The Premier of "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior", Worth Watching Twice

"Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" seems to have surpassed getting it right. If the show continues with the same style in plot and character development it should easily receive top viewer ratings. "Suspect Behavior" has taken the better aspects of the original and combined them with characters that seem more human. The first episode was not as dark or disturbing an adventure into abnormal psychology either.

Figuring out the why, to find the who, is an excellent description of how the first episode played out. The combination of several seemingly unrelated and possibly confusing events became intertwined to create a very believable why and who. The fact that the episode did not wander into an area that was truly dark and disturbing made it a strong mental exercise without an unsettling feeling at the end.

Forest Whitaker as Sam Cooper just could not be better. Believing that the character portrayed requires no stretch of the imagination. Michael Kelly as John Sims creates an agent that is human, one that that average viewer could easily relate to. Matt Ryan as Mick Rawson was not one of the focal points but there seems to be many opportunities available for this character's development. Viewers should also be able to look forward to Beau Garret as Gina LaSalle and Janeane Garofalo as Beth Griffith. If these characters are developed and exposed in the same manner the show has incredible potential. Of course, Kirsten Vangness as Penelope Garcia is just as real and quirky as she is in the original.

Fans of the original Criminal Minds also have an unraveling plot to look forward to as Prentiss definitely has a past that is trying to catch up to her. Hopefully the whys will be developed and exposed as the episodes progress.

"Suspect Behavior" first episode provided viewers with the glimpses into an abnormal psyche without the often depressing and disturbing feeling left by the original. The characters are unique and not just copies of those on the original. Fans can certainly hope that the series progresses with these differences which will make "Suspect Behavior" a weekly must see and perhaps take it past its popular parent show. For viewers that may have missed this premier showing it would be well worth the time to view the episode on-line at CBS.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" airs on CBS on Wednesdays at 10 pm ET. The original "Criminal Minds" airs at 9 pm ET.