Criminal Minds

First of all, at first I thought it was going to be a "Next Generation" kind of season. Then I thought it was going to be like how it was with each episode being a separate case.. but it was so much more than that!! I really love how they switched things up and gave the BAU a case to really sit and dwell on for a whole season. What makes it even better was that although they were focused on one suspect there were still many cases being solved in between adding variety and multiple focuses. I didn't give it 10 stars only because I was hoping and wishing they would have been able to get back a little bit more of the original BAU heavy hitters like Reid.

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.

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.

(2 episodes in) This review is subject to change over the course of this season. As someone who just couldn't finish those final seasons of criminal minds since the quality took a bit of a downturn, trust me when I say this has been as good as the trailer hyped it up to be. Will it be anything special? That remains to be seen, but so far there is a solid foundation and it's a breath of fresh air for the BAU.

Something about this just seems fresh. The more realistic tone, the lighting, and the ACTING is great as always. This has a lot of promise, really hope it sticks the landing.

Solid 8 for now.