This fictionalized show about the development of 1970's police forensic psychology and profiling is brilliant. It takes a premise, which could have been a documentary, and develops it around fictional and real characters. The scripts and storyline is brilliant. The acting by the main characters, especially the two leads, is fantastic. The Direction by David FIncher and others is movie quality. The 1970's attention to detail is just stunning. The interweaving of the brilliant role outs of real serial killers is just amazing to watch. The people and the scripts surrounding Manson, the Co-ed Killer, BTK, the Son of Sam and more are just fascinating. The is a thoughtfully constructed show and one of Netflix's finest additions. I wish I had watched it sooner.
862 Reviews
Just get us Season 3
raysatish13 July 2020
I wanted to see something like Zodiac for a long time and couldn't find something and then my friend suggested to watch this and my mind is blown. David Fincher gives something that literally no other person could give. It has a perfect pacing and the pilot is for character introduction and the second episode is due character development. And from the 3rd episode the series starts in a full fledged way and boom you get what you are looking for it's one of the best and very-very enjoyable. Fincher is the MVP here and he does his job perfectly. It's so good that I'm ready to beg Fincher to start it's production ASAP.
Great!
Supermanfan-1328 July 2020
Mindhunter is one of the better shows I've seen in some time! I've read some people think it gets slow at times but that's only because they're building the story and characters but it absolutely pays off. This series is so well done, from the acting to the directing to the writing to the etc, etc! Everything about this show is great!
So disappointed there will be no season 3
koofasa16 July 2021
Today's choices for decent dramatic programming is very spotty so when I saw that Mindhunter was canceled I couldn't be more disappointed. This was an excellent show about the start of the FBI's profiling program. It was well made and acted and now it's gone. The first two season were great though so it is definitely worth watching. There were no story lines that required a third season to wrap up so you won't feel cheated when you realize season two is the end. This show was about the criminals and how they were profiled rather than the FBI agents who did the profiling. It is still a 10 star show even without a third season.
Brilliant!!
Rob133129 September 2022
Mindhunter is such a great show. Just read through the reviews to see what most people think about it. This is not your average cop show. It follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tech (Holt McCallany) as they attempt to understand and catch serial killers by studying their minds and psyches. This is the start of modern day serial killer profiling. It really digs in to why these monsters do the terrible things they do. I've read some people think it gets slow at times but that's only because they're building the story and characters but it absolutely pays off. Everything about this show is award worthy...the acting, writing, directing, cinematography, production, etc, etc.! One of its creators is David Fincher (Seven, Zodiac, Gone Girl, The Social Network, etc). It has the same feel of a lot of his work so if you're a fan of his then you'll be a fan of this show.
Fascinating, Suspenseful Drama Exploring The Origins Of Criminal Psychology And Profiling
gogoschka-122 January 2018
For those of you who came here looking for something like 'Se7en', because you thought, well, it's from David Fincher and it's about serial killers, I have bad news: this is not that kind of show. But if you came here looking for something more like 'Zodiac', because you thought, well, it's Fincher producing a show about people investigating serial killers, you might indeed find something you like. And if you appreciate long-form storytelling focusing more on human drama than on action scenes, AND you're a bit of a science nerd on top of that (and by that I'm also implying you don't mind watching a show where people are talking most of the time), then, my friend, you are in for a treat.
The reason I absolutely love 'Mindhunter' is this: I'm the kind of person who always wants to know why we know what we know. Because we DIDN'T always know. Somebody had to make a start; someone had to make that first step, that first discovery and draw that first conclusion. Somebody had to be curious, probably persistent, maybe even daring in their quest for knowledge. The history of science is littered with warriors, some of whom we now celebrate and hold in high esteem - but we have a tendency to forget that many scientists also were tragic figures who had to fight against restrictions imposed by society and risked paying a high price - professionally and personally - for their fight against ignorance. And it's those aspects of science that I find so fascinating, and it's precisely those aspects that 'Mindhunter' is interested in; not the "showy", glamorous stuff, but the meticulous groundwork and the personal human drama inherent in the quest for knowledge. And if you, like me, have a morbid curiosity for all the darker aspects of human nature, it surely doesn't hurt that the particular branch of science whose origins this show explores is that of criminal psychology: the science which tries to understand how the minds of criminals work and what causes them to commit their crimes.
