New York City has been rocked by a woman's allegations that she was raped by one the 'princes' of Gotham – Greg Kelly, the handsome son of the police commissioner and TV news reporter.

The woman also claimed she became pregnant as a result of the sexual encounter and subsequently underwent an abortion.

The latest twist in this sordid saga is that the Manhattan District Attorney has questioned the credibility of the accuser, a 30-year old paralegal who is also reportedly the daughter of a prominent attorney.

Apparently, the DA wonders why she waited a full three months before reporting the alleged rape to the police; and also why she continued to exchange amorous text messages and phone calls with Kelly.

As I follow this ever-evolving story, it struck me that it doesn't seem real – rather, it's more like an episode of the popular television program “Law and Order.”

The few episodes I have watched of that show have left me highly unimpressed – “Law and Order” is rather unrealistic, dull, sterile and contrived. Even though the program is filmed on location in New York, it has completely negated the true, authentic, “gritty” feel of the city.

I am well aware that “Law and Order” (and its multitude of alternative variations) draw huge audiences – but, as far police dramas go, I much prefer “Hill Street Blues.”

Nevertheless, the Kelly saga would make a perfect multi-part episode for “Law and Order.”

Kelly has an impressive pedigree – not only is he a highly visible television broadcaster, but he also served nine years as a fighter pilot in the Marines, which included service in Iraq.

While some might suspect that his career trajectory has been accelerated by his father's influence, there is no evidence of such a thing happening.

Greg's father, Raymond, is the latest in a long line of Irish-American police commissioners in New York. Ray is rather dour, uncharismatic and homely – but he has been touted as a potential Mayoral candidate.

Now, if his son gets into deeper trouble, Ray's future political ambitions might be thwarted.

Separately, Ray Kelly is facing pressure to resign from Muslims after it was revealed that he appeared in an inflammatory anti-Islamic documentary that was shown to NYPD officers.

The few cops I have talked to about Ray Kelly dislike him to a man. They complain that he is a do-nothing “figurehead” who is so remote from the daily realities of life of a patrolman that he can't possibly understand their needs and problems.

Indeed, Ray Kelly is quite fond of cameras – he frequently appears next to Mayor Mike Bloomberg at press conferences (always looking grim and concerned) and also shows up at exclusive, elegant Manhattan affairs dressed up in a tuxedo.

The job of police commissioner appears to have evolved into something akin to a corporate chief executive or politician. He is a “front”, that is a “face” for the organization he leads. His principal purpose seems to be issuing bland statements to the press on a variety of topics and playing the role of a “leader.”

But he does no real police-work of any kind – or any work for that matter.

Now, Ray Kelly is facing some very troubling questions – about his own future and that of his son.

But none of this feels “real” to me – hence its TV-like narrative.

This story/soap opera has everything one could want in a drama – power, sex, political ambition, big city intrigue, glamour and tragedy.

And, just like an episode of “Law and Order,” the Kelly saga will likely witness some contrived ending.

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