‘Law & Order: SVU’: What Fans Really Think of Detective Munch – ‘Munch’s Commentary Is Always So Good’
John Munch (Richard Belzer) is a detective with a lot of experience by the time he gets to the Special Victims Unit in Law & Order: SVU. Fans can see the cynical and humorous Munch for 15 seasons before his unfortunate retirement from the squad.
Fans have been known to discuss the memorable detective turned Sergeant, including on Reddit. So what do fans really think of Munch?
John Munch is in ‘Law & Order: SVU’ for 15 seasons
Munch has been a part of the series since the very beginning, making him one of the original members of the squad. But before he worked at SVU, he was a homicide detective for seven seasons with the Baltimore Police Department in the series Homicide: Life on the Street. He also appeared in numerous shows over more than two decades. According to the character’s Fandom page, Munch has been seen in 10 television shows over the years, including The Wire, The X-Files, and Arrested Development.
In the series SVU, Munch has become a fan favorite, especially for his witty banter with his partner Odafin “Fin” Tutuola (Ice-T). He moves up the ranks from detective to Sergeant of the squad, proving how much of an asset he is to the team. He’s sarcastic and cynical, and he always has an interesting and morbid fact to add to the conversation. He’s also an avid conspiracy theorist, and he isn’t afraid to share his views with others.
Munch retires from the squad in season 15 in 2013, and he becomes a DA investigator. However, he has returned before in season 15, episode 24 called “Spring Awakening” and season 17, episode 20 called “Fashionable Crimes.”
Fans weigh in on Detective Munch
Over the years, Munch has developed a pretty impressive fan following, and some fans have taken to Reddit to talk about the beloved character. A fan asked on Reddit, “Anyone else part of the Munch fan club?” and fans didn’t hold back.
One fan made a hilarious comment that Munch would probably make. “I’d be a card-carrying member of this fan club… if I wanted the government to have a direct line into my preferences. Where does it end?!” the fan wrote.
One fan even referenced the name “Munchkins,” which is a name Munch once mentioned he’d “have to call” his children in season 2, episode 4 called “Legacy.”
“He’s my favorite,” a fan said. “I love Munch. All in favor of having Munch fans be called Munchkins? Say aye.”
He’s another fan’s “favorite character” as well, and it’s safe to say they aren’t the only ones. “I love him. My favorite character,” they said.
Some fans appreciate Munch’s theories on everything. Fans know he has opinions on a variety of controversial topics, and he isn’t afraid to express them when necessary. It usually adds an interesting detail to the subject that fans appreciate.
A fan added, “Love you Munch and your theories.”
“Yes! I miss Munch……..,” another fan said in the conversation as well.
‘I love Munch, especially the early seasons’
In another Reddit thread, a fan added a screenshot conversation between Munch and Dr. Audrey Jackson (Audra McDonald), a forensic psychologist from season 1. “Do you always deflect personal questions with jokes?” she asks him, to which he replies with, “Do you always deflect jokes with personal questions?”
Fans commented with very positive thoughts about Munch, proving he’s a fan favorite character. Some fans really grew to love Munch in the earlier seasons of the series.
“I love Munch, especially the early seasons,” a fan wrote.
Another fan mentions “Munch’s commentary,” and fans know it’s always on point, especially when the detective can add in sarcastic comments that add a laugh here and there.
“Munch’s commentary is always so good,” a fan added.
Not every fan is happy that Munch retired from the squad. He always added in the comedic elements to a show that can sometimes be hard to watch based on the subject matter. But Munch made it even more watchable and interesting.
“I’m so p***** they made Munch’s character retire,” a fan wrote. “He was a much-needed element of comedy gold.”
It’s plain to see that fans would have liked to see more of Munch before he retired from the spotlight. He’s a favorite for many, but at least viewers can rewatch episodes with the famous detective.
“Favorite character,” a fan weighed in. “I wish we saw more of him and his quips.”
Many fans love John Munch and what he brings to the table. It’s unfortunate he didn’t stay on SVU longer though.
