TV Show Review - Mindhunter (Season 2)

Season: 2
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2019
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Stacey Roca, Joe Tuttle, Lauren Glazier

Description: Set in the late 1970s, two FBI agents are tasked with interviewing serial killers to solve open cases.

Review: If you really want to know what drives a serial killer, “Mindhunter” is a recommendation. When you learn the creepy stories behind these serial killers, you start thinking if they are real or fictional. But they are all real and they are scary as hell.
“Mindhunter” is inspired by the a book written by FBI agent John E. Douglas and it’s a psychological crime series. Douglas, in the series named Holden Ford, has worked for the FBI from 1970 till 1995. He interviewed the most infamous and dangerous serial killers, like Ted Bundy, Dannis Rader and James Earl Ray. The show gives a beautiful look into the brains of these so-called monsters.
The first season was really good, it fascinated me. It never has jump scares or spectacular chases, but it has creepy dialogues and disturbing images.
The difference from the first season is there is more room for the leading characters Bill Tench and Holden Ford, but also Wendy Carr. And the cases they work on are spread out over multiple episodes, instead of a new case each episode.
“Mindhunter” still isn’t a series for people who like crime sensation. It’s slow paced, but it works perfect for this show. If you’re interested in the mind set of serial killers, this is your show. And a third season will happen, if I have to believe the ending of season 2.

TV Show Review - Mindhunter (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2017
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Stacey Roca, Cotter Smith

Description: Set in the late 1970s, tow FIB agents are tasked with interviewing serial killers to solve open cases.

Review: “Mindhunter” asks for you patience. The series needs some time to get in to, but it’s clever to stay put. “Mindhunter” is not your typical whodunit type of crime show or one that shows bloody crime scenes. “Mindhunter” focuses on the dialogue about murders and the discovery that the psyche of a serial killer is much more complex than you might have tought.
Director David Fincher, master mind behind movies like “Se7en” and “Zodiac”, is the executive producer of the show and even directed a few episodes. He managed to create tension without the standard approach of a crime thriller.
At the start of each episode we see a somewhat clumsy character with an evil side. It’s clear that the leading characters of the show will eventually encounter him, but the question is when.
Holden Ford, played by Jonathan Groff, is a young and ambitious detective. Always striking a suit, he is the prototype FBI agent. His interest in serial killers is not understood by everyone within the FBI. His co-worker Bill Tench, who studies behavioral science, sees potential in Ford’s theories. This eventually leads to them research and delving into the psyche of serial killers.
Ford and Tench start interviewing serial killers, that have been convicted for their crimes. The first they interview is Ed Kemper, who committed a series of brutal murders.
To improve their interrogation skills, the men get help from Dr. Wendy Carr and she eventually joins them in their research.
Besides focusing on the criminals and their minds, the series also pays attention to the personal lives of the agents. Holden meets a woman, who is his opposite in everything. Holden is pragmatic and introvert, when girlfriend Debbie experiments with drugs and sex and is very extravert. Bill’s situation at home might explain why he is interest in behavioral science. And Wendy, appears to be a lesbian.
“Mindhunter” is a series that has to grow, but the slow pace eventually becomes the show’s strongest trump. The multiple layers of the story make sure for an interesting view and it will fascinate you. The tension between the main characters and the serial killers get under your skin.
If you’re a fan of action packed crime shows, this might not be your cup of tea. But when you’re not easily distracted by complex dialogues and slowly build tension, this is definitely a must-see.