Not quite O Level maths (Numb3rs)

Member Name: Fiver29

Product:	Numb3rs
Date:	27/03/09 (102 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: .

Disadvantages: .

Numb3rs is one of my favourite programmes, I usually watch it on Five USA, but I do believe it's also available on one of the ITV channels.

The show follows FBI agent Don Eppes played by Rob Morrow, and his younger brother and mathematical genius Charlie (David Krumholtz). Each episode is an individual story regarding one crime or another, but there is a recurring theme with the family which runs along side the main story. The secondary story however will not spoil your enjoyment of the show if you have never seen it before.

As I mentioned Charlie is a maths genius, and using maths he helps to solve crimes. And whilst the actual maths is way beyond the understanding of someone like me, Charlie always puts the calculations into layman's terms and gives an example of how it works in the real world.

However, feeling smart because I understand what Charlie is talking about, isn't the reason I like this programme so much.

I like the way they show the main characters as being vulnerable. Over the seasons we've seen several times the way Charlie is shaken up by the cruelty humans inflict on each other. Even Don, a seasoned FBI agent, is seen struggling with the decisions he's had to make, and agonising over shootings he's done, despite having no alternatives.

These vulnerabilities are also highlighted with their fathers Alan (Judd Hirsch), when he has been drawn into the mix because of Don and Charlie's involvement in certain investigations. The series also explores the difficulties faced by a family having a genius in their midst, and how jealousies can simmer below the surface for years.

All of this is a far cry from most crime dramas, which show police/FBI agents and consultants merrily going about their daily business, not being affected in the slightest by the work that they do.

Other notable members of the team are David (Alimi Ballard), Colby (Dylan Bruno), Amita (Navi Rawat) and Larry (Peter MacNicol). All of whom play their characters to a tee, Peter MacNicol in particular is absolutely wonderful a Larry Fleinhardt, he adds a light hearted element to what could sometime be a very dark show.

The only downside for me is the introduction of Nikki Betancourt played by Sophina Brown, I don't think the character was needed, because the group dynamic was perfect as it was, and Nikki is a bit of a spare part. Plus I feel Sophina lets the side down acting wise, I didn't like her in Shark, and she is playing the character in exactly the same way here.

However, even this downside isn't enough to knock a star off my rating, because the show, the writing, the rest of the actors etc more than make up for it.

Summary: Superb show, Definitely worth a watch.