Too Many Crime Dramas?
USA Today writes, “Even as Criminal Minds’ popularity increases, it still can get bashed by critics. It’s not a water-cooler show, either, joining a list of popular but buzz-deficient crime/action dramas, including NCIS, The Unit, Cold Case and Numb3rs. ” Meaning these are not shows people go to work or get together with friends and talk about, unlike Lost, CSI, and others. Does it get lost in tv world with so many other shows that deal with police and crime investigation: three CSI’s, a bunch of Law and Order’s. At any given time, you can turn on the tv and find a crime procedure show. Pictured below is the cast of Without a Trace.
Robert Bianco (USA Today) says:
“[E]verything about Criminal is patched together from other shows, from the FBI setting to the tired visual gimmickry, to the sometimes contentious crimefighters, led by Mandy Patinkin at his most eccentric and off-putting. The only possibly novel touch is the reliance on quotes from such historical giants as Beckett, Nietzsche, Faulkner and Churchill, men who don’t deserve the guilt of this association.”
(I kind of like the quotes-what’s wrong with trying to be smart?)
I obviously disagree with Mr. Bianco because I love Criminal Minds. But is there any truth to his statement that the show is a patchwork assembled from other shows? Is it tired and cliche? What do you think?
Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster, Mandy Patinkin, Criminal Minds, CSI, Bones, Numb3rs
July 31st, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Are you kidding–??Mandy P is leaving the show? You need to tell us WHY! I don’t think they could replace him, just have the others take a bigger role–especially Thomas Gibson. What’s his hang-up? he seems pretty normal compared to the thin guy–Matthew GG. Also, I like the philosophical quotes at the end of each episode–it makes me extend my thinking beyond the show. Also–I disagree with the comment about CM being a “patchwork” of other shows. It is terrific, and really stands out compared to all the other crime shows.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:46 pm
No one really knows why Mandy Patinkin is leaving…he didn’t show up at a script reading for the new season. He didn’t tell anyone why. Production on Season Three had already begun, so the Criminal Minds writers had to rewrite the first seven episodes without his character. Mandy Patinkin may appear in the first episode so the show can explain his absence for the rest of the season, but that’s not for sure either.
I definately think CM stands out too.