It’s been twelve years since the TV crime show Criminal Minds first aired on CBS. Now, on the other side of the world, a Korean version of the hit show has emerged. Viewers have high expectations since twelve seasons worth of excitement are being packed into the twenty-episode remake with popular actors such as Son Hyunjoo, Lee Junki, and Moon Chaewon. With no prior knowledge of any of the American Criminal Minds episodes, I dived into the Korean version with high hopes that it would blow my mind.
Episodes one and two were a bit slow compared to the following episodes, but my excitement was still high throughout both. Since I didn’t have any idea what Criminal Minds was like, I found the idea of using profiling and psychology to figure out a suspect’s motives, very interesting. The introduction and development of each character was well done. I especially like Lee Junki’s character, Kim Hyunjoon. Hyunjoon is impulsive and very emotionally driven but he opens up to the other investigators and slowly begins to become a better profiler as the episodes pass. The first case, spanning over two episodes, was a good start and kept me wanting more. The next case covered only half of episode three and was so fast-paced, I was on the edge of my seat. The sudden shift from one case to another in the middle of an episode was slightly off-putting. I had to start fresh on a brand new case. However, I did like that it showed more things that happened in a shorter period of time since less of the episode was filler time.
Episodes one and two were a bit slow compared to the following episodes, but my excitement was still high throughout both. Since I didn’t have any idea what Criminal Minds was like, I found the idea of using profiling and psychology to figure out a suspect’s motives, very interesting. The introduction and development of each character was well done. I especially like Lee Junki’s character, Kim Hyunjoon. Hyunjoon is impulsive and very emotionally driven but he opens up to the other investigators and slowly begins to become a better profiler as the episodes pass. The first case, spanning over two episodes, was a good start and kept me wanting more. The next case covered only half of episode three and was so fast-paced, I was on the edge of my seat. The sudden shift from one case to another in the middle of an episode was slightly off-putting. I had to start fresh on a brand new case. However, I did like that it showed more things that happened in a shorter period of time since less of the episode was filler time.
The latter half of episode three is the starting point for a longer arc that probably will span the entire drama. I like that the directors and producers are not only focusing on smaller cases, but include longer ones that tie all of the smaller ones together.
Each case progressively gets more and more intense and interesting. The main characters have many layers that are slowly being revealed through each episode. I especially like the effects where we see the characters tracing the victim’s steps and experiencing things that the victim may have seen and been through. It helps the viewers see what happened.
However, I do have some complaints about Criminal Minds. There were scenes where I was confused about how the characters came up with some information. Usually, I can keep up with the fast pace, but there are moments where I was completely lost because a piece of evidence suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I would like to see the investigative team to walk us through their process of thinking so the viewers understand what is going on as well. The drama is also very dark and some scenes seem overly graphic. I felt myself getting uncomfortable with the copious amount of blood shown. It is not a show for the weak hearted and definitely not watchable while you are eating.
Criminal Minds is exciting, moves quickly, and keeps viewers hooked and wanting more. The success of the remake has definitely put the original Criminal Minds on my watch list.
Each case progressively gets more and more intense and interesting. The main characters have many layers that are slowly being revealed through each episode. I especially like the effects where we see the characters tracing the victim’s steps and experiencing things that the victim may have seen and been through. It helps the viewers see what happened.
However, I do have some complaints about Criminal Minds. There were scenes where I was confused about how the characters came up with some information. Usually, I can keep up with the fast pace, but there are moments where I was completely lost because a piece of evidence suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I would like to see the investigative team to walk us through their process of thinking so the viewers understand what is going on as well. The drama is also very dark and some scenes seem overly graphic. I felt myself getting uncomfortable with the copious amount of blood shown. It is not a show for the weak hearted and definitely not watchable while you are eating.
Criminal Minds is exciting, moves quickly, and keeps viewers hooked and wanting more. The success of the remake has definitely put the original Criminal Minds on my watch list.