Mindhunter Gives New Perspective On Our Fascination With Serial Killers

With everyone’s obsession with murder and crime shows, it’s no wonder Mindhunter is an instant hit! The Netflix show stars Jonathan Groff and Bill Tench who spearhead the FBI in a completely new direction. This isn’t your typical crime show. No, this show takes place in the 1970’s before sequence or serial killers came to be understood. Some of the producers are David Fincher, Charlize Theron and Joe Penhall, the show’s creator.

Mindhunter Inspiration

Actually, the show is based on John E. Douglas and Mark Olshake’s nonfiction book called Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. The book talks about how now retired FBI agent Douglas began profiling serial killers and mass murders by interviewing them. That’s exactly what the Netflix show covers as well.

Mindhunter, Profiling Serial Killers

Now, remember, the show takes place in 1977. Therefore, we are talking the very early days of criminal profiling and criminal psychology. Perhaps, that’s what’s so intriguing about the show. We watch the FBI agents, Holden Ford, played by Jonathan Groff, and Bill Tench, played by Holt McCallany, embark into this dark, complex field that is uncharted waters. Together with psychologist Wendy Carr, played by Anna Torv, they draw data from their interviews with imprisoned mass murderers. This helps them gain crucial information on the psychology behind this phenomenon. It’s behavioral research that the FBI didn’t even realize they needed.

Mindhunter Season Two

Have no fear! Netflix renewed Mindhunter for a second season. During an interview, Jonathan Groff expressed his excitement to get back to filming. So, yes, Groff will return, as well as McCallany and Anna Torv in their lead roles. However, we cannot answer whether Hannah Gross will reprise her role as Holden’s girlfriend, graduate student Debbie. Fans are hopeful the season will be released by the end of 2018. Now, the question remains about how the psychological impact of the work will affect Holden going forward. It’s clear that his breakdown will have consequences. We just have to wait and see exactly what that means.