As you might have guessed, 'Mindhunter' isn't concerned with shoplifters or what goes on inside the head of someone who commits insurance fraud, but rather with criminals whose behavior is a tad more serious (like, you know, murderers who have a penchant for engaging in sexual activities with their victims' severed heads - stuff like that). And it isn't a documentary either; although the characters are based on real people and the show offers a realistic portrayal of serial killers, this is a dramatized account of events made for our entertainment. And entertaining it is, and on a high artistic level at that: the performances are fantastic; cinematography, editing and direction bear the clear trademark of the master filmmaker who produced and partly directed this (though it must be said that while Fincher appears to be the creative leader, the project was brought to him by one Charlize Theron who owns the rights to the book upon which the show is based and also serves as a producer, and the excellent teleplay was predominantly written by Jennifer Haley and the show's credited creator Joe Penhall).
To sum it all up: 'Mindhunter' is a show that takes full advantage of its format; this is long form storytelling as it was meant to be, and while it probably doesn't work for people with short attention spans, the patient viewer is rewarded with a fascinating, richly layered and suspenseful drama exploring the origins of criminal psychology and criminal profiling. Excellent stuff: 8 stars out of 10.
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
Favorite films: IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-Known Masterpieces: imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
The reason I absolutely love 'Mindhunter' is this: I'm the kind of person who always wants to know why we know what we know. Because we DIDN'T always know. Somebody had to make a start; someone had to make that first step, that first discovery and draw that first conclusion. Somebody had to be curious, probably persistent, maybe even daring in their quest for knowledge. The history of science is littered with warriors, some of whom we now celebrate and hold in high esteem - but we have a tendency to forget that many scientists also were tragic figures who had to fight against restrictions imposed by society and risked paying a high price - professionally and personally - for their fight against ignorance. And it's those aspects of science that I find so fascinating, and it's precisely those aspects that 'Mindhunter' is interested in; not the "showy", glamorous stuff, but the meticulous groundwork and the personal human drama inherent in the quest for knowledge. And if you, like me, have a morbid curiosity for all the darker aspects of human nature, it surely doesn't hurt that the particular branch of science whose origins this show explores is that of criminal psychology: the science which tries to understand how the minds of criminals work and what causes them to commit their crimes.
As you might have guessed, 'Mindhunter' isn't concerned with shoplifters or what goes on inside the head of someone who commits insurance fraud, but rather with criminals whose behavior is a tad more serious (like, you know, murderers who have a penchant for engaging in sexual activities with their victims' severed heads - stuff like that). And it isn't a documentary either; although the characters are based on real people and the show offers a realistic portrayal of serial killers, this is a dramatized account of events made for our entertainment. And entertaining it is, and on a high artistic level at that: the performances are fantastic; cinematography, editing and direction bear the clear trademark of the master filmmaker who produced and partly directed this (though it must be said that while Fincher appears to be the creative leader, the project was brought to him by one Charlize Theron who owns the rights to the book upon which the show is based and also serves as a producer, and the excellent teleplay was predominantly written by Jennifer Haley and the show's credited creator Joe Penhall).
To sum it all up: 'Mindhunter' is a show that takes full advantage of its format; this is long form storytelling as it was meant to be, and while it probably doesn't work for people with short attention spans, the patient viewer is rewarded with a fascinating, richly layered and suspenseful drama exploring the origins of criminal psychology and criminal profiling. Excellent stuff: 8 stars out of 10.
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
Favorite films: IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-Known Masterpieces: imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
What?? No Season 3?!
besss-0341828 January 2023
Well written, well cast, just well done. Why there isn't a 3rd season is beyond me.
I was a fan of Criminal Minds, so it was fun to think this is where the BAU started.
Having the story line based upon real criminals made this believable and interesting. (They didn't shy away from details, although a bit gruesome, was necessary to the plots).
