Mindhunter

Mindhunter is a series which is right up my alley. While I was still in primary school, I got hold of a book entitled “The Century of the Detective.” I realized that although I didn't have homicidal tendencies (apart from a few exceptions), I was intrigued by books on this subject. Truth be told, I didn’t care much for robbers or fraudsters, but I was extremely fascinated by murderers (especially serial killers). I didn’t get to read “Mindhunter” by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker until much later, of course, but since I’ve had the book, I’ve read it several times and I had been looking forward to the series based on it. The creators didn’t disappoint me. Well, they did a little. The second half of the season felt different from the first, it was clearly weaker, but I’m hoping that it'll get better. If the series includes the story of Dennis Rader, which spans the years 1974-91, there should be enough room for improvement. I have good faith in the creators and look forward to the following seasons. (09.09.2020)

Having read John Douglas and Mark Olshaker's "Mindhunter," I knew what I was getting into this time. Knowing the source material well, I didn't anticipate a flurry of action, and I wasn't let down. While the series only occasionally dips into the source material, I found the initial episode promising. If it continues in this vein, I have no complaints. (07.09.2020)

The second episode surpassed my expectations, outshining the previous one. Cameron Britton's portrayal of Ed Kemper was spot-on; his presence evoked the same mix of emotions that John Douglas described in his book after their first encounter. It was a captivating episode, and I'm starting to feel like this series will be a real gem. 4*+ (07.09.2020)

From start to finish, the creators nailed it, earning a full five stars from me, largely thanks to the incredible atmosphere of the seventies. Witnessing Bill lighting a cigarette on the plane was truly an experience in itself. Despite the leisurely pace at which the story unfolds in each episode — I can't tear myself away from it. (07.09.2020)

The ongoing conversations with killers are simply gripping. I can't imagine being in John Douglas's shoes during those encounters; it must have left him feeling perpetually unclean, even after a thorough shower. A chillingly good show. (08.09.2020)

I felt like something was lacking in the segment about the Altoona murder. It took me a while to realize that what was missing was that chilling peek into the mind of a serial killer. (08.09.2020)

I'm growing tired of this forced political correctness. It feels like it's just here to check off boxes. And that big revelation from Dr. Carr? Not as impressive as they made it out to be. I clocked the blood squirting detail back in the fifth episode, and I'm neither a detective nor a psychologist. This episode falls flat for me — it's the weakest one yet. But hey, at least Dennis Rader is honing his knot skills... (08.09.2020)

I'm thrilled that the creators revisited what truly captivated me about the series. Engaging in conversations with serial killers is both entertaining and chilling, offering a glimpse into their twisted minds—an experience that's truly unsettling. Plus, it's a sheer joy to see American cars from the 70s. (08.09.2020)

The episode failed to lift my spirits, and even another encounter with Jerry Brudos couldn't save it. While previous episodes gave me chills, this one focused on paid tickling, which was undeniably bizarre. At times, I found myself quite bored, which was a first for this series. (09.09.2020)

This episode followed a similar structure to the previous one. Not much really caught my interest here; instead, it seemed to dwell on issues that left me scratching my head (like an FBI agent using inappropriate language during an interview with a serial killer). It's the typical USA scenario: any fool can own a firearm, but say something out of line, and you're instantly condemned. (09.09.2020)

The finale wasn't the season's highlight, but it definitely redeemed itself compared to the previous two episodes. I liked how they mirrored Douglas' method of exposing Darrel Devier, and the way they integrated J.D.'s breakdown into the storyline, even if it was heavily modified. (09.09.2020)

The creators of the series failed to disappoint me even with the second season (although I noticed some efforts to do so). Given that the whole thing is based on true events, I couldn't expect a single moment of surprise, yet every investigation immediately drew me into the action. I was only distracted by scenes from Dr. Carr’s private life, which, unlike the visits to the Tench family, I didn’t find interesting at all. I hope there will be a third season and I hope it will come soon. (10.09.2020)

I'd rate the second season as pretty neutral overall. Nothing really blew me away, but at the same time, there wasn't anything that left me feeling let down either. It all just felt kind of... average. Like a meal that had the potential to be amazing, but ended up being a bit bland because it wasn't seasoned properly. (09.09.2020)

The shift between this episode and the last one brought to mind John Cleese's iconic line from Monty Python: "And now for something completely different." And indeed, it was. Instead of the usual plot, we were treated to another intriguing interview with a "celebrity" and the ongoing search for Dennis Rader. The change was refreshing, and coupled with the engaging context, left me fully satisfied. (09.09.2020)

Yet another episode that hits the mark. While it may not have been a standout, it delivered the standard quality we've come to expect. The interviews with the prisoners, as always, sparked some serious reflection. However, the situation in Atlanta felt somewhat tethered to the present day. The trio of empowered black women seeking justice was something I could put up with, but the son, who supposedly knew Martin Luther King's speech by heart at age four, was a tad irksome. (10.09.2020)

The episode served as a stark reminder that politics can cast a dark shadow not only over sports, like figure skating, but also over murder investigations. The Wayne Williams case faced obstacles due to the mayor's disfavor, and the police's reliance on the FBI profile, which targeted African Americans, alienated support from the black community. Interesting food for thought. (10.09.2020)

I've always thought Charles Manson was nothing more than a self-centered, obnoxious bastard, and the fifth episode only cemented that belief. But what really caught my attention and sent chills down my spine was the inspection by the social services at Bill's household. That was a genuine nightmare. (10.09.2020)

I'm half-expecting little Brian to start his first fire and torture some poor animal to complete the "murderous triad." The creators nailed the Atlanta situation, capturing the chaos in a way that closely aligns with everything I've read about the Wayne Williams case. (10.09.2020)

The chaos in Atlanta took center stage in this episode, overshadowing all other elements. Initially, I was leaning towards a three-star rating, but the crosses tipped the scale in favor of a fourth star. What made it particularly tragicomic was its basis in reality, with only minor adjustments by the creators. 4*- (10.09.2020)

Even the eighth episode wasn't a masterpiece, but once again it was a solid standard from the creators of this series. In no case could I say that I was bored, although it's true that a look into Dr. Carr's personal life is not exactly something I couldn't live without. (10.09.2020)