Narrative comes first in 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent.' Characters are clearly developed with personality and skill, rather than being unbalanced by identity politics. Casting decisions generally reflect realism and merit relevant to each role, rather than forced representation. Dialogue and situations stay focused on the cases, not shoehorning in modern ideological issues or diversity for its own sake.

The series portrays traditional values, respect for law enforcement, and doesn't subvert family, religion, or masculinity. Male and female detectives work together professionally, without belittling traditional gender roles or pushing any revisionist cultural agenda. It generally refrains from using the criminal justice setting to attack classic morality or foundational institutions.

While some episodes riff on real-world controversies, there's little evidence of ideological monoculture. The show regularly portrays criminals and victims from all walks of life, and traditional perspectives aren't treated with cartoonish villainy. Sometimes there's a hint of modern bias, but nothing out-of-step with typical early-2000s procedural norms.