The time period was well done, with the soundtrack truly adding to the atmosphere. The characters were not only believable, but you could empathize with them thanks to the great work of the actors in the cast.
It is criminal (sorry for the pun) that good productions like this eek out only 2 seasons while gossipy, glossy, air-brained 'reality shows' go on for 4-5 seasons or more. It's a travesty - this show was just too smart for the room.
I was a fan of Criminal Minds, so it was fun to think this is where the BAU started.
Having the story line based upon real criminals made this believable and interesting. (They didn't shy away from details, although a bit gruesome, was necessary to the plots).
The time period was well done, with the soundtrack truly adding to the atmosphere. The characters were not only believable, but you could empathize with them thanks to the great work of the actors in the cast.
It is criminal (sorry for the pun) that good productions like this eek out only 2 seasons while gossipy, glossy, air-brained 'reality shows' go on for 4-5 seasons or more. It's a travesty - this show was just too smart for the room.
Please David Fincher read this:
pkhall14 September 2022
Mr. Fincher, Mindhunter is the greatest show ever created on TV. Please make another season. I know you're busy making a wonderful movies etc. But this show is just exceptional. Other than Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, I can't remember a TV series that has been so perfectly done as this. Your direction and the cast is so enjoyable. I have seen the series now seasons 1 and 2
three times and it just keeps getting better with each viewing. Hope you can find it within yourself to keep this going for many years coming. Every single actor that has played a notorious killer has been transformed into that person by your incredible make up team it is as if we are truly watching these people give their testimonies. It is very creepy that it is so believable, but that is just simply your incredible vision and direction. I think you probably the best modern day Director. Thank you so much again and praying for future episodes.
Extremely good, but was sadly canceled.
Lukasmj15 November 2022
"Mindhunter" is probably one of the best series I've ever seen.
I find people's psyches extremely interesting anyway, which is why this series felt like it was made for me.
To see how serial killers are questioned here to really define their kind for the first time is just pure excitement.
The serial killers' costumes are also spot on.
Even in the 2nd season, which unfortunately turns out to be rather poor in most cases, there is not a hint of a reduction in quality to be seen here, but the series even steps up a notch.
I find the decision to cancel the series just cheeky without giving us a satisfying ending.
I understand the hiring was financial, but I would definitely rather see another season of Mindhunter than the 100th Netflix miniseries with the same boring plot.
I find people's psyches extremely interesting anyway, which is why this series felt like it was made for me.
To see how serial killers are questioned here to really define their kind for the first time is just pure excitement.
The serial killers' costumes are also spot on.
Even in the 2nd season, which unfortunately turns out to be rather poor in most cases, there is not a hint of a reduction in quality to be seen here, but the series even steps up a notch.
I find the decision to cancel the series just cheeky without giving us a satisfying ending.
I understand the hiring was financial, but I would definitely rather see another season of Mindhunter than the 100th Netflix miniseries with the same boring plot.
Bring back this masterpiece
manTOman26 July 2022
Dont cancel this one cause man this is by far best criminal series for ages. This so well act and script is brilliant. No forced melodrama for long time American crime series is coming close to be as good as Brits are doing.
A perfect 10
baunacholi-8615911 October 2019
Once in a while really AMAZING series appear on tv. Mindhunter is one of them. Every aspect of the show is a perfect 10 - the ultimate essence of noir crime. Intelligent, dark, disturbing.
Why this show has not won every award possible is beyond me. The cast is top notch. Esp. Anna Torv's performance is outstanding. Cameron Britton who portrays Ed Kemper let u easily forget that it's a show. It feels so real, so raw. There are some more interviews with other suspects/killers, all let u peak into an abyss as cruel and dark as it can be. A twisted mind. If u are up for something truly unique and innovative in the usually rather stereotype crime bla, mindhunter is your antidote.
One of the best series on TV
nickmalizia81731 December 2022
Mindhunter is one of the most brilliant shows ever made. I will admit the first couple episodes can be a little slow, but the pacing picks up tremendously and gets even better into the second season. The cinematography was some of the best I've ever seen. The suspenseful and thought provoking interviews with the serial killers was amazingly done. After finishing season 2, I immediately went out and bought the book that this show is based on and after finishing it I can say that the show was very accurate to what was touched on in the book. I was so sad when I learned that this show was canceled apparently due to low viewing. More people need to check out this fantastic show.
