DVD Review: Criminal Minds - The Second Season

By Jeff Swindoll Oct 5, 2007, 15:45 GMT

Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country\'s most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. Special Agent Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) is the FBI\'s top behavioral analyst and he joins the Behavioral Analysis Unit lead by Special Agent Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), a family man who is able to gain people\'s trust and unlock their secrets. Also on the ...more

Fans of the show only have some beginning episodes in season three to bid adieu to Mandy Patinkin as his character is written out of the show and replaced by Joe Mantegna.  Season two should please fans and allow you one last go round with Patinkin. 

Criminal Minds follows the cases of a FBI behavioral analysis unit out of Quantico, Virginia.  The team is led by Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) and Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson).  The team members are agent Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), sex crimes expert Elle Greenway (Lola Glaudini), Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), agent Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), agent Jennifer Jareau (A. J. Cook), and technician Penelope Garcia (Kristen Vangsness). 

This season starts off with the second part of last season’s finale and features episodes seemingly inspired by some true cases.  “Empty Planet” has the feel of the Unabomber for example.  This season some of the investigators find themselves on the other side of the fence as they’re targeted as criminals.  This is also a season of changes as some characters leave the show (not counting Patinkin’s upcoming departure in season three) and new one joins. 

The show is very compelling in the cases and features some fine actors on the roles.  It will be interesting to see how things shake out next season since Joe Mantegna, another fine actor, is scheduled to take Gideon’s place and to see how they deal with Gideon’s departure.  The show features compelling mysteries and continues to delve into the backstories behind each character and this makes them all the more compelling. 

Criminal Minds is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.78:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions.  Four episodes in this set feature commentaries.  “The Fisher King, Part 2” has a commentary from executive producer Edward Allen Bernero and actress Amanda Bernero.  “The Perfect Storm” has a commentary from producers Erica Messer and Debra J. Fisher, and actress Nicki Aycox. 

“Profiler, Profiled” has a commentary from Edward Allen Bernero, Shemar Moore, and director Glenn Kershaw.  “Revelations” has a commentary co-executive producer Chris Mundy and Matthew Gray Gubler.  Disc six contains the remainder of the special features.  “Profilers Profiled” is a 13-minute look at the show’s characters.  “The Physical Evidence” is a 15-minute feature about making the show. 

“Behavioral Science: Real-Life Criminal Minds” is an 18 minute examination of real life criminal profilers.  “Meet Kirsten Vangsness” is a 6-minute profile on the actress.  There’s also a 4-minute “Gag Reel” and 2 deleted scenes. 

Criminal Minds is a great show that features an excellent cast and they play well together.  It will be interesting to see how some major cast changes affect the show come next season but the cast should be able to handle any changes thrown their say since another excellent actor has signed on board.

The show also features compelling storylines that are sure to hook the viewer and mysteries that will keep you guessing the outcome of each week’s episode. 

Criminal Minds - The Second Season is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.