This does not mean that it is realistic, merely that if gives the illusion of being neutral or transparent. This can be dangerous as it hides levels of connotation, ideology and politics. TV is further compounded by its integration into everyday life. At least seeing a film is a less common occurrence and is surrounded by the rituals of filmgoing. TV transforms storytelling from interactive participant to passive consumer.
Crime is decontextualised and transformed into plot which is resolved neatly, without consequences.
Motive is simplified into the bad, the mad and the misguided. The narrative creates problems. Most people get their impression of the nature and effectiveness of policing from crime dramas. These often overstate the effectiveness of the police who usually get the bad guy . The image of authority endorses the status quo.