Brilliant
grantss10 November 2018
(Updated after Season 2).
1979. Agent Holden Ford is attached to the FBI's Behavioural Sciences Unit, headed by veteran agent Bill Tench. A new type of killer is emerging, one that kills regularly and without apparent motive. Due to the lack of motive, it is difficult to profile and apprehend the perpetrator in a murder investigation. In order to reduce this knowledge deficit, Tench and Ford set out to question incarcerated 'sequence killers' and build up a database of their backgrounds, behaviours, drivers and motives in order to make apprehending such criminals easier in future.
Brilliant drama series, largely based on a true story, with the names of the main characters changed. (Interesting fact: the true-life character Holden Ford is based on, John Douglas, was the inspiration for the character of Jack Crawford in the Hannibal books and movies.).
Well-told, showing how behavioural science evolved as a means of identifying and apprehending serial killers. Quite fascinating, especially when you consider that as recently as 1979 nothing was really known about serial killers' motives or profiles. In 1979, the expression 'serial killer' wasn't even a term! (Bill Tench's real-life character coined it).
The individual cases are quite riveting, and show the new method of profiling in action. Also shows that, like with any new, revolutionary idea, hitting upon the idea is only half the battle - convincing others, especially those you rely on to follow through on your work - in this case prosecutors, superiors, other law enforcement officers - is the other half.
Good character depth. Each of the main characters is clearly drawn and brings their personality, issues and hang-ups to the job.
On that note, the only negative aspect initially is the character of Holden Ford. I often found him irritating - cold, over-thinking, nerdy and paranoid. The episode involving the teacher was the low point of the series and a great example of the downside of Ford's personality. Maybe that's the point - what makes him brilliant also makes him a dingbat.
Season 2 isn't quite as interesting as Season 1. While S1 showed them interviewing convicted serial killers, evolving their theories and processes and building their processes, S2 largely deals with one particular case. While it is reasonably interesting, and does show some of their newly-developed techniques in action, it largely involves old-fashioned police grunt work, so is nothing new and is even dull at times. I kept feeling like the story was going in circles without developing. That's how police investigations are, I suppose, so is quite realistic. Just not that exciting.
Season 1: 9/10. Season 2: 8/10.
1979. Agent Holden Ford is attached to the FBI's Behavioural Sciences Unit, headed by veteran agent Bill Tench. A new type of killer is emerging, one that kills regularly and without apparent motive. Due to the lack of motive, it is difficult to profile and apprehend the perpetrator in a murder investigation. In order to reduce this knowledge deficit, Tench and Ford set out to question incarcerated 'sequence killers' and build up a database of their backgrounds, behaviours, drivers and motives in order to make apprehending such criminals easier in future.
Brilliant drama series, largely based on a true story, with the names of the main characters changed. (Interesting fact: the true-life character Holden Ford is based on, John Douglas, was the inspiration for the character of Jack Crawford in the Hannibal books and movies.).
Well-told, showing how behavioural science evolved as a means of identifying and apprehending serial killers. Quite fascinating, especially when you consider that as recently as 1979 nothing was really known about serial killers' motives or profiles. In 1979, the expression 'serial killer' wasn't even a term! (Bill Tench's real-life character coined it).
The individual cases are quite riveting, and show the new method of profiling in action. Also shows that, like with any new, revolutionary idea, hitting upon the idea is only half the battle - convincing others, especially those you rely on to follow through on your work - in this case prosecutors, superiors, other law enforcement officers - is the other half.
Good character depth. Each of the main characters is clearly drawn and brings their personality, issues and hang-ups to the job.
On that note, the only negative aspect initially is the character of Holden Ford. I often found him irritating - cold, over-thinking, nerdy and paranoid. The episode involving the teacher was the low point of the series and a great example of the downside of Ford's personality. Maybe that's the point - what makes him brilliant also makes him a dingbat.
