DVD | Numb3rs S1

Rating: M - Contains Violence.
Duration: 522 mins.
Genre: Television, Television Crime.
Actors: David Krumholtz, Judd Hirsch, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bruce Davison, Peter MacNicol, Alimi Ballard, Sabrina Lloyd, Neil Patrick Harris, Rob Morrow, Navi Rawat, Diane Farr.
Release Date: Available Now.

According to Charlie Eppes, Everything is numbers, and thus we have the premise to the latest re-incarnation of the TV crime drama. But this time instead of the blood and guts and DNA swabs of CSI we have algorithms and statistical probabilities. It’s this numbers focus that sets in apart from everything else, and makes it worth a watch.

The trouble is that because it’s based on math theories (sounds really interesting huh!) it’s not restricted to gruesome crimes. The possibilities are literally endless. And it’s these possibilities that are likely to be one of its biggest draw cards as well as being it’s archilles heel.

You see I never got into Numb3rs when it was on TV. The first episode I watched was episode three, ‘vector’. It dealt with a possible suicide, and it was all about the numbers. By the time the cheesy title sequence came on I had decided it was going to be a waste of time.

Fortunately when it came out on DVD and I was able to give it a second chance. Episode one hooked me, and episode two had me grasping for more. Then came episode four and it bored me out of my brain. But I kept going and found more to love.

The basic outline is about two brothers, Charlie a mathematical genius that grew up in the shadow of Din, his successful brother, who was working his way up through the FBI. But one day Charlie sees some of Dons work and mentions a way that he could figure out where the next crime was going to be committed by using math. Don decides to humour Charlie, and Charlie proves that maths is a powerful crime fighting force.

The show has its lighter side with some quirky regular characters, and an obvious love interest, which may cause grief later one. But in reality it’s a show about brains vs brawn with brains winning, and learning every time. You could almost call it educational, but I’ll leave it at calling is a thinking persons crime drama.

Slick production and solid script writing round off one of the best shows in an over saturated crime drama market.

Food for thought:
Assuming that you’re right is the quickest way to being wrong.

Rent or Buy?
Buy, you’ll want to take your time enjoying this exceptional drama series.