This was an outstandingly fine series. The close involvement of David Fincher (not just slapping his name on as an Assoiciate Producer or In Association with…as can often happen) was a sign of this.
The series explores, over quite a long time period, the setting up of the first psychological profiling unit within the FBI. Its development is fascinatingly shown as the two ‘founders’ (a grizzled older man and a bright-eyed ‘new ideas’ younger) might sound cliched but the way their relationship develops is marvellouslly shown as the episodes unfold. There is also a smart interweaving of their personal lives along with the professional, showing how each impinges,and sometimes daamges, the other.
The visuals of the series are marvellous. The colour palette - many shades of brown and cream, a certain grubby feel and look about the air (very fine lighting!) the cheap-looking furniture and suits - all contribute to a vivid sense of a particular time as well as often cleverly reflecting the emotional moods of the characters and their stories.
So, top-quality. Not morbidly exploitative which it could easily be and it seems Series 2 will be as fine.