8.5/10 My 2nd Most Anticipated Returning TV Show of 2019, “Mindhunter” returns after a year and a half gap between the last season’s breath taking (literally) finale. Virtually all of the incredible aspects from the first season return here as this season picks up right where the last season left off. Three directors direct a combined nine episodes (one episode less than last season) and all of their work is stunning. This show relies most upon the writing, character interactions and interviews, which are extremely authentic and well written. The acting across the board is stunning and the two stand outs for me this season were Stacey Roca, whom plays Bill Tench’s wife Nancy and Christopher Livingston as Wayne Williams. The main trio of actors are all phenomenal and completely become their characters. Although not as noticeable in the first season, this season’s score from Jason Hill stands out as hauntingly eerie, even if it repeats a few themes a little too often for my tastes. The first half of the season focuses on what the first season covered, interviewing serial killers to gain insight into their psyche. The second half of the season shifts to our agents trying to solve the Atlanta Child Murders, which was extremely fascinating to watch unfold as more and more bodies pile up with no suspects in sight. The production and costume designs which recreate the time period that this show takes place in is flawless and stunning. A subplot involving Bill Tench, Nancy Tench and their son is really captivating as Bill sees some disturbing similarities between his young, adopted son and some of the serial killers he deals with. Watching his marriage crumbling as he is worn down by flying back and forth every week between Atlanta for work and home for his family comes across as one of the show’s most heartbreaking and emotional aspects. Having the BSU get full backing and funding from the FBI is a welcome change from the struggles of establishing themselves and their methods in the first season. The subject matter is so fascinating in this show and this season is filled with mystery that I couldn’t help but binge watch this show, which I haven’t made time to do with any show in years. Despite how amazing this show is, there were a few flaws this season that brings it down to the point where it falls just short of the incredible debut season. Holden Ford has issues with panic attacks in the first couple of episodes which was an interesting obstacle for him to have to overcome but that subplot is quickly discarded and never mentioned again as the season progresses, as if they didn’t have anything else they could do with that struggle so instead of bringing it closure they just abruptly ended it. The second issue and biggest problem with this season is Anna Torv as Wendy Carr. Torv delivers a terrific performance as expected but the problem stems from her character arc this season. Once the second half of the season commences and the focus is heavily switched to Tench, Ford and the Atlanta Child Murders, the showrunners don’t have much for Wendy to do so they repeat the subplot of Ford’s character from season one and just give her a romantic interest that is all tidied up by the end of the season. Her subplot comes across as filler to check a romantic box in the show since they couldn’t figure out anything more interesting for her to do while her co-workers were in Atlanta, which was disappointing. Despite some minor flaws involving subplots, this is the best, most consistent show on Netflix and if you love well made dramas, true life serial killer stories, expert film making, outstanding acting and high production value, both seasons of “Mindhunter” should be watched immediately and make for a killer binge watch.
#BTKHaveItYourWay / #HoldenOutForASuspect / #WayneAndSuffering / #TheTenchFamilysCrossToBear / #HighMansonOnTheTotemPole / #FordKnowsIveTried
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