Season 2 isn't quite as interesting as Season 1. While S1 showed them interviewing convicted serial killers, evolving their theories and processes and building their processes, S2 largely deals with one particular case. While it is reasonably interesting, and does show some of their newly-developed techniques in action, it largely involves old-fashioned police grunt work, so is nothing new and is even dull at times. I kept feeling like the story was going in circles without developing. That's how police investigations are, I suppose, so is quite realistic. Just not that exciting.
Season 1: 9/10. Season 2: 8/10.
Can't Watch Just One Episode
boatsfra22 November 2017
Mindhunter is a 10 episode series on N'flix that hits a home run with me. First of all, David Fincher can do no wrong in my eyes, blending trance-like music with scenes that are unforgettable. He does this a few times and my goodness he's the master at it. Every scene, every line...well-constructed and nothing wasted.
Mindhunter gets into your head very quickly and not only for the content, but for the era it is held in. If you weren't born in the 70's, that's OK because the producers here have done a masterful job in recreating America in that decade. I honestly don't know how they did it scene after scene.
Mindhunter is a series where each character leaves an indelible mark on your psyche. The content is deep and makes you wonder. Don't forget to hug mom. I give it a 10 on the "bingeable" meter.
Mindhunter gets into your head very quickly and not only for the content, but for the era it is held in. If you weren't born in the 70's, that's OK because the producers here have done a masterful job in recreating America in that decade. I honestly don't know how they did it scene after scene.
Mindhunter is a series where each character leaves an indelible mark on your psyche. The content is deep and makes you wonder. Don't forget to hug mom. I give it a 10 on the "bingeable" meter.
I almost gave up one this one..
lkurs-6637914 October 2017
I almost gave up on this around the 2 episode. Something told me to hang in there, and I'l glad I did. If you're fascinated by the psychology and methodology of a serial killer, you should watch the entire series. It does start off slow, but well worth the wait. When it comes to "Mind Hunter," patience is a virtue!
Flawless investigation Netflix series
UniqueParticle1 September 2019
I'm beyond fascinated by the study of the criminals as weird as they may sound so this hit the spot to me kinda like a delicious meal! The other thing is David Fincher the director of the pilot is one of my all time favorite humans/famous beings! Mindhunter has a wonderful tranquil ambient soundtrack throughout and immersive acting. It'll creep you out, intrigue you, and even make you wanna sympathize with many of the characters.
Also I'm rewatching for the second time, I originally saw when back in its prime and loving every bit again, I'm sure season 2 is just as good; I'll watch that soon. They're needs to be a lot more adult crime shows rated TV-MA, it's a million times better than most! Highly recommend to anyone that doesn't mind learning about monsters that did sinister crimes!
Also I'm rewatching for the second time, I originally saw when back in its prime and loving every bit again, I'm sure season 2 is just as good; I'll watch that soon. They're needs to be a lot more adult crime shows rated TV-MA, it's a million times better than most! Highly recommend to anyone that doesn't mind learning about monsters that did sinister crimes!
Enter the psychopath's mind
Vinicius813 October 2017
Two episodes in and I'm already hooked. Technically speaking, this series is very good (it's directed by David Fincher, of course it's good) and it stays true (so far) to the real-life crimes it was based on. I can't say the same for the characters, and how close they are to the people who really did this work, but considering their names are different and the book they adapted wasn't some sort of biography, most of their personal (love) lives must be fictitious or at least overtly dramatized.
You see, this series here isn't some kind of good cop, bad cop chase villains and shoot and explode a lot of stuff and at the end of the day (or episode) they go back to their wives and sleep like babies. No. There are way too many series like that, so search elsewhere if that's what you want, because you won't find that here.
Mindhunter is slow. Very slow. At first it might look like an simple thriller but actually it tells the story of two FBI agents in their pursuit to, as very precisely said by Holt McCallany's character, "understand how crazy thinks". But that doesn't come easily. Crazy is crazy. You gotta be crazy to understand crazy. But that doesn't stop naïve Holden Ford from interviewing the most despicable real-life psychopaths alive in America in the late 70's to develop the ideas that will become the tenets of the criminal profiling system.
