Criminal Minds

This is one of the best shows I have ever watched (and I watch some of the best on TV - The West Wing, all of the Law and Orders, House MD). On Wednesday nights, I use to watch "The West Wing", but then that moved to Sunday. I started to watch "Head Cases", but to my great disappointment (though not surprise) that was cancelled. So, on a whim, I tried out "Criminal Minds". I have never made a better TV decision.

Criminal Minds is a psychological thriller that keeps your undivided attention. Like Law & Order, no one character gets the direct star treatment. I have seen seven episodes, and I still do not have a favorite character (which is highly unusual for me). I love them all. Every single week, this is the only show I can hardly wait for.

If you like plots that keep you thinking and guessing while having plenty of physical and mention action, this show is definitely for you.

This is one of my favorite shows, EXCEPT that nearly every scene is filmed so darkly it's almost impossible to watch anymore. I was watching season 17 episodes 4 and 5 this afternoon. The scene in the jail, the scenes in the BAU offices, are all extremely dark. Here they are in the BAU office but there are no overhead lights on. Penelope is working at her computer in a dark room. It's gotten to where it's just ridiculous how dark all the scenes are. Nobody works in any kind of business where everything is constantly unlit. I understand if you're outside at night it's dark out, but not in an office building. Buildings have lights turn them on and film things so that we can actually see who the damn people are. If the cost to turn lights on is so prohibitive then maybe you shouldn't be making this show.

Criminal Minds is about an elite squad of FBI profilers that investigate the country's most twisted cases and killers. They try to analyze how to get a step ahead of these killers to catch them before they kill more. This series was so good that it went 15 seasons. After only a short time after they ended the show they brought it back on Paramount Plus because so many people missed it. They're now on Season 17 and these last two seasons on Paramount Plus haven't missed a beat. They're actually allowed to get away with more because they don't have to worry about network tv restrictions such as language or being too violent. The characters are all very well written and developed throughout the show. The writers have also done a good job at keeping the show fresh and that's not an easy job after 17 seasons. It's already been renewed for Season 18 and I'll be there as long as they keep it going.

Truly a great series worthy of praise. Many may say that this is a 'rip-off' of CSI but I've watched CSI and it caught me on for a bit, but after a while it just seemed to closed. Where CSI guides you through the story and gives a picture perfect ending and how you're supposed to perceive it, Criminal Minds lets you explore and judge for yourself. It doesn't preach too much and the stories are engaging and suspenseful! Excellent writing and great performances from the stars. It may begin cliché, but if you stay long enough it is a rewarding and entertaining view, and I don't feel it's going to let down any time soon. Give it a chance, or just watch episode 7 'The Fox'. It shows the best writing and acting in the show so far, in my opinion. Diving into minds of lunatics and psychopaths has never been more entertaining! Fantastic!

Hotchner is the legal mind, and the one to keep everything together. The show now suffers without him. "Wheels up in 30," just doesn't sound the same coming from others. Don't get me wrong, I like the other characters, but Hotch was the glue. Egos need to let it go and do what is right not what you can do to throw the playground tantrum to get what you want. No respect for people with money using that as a means of getting their way...childish!!! Hotch started on this show and his character was the most interesting. He needs to be back on the show or I feel the show is going to reach a slow demise.