jandriod2012

Despite having access to hundreds of channels there is a distinct lack of interesting programmes, so I have been reduced to watching reruns of old shows. This lead me to Criminal Minds which I used to watch when it was first shown. The first few series were good with many of the storylines based on real life crimes. I particularly liked Mandy Patinkin whose character had some depth and complexity. Likewise, Spencer Reid played by Mathew Grey Gubler played his part with sensitivity. I also enjoyed Elle's story, and Hotchner's character lent some gravitas. I am now up to series 11 and witnessed the deterioration of a great show. Joe Mantagna is not a good replacement, and the character is a bad stereotype which he fails to carry off. In addition, Garcia becomes increasingly irritating, her constant babbling, interference and attention-seeking behaviour increases with every series, and she even begins to take over investigations. She becomes a characature of herself and is completely unnecessary. If I had to work with her she would drive me mad and be someone I would avoid. I enjoyed the other characters such as Emily Prentiss and Erin Strauss, the rest were quite bland.

Its quite a hard one to binge watch as the majority of cases centre around brutality towards women with the victim usually screaming 'Ill do anything!' which leaves an unsavoury taste. Its not something I noticed as much in the pre-streaming days, when one had a week's break in between episodes.

I now know why I stopped watching it, it became one of those shows that just traded on it's popularity in the end, instead of ending when it was on a high.

Gerrard Butler saves yet another President, this time underwater. Fairly run of the mill action film, which only becomes interesting when Toby Stephens makes an appearance.

And I found it boring both times.

As others have said, the whispering male lead is too irritating and tries my patience.