As I said before, Mindhunter is directed by David Fincher, and as expected from his work, it's impeccable, both pacing and cinematography are top-notch. At the end of the episode you will be like "wait, that's it?" as the credits roll and the song keeps playing like the story is still going on. And somehow you are watching the next episode.
Writing and dialogue are great too. All very natural and haunting. Damn psychos could very much be the real ones. And that gets me to the acting, from what I've seen there's enough to say it's fantastic. The characters are brought to life by the actors. Also, the chemistry between characters Holden Ford and Bill Tench is incredibly real and sometimes, even through the bleakness of their work's nature, hilarious.
To finish off, I'll just say the biggest review cliché: Mindhunter is not for everyone. I know you know everyone says it, but it's truer in this case. If my review and the trailer got your attention, you gotta watch it. If it didn't, you'll probably hate Mindhunter. That's how it goes.
You see, this series here isn't some kind of good cop, bad cop chase villains and shoot and explode a lot of stuff and at the end of the day (or episode) they go back to their wives and sleep like babies. No. There are way too many series like that, so search elsewhere if that's what you want, because you won't find that here.
Mindhunter is slow. Very slow. At first it might look like an simple thriller but actually it tells the story of two FBI agents in their pursuit to, as very precisely said by Holt McCallany's character, "understand how crazy thinks". But that doesn't come easily. Crazy is crazy. You gotta be crazy to understand crazy. But that doesn't stop naïve Holden Ford from interviewing the most despicable real-life psychopaths alive in America in the late 70's to develop the ideas that will become the tenets of the criminal profiling system.
As I said before, Mindhunter is directed by David Fincher, and as expected from his work, it's impeccable, both pacing and cinematography are top-notch. At the end of the episode you will be like "wait, that's it?" as the credits roll and the song keeps playing like the story is still going on. And somehow you are watching the next episode.
Writing and dialogue are great too. All very natural and haunting. Damn psychos could very much be the real ones. And that gets me to the acting, from what I've seen there's enough to say it's fantastic. The characters are brought to life by the actors. Also, the chemistry between characters Holden Ford and Bill Tench is incredibly real and sometimes, even through the bleakness of their work's nature, hilarious.
To finish off, I'll just say the biggest review cliché: Mindhunter is not for everyone. I know you know everyone says it, but it's truer in this case. If my review and the trailer got your attention, you gotta watch it. If it didn't, you'll probably hate Mindhunter. That's how it goes.
How can we get ahead of crazy if we don't know how crazy thinks?
anniec6213 October 2017
I'm spoiled for good quality TV shows that are intriguing and make me think while entertaining along the way. So many shows I watch the first episode and can't even get through it because its so predictable or cookie cutter. I'm excited I've found a new one to enjoy. And even though it is set in the 70s, its very relevant for today. Crazy takes on many forms. Back then it was "sequence killers" prior to term "serial killer" being used. Today its crazy mass shooters. I love Ford's desire to learn. I've watched 2 episodes and looking forward to the rest. And BTW the soundtrack is amazing!
Smart, intriguing, thats bing worthy
riveramaximilian14 October 2017
After reading some reviews I've come to the conclusion some reviewers should stick to game shows. I found this show to be smart, not once did I have a moment where I knew what was going to happen. The storyline, characters, and integration scenarios had my attention from the beginning to the end. I look forward to a season 2!
Not your typical Hollywood rubbish....
andrewrye-0653514 October 2017
I read the book by John Douglas (who consults to the show) some years ago...twice. Every now and then I get a memory or part of the book come back to me. This is very close to how I'd imagine the book made into a series - not a movie would look. For those that want a nicely tied up story each episode or answers for everything, you won't find it here.
The description is only partially right, this is about the development of the unit within the FBI that would eventually concentrate on serial killers and develop profiles for the offenders. For them to do this they had to interview thousands of serial murderers and find out how they clicked, their drivers and motivations. This was new ground with untested theories and often against the FBI's own protocol. So, mistakes were made, lines were over stepped and they didn't always get it right.
