I find it difficult to believe that there are so many
quality television shows on the air these days. For so long it felt like there
was nothing to watch. Now I find myself torn between shows appearing on
opposing channels at the same time or find the DVR overloaded with shows I've
missed. This is one of the reasons that shows being released on DVD at somewhat
affordable prices are doing so well right now. And one show that continues to
remain a quality series is CRIMINAL MINDS.
For those who have never seen the series (or who missed when
I've spoken of previous seasons) the show revolves around a group of FBI
profilers who are sent around the country to help law enforcement agencies
apprehend serial criminals. Some cases involve rape, others arson but for the
most part they seek out serial killers. The statistic that at any one time
there are up to 80 serial killers walking around at one time is scary. The
thought that there is actually a group like this seeking them out should help
you sleep at night.
There isn't one single character that stands out among this
ensemble piece but while the focus may change from one to another with each
episode Thomas Gibson as Agent Aaron Hotchner is the focal point. The leader of
the team has gone through some serious problems in the past (one serial killer
murdered his wife for revenge) and this year we witness him adapting to being a
single parent. But while Hotchner's life is seen so are the lives of the other
cast members. And the series opens with the effects of what happened at the end
of season 6 when the group thought agent Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) was
killed.
Agent Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) has been using his own
time to seek out the killer responsible for Prentiss' death unofficially. When
the group is called before a hearing concerning their activities only one
person can clear them: Agent Prentiss. As we saw (though the group didn't know)
she was still alive. Now as the season progresses we watch as each member of the
team must deal with the return of someone they held dear who was unable to let
them know she was fine. While they still work together and are closer than most
working groups, a certain amount of distrust is the residue left over from this
secret and something that must be roughed out as the season progresses.
In the meantime there are plenty of criminals still out
there that the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) must help catch. Kidnapping with
ties to the 80s, a copycat killer imitating a case Hotchner and Rossi (Joe
Mantegna) worked on years ago, a 9 year olds abduction, murder at a military
boy's school and more form the cases the group works on. Each one calls for
various members of the group to put their personal skills to the test and find
the guilty party before more damage can be done.
While the search for criminals continues the personal lives
of the group come into play as well. Not only do they have to deal with the
return of Prentiss, they are also still dealing with the return of JJ (A.J.
Cook) who left the team in season 6. Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler)
continues to deal with the mental problems he fears he inherited from his
mother. Morgan finds himself involved in a case where the missing cousin
discussed in another season may have re-appeared. And Garcia (Kirsten
Vangsness) finds herself in a romantic situation.
Watching this series from the beginning you begin to
identify with the characters involved. They begin to feel like family. You find
yourself caring for each and every one of them. It doesn't seem like these are
merely characters on the screen but friends you've grown comfortable with while
watching. That's the secret of a great ensemble cast and CRIMINAL MINDS has
developed one of the best ensemble casts ever assembled. The talent of each
actor pours from the screen and not one is left to the side and not given some
personal chance to prove their mettle here.
If you're a fan of the series you'll want to make sure you
add this season to your collection. If you're not a fan, then by all means
start collecting from the beginning and work your way to this one. I've picked
them all up and have found that they are never boring to go back and watch
again. This series is one that gets better was it moves forward and should
satisfy the most jaded mystery fan.
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