Why Netflix Killing Mindhunter Was The Biggest TV Mistake You Won’t Believe

The lead actor of “Mindhunter” remarked that most current TV shows are easily forgotten, a sentiment many might agree with. After all, it’s hard to find shows as captivating as “Mindhunter,” which is why its cancellation was disappointing. David Fincher’s body of work ranks among the finest modern directors, and his string of successful productions places him in the running for greatness alongside other legendary directors. Even if you find his fascination with dark and grisly subjects distasteful, it’s hard to argue against his artistic skill and narrative prowess.

Few directors as accomplished as Fincher usually don’t descend from the lofty heights of Hollywood to take on the role of a TV showrunner. But when they do, it’s definitely worth tuning in. And fans were richly rewarded with two exceptional seasons of one of the best shows produced over the past 15 years – “Mindhunter”. This gripping series is adapted from the 1995 true-crime book “Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit”, which follows the inception of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit and how infamous, imprisoned serial killers played a pivotal role in its development. “Mindhunter” is an outstanding series that unfortunately only lasted for two brief seasons before it was canceled.

Star Holt McCallany Believes Mindhunter Wasn’t Forgettable Like Most Shows

McCallany Respects David Fincher, But Would Have Loved For The Show To Continue

Following the cancellation of “Mindhunter” in early 2020, Holt McCallany, who portrayed special agent Bill Tench, expressed his thoughts about the show. McCallany, through AwardsDaily, stated that…

“Was I hoping Mindhunter wouldn’t get canceled after two seasons? Not exactly, but it’s not up to me. That’s my friend David’s call, and if that’s his decision, so be it. I understand, accept, and move on. I’m grateful for the opportunities to make Lights Out and Mindhunter, even though they didn’t last as long as I might have wanted. I’m proud of the work we did, and these are two of my favorite projects. Let me gush about them for a moment longer. I loved working on those shows, and I hope that someday I’ll feel as passionate about another project as I do about Lights Out and Mindhunter. Not every series is equally memorable; most are rather forgettable. However, I don’t think you can say that about Mindhunter, and for boxing enthusiasts and those who truly appreciate the fight game, the same could be said for Lights Out.

McCallany clearly held his role in Mindhunter close to heart, regarding it as a significant milestone in his professional journey. The show has garnered an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and even secured two Emmy Award nominations. Given its critical acclaim, it’s no wonder that the series is widely regarded as one of McCallany’s best performances. It’s understandable then, why he might yearn for the time he spent working on this remarkable production.

Mindhunter Was One Of The Best Crime Shows On TV, And It Was Still Canceled

Mindhunter Serves As An Explanation For Any Show Or Movie Involving A Serial Killer

During its run, the crime show “Mindhunter” stood out as one of the best and most distinct in television history, with few predecessors able to match its quality. Unlike many crime shows that depict detectives or FBI agents chasing serial killers, what makes “Mindhunter” exceptional is its integration of this classic theme with the captivating, true story of how the FBI began to comprehend the behavior and psychology behind these mass murderers. The insights gained by Bill and Holden about serial killers form the foundation upon which our understanding of murder psychology is built.

While it’s important to note that not everything they did or concluded was always accurate, their unique approach of examining killers by considering perspectives beyond crime scene investigation, played a significant role in the development of criminal psychology and profiling. This perspective also serves as the backstory for many serial killer narratives seen on television shows like SVU and movies such as Scream. Essentially, Mindhunter could be considered the precursor to each episode of SVU or Scream movie. Moreover, Mindhunter boasts an outstanding cast, and Fincher’s precise, suspenseful directing style adds depth to its compelling narrative.

He’s ideally suited for a program such as this one, given the emphasis on process that it carries. Instead of finding it dull watching investigators and experts penning a book about criminal psychology, as it could easily become, Fincher manages to make each piece of information gathered, every faint connection drawn, and each eerie historical fact unveiled feel more thrilling than any police gunfight in less captivating shows.

There Hasn’t Been A Show Like Mindhunter Since The David Fincher Series Ended

Fincher Explored Killers To An Extent That Other Shows Are Unwilling To

Ever since “Mindhunter” concluded in 2019, there hasn’t been a series quite like it. Although television is filled with shows about serial killers, none delve into the psychological reasons behind their actions as deeply as this one does. While “Mindhunter” never condones the actions of its primary subjects, it compels viewers to understand and empathize with these serial killers – a delicate balance that, if mishandled, could backfire spectacularly. However, David Fincher’s mastery over tone and dialogue allows him to execute this challenging narrative successfully.

Another way to put it could be: Few TV series would dare to stretch so many episodes without any significant events occurring, as “Mindhunter” often does. However, this show has some truly captivating and impactful scenes that stay with you long after watching. Yet, unlike the dramatic shootout in season 1, episode 5 of “True Detective,” which was a major event for that serial-killer themed series, “Mindhunter” doesn’t have such standout moments. Nevertheless, every scene in “Mindhunter” is still mesmerizing. As Holt McCallany rightly points out, few shows are as unforgettable as “Mindhunter.

2025-05-20 04:08