122 episodes ago, America was introduced to a new crime fighting team. Known as FBI Profilers, we were given a different point of view about how some criminals think, and how they get caught. The show, on CBS, is named “Criminal Minds,” and can be seen at 9 P.M. every Wednesday night.
The Cast, led by Thomas Gibson (Dharma and Greg, 1997-2002), is easily the best ensemble of actors on Television. Thomas portrays the team Supervisor, Agent Aaron Hotchner. Most of the supporting cast has been with the show since the beginning, including Shemar Moore, (Agent Derek Morgan), Mathew Gray Gubler, (Dr Spencer Reid), and Kirsten Vangsness, who plays computer geek Penelope Garcia. Paget Brewster, Joe Mantegna, and A.J. Cook round out this talented cast.
FBI Profilers are an elite group. They are called in by different agencies, both local and state, to help solve crimes that appear to be happening in patterns. This usually involves Serial Killers, but sometimes includes Arsonists, and other heinous criminals.
Several things make this show a cut above most crime dramas. When called upon, the team takes off in it’s private jet, en route to the affected crime area. The show usually gives us a quote, by a famous author or psychiatrist, which preludes the upcoming assignment. It very quaint how the quote fits the current show. They also use another famous quote at the end of the show.
The team all offer their insight on the crime to be solved, with each member an expert in certain areas. Dr.Reid, for example, usually tries to give the psychiatric profile of the Unidentified Subject, or “Unsub,” as the criminal is referred to on the show. Agent Rossi, a veteran agent who has written books on Profiling cases, gives his veteran advice on how to approach the crime scene. Penelope stays behind and lends her support as a computer expert, who can find information on anything at the speed of light.
Upon arrival at the crime scene, the team splits up into different groups, each assigned a task, such as visiting the past crime scenes. Agent Hotchner usually deals with the local authorities, who are not always pleased to be getting help from a FBI team. Imagine any “CSI” team, if some FBI Profilers got called into help.
On a recent episode, for example, the team is called into a case where 3 strippers have been raped and murdered, in a rural community. The Sheriff there likes to be in charge of all of the investigations, and does not appreciate the team taking charge. It turns out that one of the criminals involved in the murders was the Sheriff’s son.
Watching how this show figures out who the bad guys are is a lot of fun. Their expertise is impressive, and each week the investigations involve many different characters, and a lot of pressure. Most of the time, the team is trying to figure out who the next victim will be, and why that is the case. They always hope to solve the case before another victim gets added to the death toll.
Although some viewers may be put off by the sick minds, and actions of the perpetrators of some vicious crimes, the cast makes the show both believable, and leaving us with a sense of security. It is comforting to know that such teams do exist. It is easy to imagine this cast is truly a family, even after the cameras stop rolling. This is among one of the many reasons that “Criminal Minds” is rated the 7th most watched show this year, by the Nielsen Ratings. It’s a “Must watch” in my house every Wednesday night.