The two main characters play their parts well, I thought. Often bumbling about, arguing and unsure of what they are doing. I notice some reviewers mistake this for wooden acting and aren't able to like the characters, yet in my mind it works well. You have to remember this is set in the early 70s, so even the title 'serial killer' wasn't coined yet. Instead they called it 'sequence killer'. They were up against old thinking where even the mention of colloquial or slang terms for penis etc. were frowned on by the FBI.
It is unfortunate that some of the reviewers have treated this like a typical Hollywood cop or CSI show. Everything has to be laid out for them and they want some clever theorising and a nice tidy ending. Where as the story is in the journey, not the result. Hang in for the long haul, it's well worth it.
The only unfortunate piece for me is the lead's name 'Holden Ford'. If you are an Australian or NZer you will understand. Makes me cringe every time his name is said in full. Anna Torv makes a welcome member of the cast and gives it a nice air of sophistication.
It's a solid 9 for me.
The description is only partially right, this is about the development of the unit within the FBI that would eventually concentrate on serial killers and develop profiles for the offenders. For them to do this they had to interview thousands of serial murderers and find out how they clicked, their drivers and motivations. This was new ground with untested theories and often against the FBI's own protocol. So, mistakes were made, lines were over stepped and they didn't always get it right.
The two main characters play their parts well, I thought. Often bumbling about, arguing and unsure of what they are doing. I notice some reviewers mistake this for wooden acting and aren't able to like the characters, yet in my mind it works well. You have to remember this is set in the early 70s, so even the title 'serial killer' wasn't coined yet. Instead they called it 'sequence killer'. They were up against old thinking where even the mention of colloquial or slang terms for penis etc. were frowned on by the FBI.
It is unfortunate that some of the reviewers have treated this like a typical Hollywood cop or CSI show. Everything has to be laid out for them and they want some clever theorising and a nice tidy ending. Where as the story is in the journey, not the result. Hang in for the long haul, it's well worth it.
The only unfortunate piece for me is the lead's name 'Holden Ford'. If you are an Australian or NZer you will understand. Makes me cringe every time his name is said in full. Anna Torv makes a welcome member of the cast and gives it a nice air of sophistication.
It's a solid 9 for me.
Fascinating & absorbing
princesspentium13 October 2017
Loved the feel of this new series. Intelligent and slow burning. Totally absorbing. I thought the two main characters were very well observed and portrayed. They fit well together and are a partnership that will stand the test of time, in my opinion. The period is well represented with excellently placed contemporary music.
Wow, really compelling
reddiemurf8115 March 2021
How did behavioral science become something? How did serial killers get the name, "serial" killers? Who did all the work to educate the public about all these things? Well,, here it is!!
This show is spectacular,, at least for the most part. Season 1 knocks it out of the park, for sure. Season 2 was good,, but not as,,, and the ending,, is that how they're gonna leave it? I realize it's not a happy show,, but some finality would be nice,,,
This show is spectacular,, at least for the most part. Season 1 knocks it out of the park, for sure. Season 2 was good,, but not as,,, and the ending,, is that how they're gonna leave it? I realize it's not a happy show,, but some finality would be nice,,,
Dont listen to the commenters giving low ratings.
triforce-8893120 February 2019
The few people here who are rating this a 1,2 or a 3 have no clue what makes a TV show. They also have no clue what actual acting is. No this show is not one of those shows where a serial killer is shown stabbing their victim to death. We dont see the cops chasing down the bad guys and saving the day. What we see is some amazing acting from some beyond amazing actors, giving us the stories of these true crimes. So if at all you're interested in these type of true crimes dont listen to these people giving low ratings who do not have any idea what they're talking about. This show is worth watching.
Must see!
mfiveoh14 October 2017
If you are remotely interested in the birth of serial killer profiling, this is a "must watch" series! Although I am not an expert in the field, It's easy to recognize the meticulous attention to detail given toward the creation of "Mindhunter." The cast and associated acting were spectacular. Joe Penhall (Writer of "The Road") has put together another gritty, texture-filled, masterpiece using actual profiles of some of the most prolific serial killers of the late 60's, early 70's. I highly recommend this title!
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