years ago

Molina I can take or leave. But Skeet, now that's a different story. He is a very gifted actor with a certain charm and demeanor about him that I really like. Love his facial expressions and his beautiful voice. Don't think LOLA was making the most of his talents. Miss him on the show anyway and don't really care one bit about what happens to LOLA now. Haven't watched it since he left. Really hoping Skeet can find a great role on a more interesting show. Wish Miracles wasn't so short lived. Loved that series.

[–] zuzus_petalz 13 years ago

He's real and very Unhollywood which is refreshing. He actually is a gifted actor when given a good script and a director who lets him do what he can do. Check out Armored, Into the West, especially the 2nd and 3rd episodes. I just find him believable as the characters he portrays and not like Clooney or Damon who, everytime I see them on screen I think, "Hey it's Clooney playing a Clooney-type guy."

Handsome actors are a dime a dozen in Hollywood, so, to have such a dedicated fan base should mean something and I think Dick Wolf/NBC did realize that when they cast him. Some of WolfFilms tweets highlighted the casting of Jericho alum to try to cash in on the Jericho fans too.

When the fans sent in Nuts and called/emailed/faxed CBS headquarters and basically shut CBS down to bring back Jericho, I would estimate at least 1/3 of the fans were Ulrich fans 1st and Jericho fans 2nd.

That wasn't the only show that he was on where the fans fought back. Miracles, the first show I saw him on was BRILLIANT and one of those cancelled-way-too-soon due to constantly being preempted because of the 2nd Gulf War. Only 6 (I think) episodes aired, yet fans loved it so much that they campaigned to at least get all 13 episodes on DVD.

I think he is underrated because of his looks and the definition of 'good' acting now includes melodrama, intense eye contact and emotions being boiled down to a handful of extremes. Sad = cry a lot. Angry = Yell the loudest. That's not real life. Real people make FAR LESS eye contact than what you see on tv or in films and personally, I like realism in film.

The fact that he can portray a serial killer in Scream where people actually like him and find something sympathetic in the character says something. It isn't a one-dimensional character, but layered.

Better Roland than Bardem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19aQDShRagU

[–] littlesis1774 13 years ago

I love Skeet to the bone and he is amazing actor. I think the reason why people love because he is not the hollywood party type. He is not drinking and falling out of clubs like Lindsay Lohan or Jeremy Piven. He is at home rising his twins.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson The King of Pop!!!!!!!!

[–] Chadsymptom 13 years ago

Thanks for all the positive replies! I'm going to have to check out more of Skeet Ulrich.

[–] That_One_User 13 years ago

Nobody idolizes Skeet. There was just no reason for him to get the boot, which frustrates me b/c he is a talented, under-the-radar actor. He seems to have the worst luck in the film industry, aside from Scream and Jericho.

On your comment about his anger, Stabler from SVU had more apparent anger issues than Winters. So...your statement doesn't make much sense. Just wanted to give you a heads-up.

I would put something witty here, but my mind is blank. So you get this instead:

[–] Sylvenger 13 years ago

I said it in another post, but Skeet was miscast as an LA Detective. He is way too meek and mild mannered to pull off that role off.

If given the choice to be the shepherd or the sheep... be the wolf.

[–] SmokeyTheGreat 13 years ago

Molina is fantastic on this show. He's a vet actor and has great presence. Skeet isn't a bad actor, he just isn't the sort of lead actor needed in a show such as 'Law and Order'.

[–] littlesis1774 13 years ago

well judging by ratings millions of viewers don't agree with you. After the season finale it is getting the boot.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson The King of Pop!!!!!!!!

[–] Lobo_Mort 13 years ago

it's easier to stir the herd than being right...

---------
You can put your shoe's in the oven, but it won't make them brownies...

[–] keywestmusicinc 13 years ago

I like it better without Ulrich, the ex DA guy brings a better energy as a detective. I enjoyed the last 2 episodes, especially the 5/16 episode, good stuff.

[–] zuzus_petalz 13 years ago

BEFORE the season finale. Good news.

Better Roland than Bardem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19aQDShRagU

[–] missrer-44-999213 13 years ago

He is very, very cute, and a very, very good actor, what more do you need? No more eye candy for Law & Order LA :(

[–] Mangofish 13 years ago

In his interviews he is very humble, sweet, and charming. He's a great actor and I thought he played Det. Winters in a subtle way - no chest beating or trying to act too tough. And yes, he is hot!

[–] hotmeow11 13 years ago

I must agree, I cannot find anything not to like.

[–] Robert_A_Fett 13 years ago

"I must agree, I cannot find anything not to like."

His nutball fans.

[–] bigpoppa206 13 years ago

Skeet needed to go but then I think Terrance needs to go too. I have seen both in other roles and they were great, but somehow the L&O LA writing crew is not making these characters believable and the actors are probably held back by the writing. Just not feeling it.