Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior is an American police procedural drama starring Forest Whitaker and Janeane Garofalo that aired on CBS. The show debuted on February 16, 2011, as a spin-off of another series, Criminal Minds, aired on the same network, and is the second show in the Criminal Minds franchise. This edition's profiling team also worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) in Quantico, Virginia. The series focuses on a small rapid response team called a "Red Cell" that reports to the FBI director. In an April 2010 episode of Criminal Minds ("The Fight"), during the show's fifth season, the original team met the new team and worked with them to find a San Francisco serial killer, with the episode serving as the new series' backdoor pilot.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
Genre
Created by
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
Running time45 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseFebruary 16 (2011-02-16) –
May 25, 2011 (2011-05-25)
Related

Like the parent series, CBS owned the underlying American rights, while ABC owned the international rights. The series premiered on February 16, 2011, and filled the Wednesday 10:00pm time slot, airing after Criminal Minds.[1]

Due to low ratings, CBS canceled the series on May 17, 2011, and aired its final episode on May 25, 2011.[2] On September 6, 2011, CBS released the complete series as a four-disc set, packaged as "The DVD Edition". There are numerous special features and two episode commentaries with the cast and crew. The set includes the backdoor pilot from season five of the original show. The series is also carried in rerun form on Ion Television as part of their existing agreement to carry Criminal Minds.

Background

edit

In early 2009, Michael Ausiello from Entertainment Weekly said that he and studios were discussing the possibility of a spin-off of the procedural crime drama Criminal Minds. Studio producer Ed Bernero confirmed it by disclosing that "it's safe to say there will be something soon." The show had a completely new cast, with the exception of Kirsten Vangsness, who reprised her role as Penelope Garcia. By late 2010, the director had been chosen, and the casting completed.[3] It was announced that Forest Whitaker would star. Whitaker's character, Samuel "Sam" "Coop" Cooper, and his team were introduced in Criminal Minds Season 5.[4][5] Richard Schiff had a recurring role as FBI Director Jack Fickler.[6]

Samuel Cooper and his team set the stage for the spin-off in the 18th episode of the fifth season of Criminal Minds, "The Fight"[7] (April 7, 2010). This "back-door pilot" approach was also used for other CBS shows that were introduced in original series, such as CSI: Miami (2002-2012), CSI: NY (2004-2013), CSI: Cyber (2015-2016), NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023) and NCIS: New Orleans (2014-2021). Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior was the first cancellation of CBS spinoffs and CSI: NY was picked up for an eighth season in its place.

Characters

edit

Episodes

edit

Backdoor pilot episode

edit

This episode was introduced during the fifth-season episodes of Criminal Minds. The Criminal Minds episode "The Fight", served as backdoor pilot episode for the show.

Pilot episodes (Criminal Minds season 5)
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
10918"The Fight"Richard ShepardStory by : Chris Mundy & Edward Allen Bernero
Teleplay by : Chris Mundy
April 7, 2010 (2010-04-07)51812.70[8]
The BAU team travels to San Francisco to investigate the murders of several homeless men that have occurred over the last three years. They begin working with another team of BAU agents, led by Samuel Cooper, who are investigating the murders of father-daughter duos that have occurred shortly after the homeless murders. The teams discover a connection between their respective cases. This episode launches the spin-off, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.

Season 1 (2011)

edit
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Two of a Kind"John TerleskyRob FrescoFebruary 16, 2011 (2011-02-16)10713.06[9]
As child abductions occur in Cleveland, Agent Cooper and his team must attempt to catch the unsub before more kids are in danger.
2"Lonely Heart"Michael WatkinsShintaro ShimosawaFebruary 23, 2011 (2011-02-23)1049.81[10]
Agent Cooper must unveil a shocking link involving a string of murders of single businessmen that occurs at hotels in Cincinnati.
3"See No Evil"Rob SperaBarry SchindelMarch 2, 2011 (2011-03-02)10910.36[11]
The Red Cell team tries to connect two unusual murders in Tucson, Arizona. The first murder victim has his eyes removed while the second victim was killed by being stabbed in the ear with an ice pick. Both victims were subdued using a paralytic agent.
4"One Shot Kill"Terry McDonoughRob FrescoMarch 9, 2011 (2011-03-09)1029.12[12]
The Red Cell team profiles a serial sniper (Noel Fisher) in Chicago who attempts to target Mick.
5"Here Is the Fire"Andrew BernsteinChris Mundy & Ian GoldbergMarch 16, 2011 (2011-03-16)10110.33[13]
After explosions occur in a school the BAU rush to solve the case involving a pipe bomber in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
6"Devotion"Stephen CraggShintaro ShimosawaMarch 23, 2011 (2011-03-23)1118.80[14]
The BAU tries to close a case, after several victims were kidnapped and were found hanged across several states.
7"Jane"Rob HardyGlen MazzaraMarch 30, 2011 (2011-03-30)1089.53[15]
The red cell team tries to solve a series of abduction of several women in Indianapolis where the unsub varies his victim preference.
8"Nighthawk"Dwight LittleIan GoldbergApril 6, 2011 (2011-04-06)1069.12[16]
Agent Cooper and his team must uncover a connection involving a series of murders in Tulsa, Oklahoma which have occurred in the last 24 hours.
9"Smother"Phil AbrahamJoy Blake & Melissa BlakeApril 13, 2011 (2011-04-13)1059.96[17]
While Beth discovers a dark secret of Mick, the team must uncover a frightening truth of abductions involving new mothers in Manchester, New Hampshire, when one takes a deadly turn.
10"The Time Is Now"Tim MathesonJoy Blake & Melissa BlakeMay 4, 2011 (2011-05-04)1108.83[18]
When a girl in Los Angeles who manipulated teen boys into killing their families' case mistrials and falls on the hands of Agent Cooper, he must work with his team to solve the case.
11"Strays"Anna J. FoersterChris Mundy & Glen MazzaraMay 11, 2011 (2011-05-11)1039.31[19]
When FBI Director Fickler's goddaughter, who is also the estranged daughter of a federal judge, is kidnapped, Agent Cooper and his team must try all means to get her back safely and apprehend the kidnapper.
12"The Girl in the Blue Mask"Félix AlcaláMark RichardMay 18, 2011 (2011-05-18)1128.46[20]
The red cell team must solve a case involving a killer who disfigures the faces of his victims, a case in which the first victim was found in the FBI's backyard: Quantico, Virginia. They are eventually lead to his home in Dale City, Virginia.
13"Death by a Thousand Cuts"Edward Allen BerneroIan GoldbergMay 25, 2011 (2011-05-25)1137.25[21]
Agent Cooper and his team travel to Dallas in an attempt to close a case of a serial abductor and shooter by proxy who randomly kills for fun. Also, Prophet and Beth go undercover and Beth's fate is compromised.

Home media

edit
The DVD Edition
Set details Special features
  • 13 episodes
  • 4-disc set (Region 1 only)
  • Widescreen
  • Subtitles: English
  • English: Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Alternate Reality: The New Criminal Minds
  • Inside The Red Cell
  • The Profiler
  • House of Corpses
  • Loved Ones
  • Backdoor-pilot from Criminal Minds Season 5: "The Fight"
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes
DVD release date
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
September 6, 2011 (2011-09-06)[22] Not Released Not Released

Ratings

edit
Season Timeslot (EDT) Series Premiere Series Finale TV Season Rank Viewers
(in millions)
1 Wednesdays 10:00pm February 16, 2011 May 25, 2011 2011 No. 39 10.57[23]

Reception

edit

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an aggregate score of 42% based on 11 positive and 15 negative critic reviews. The website’s consensus reads: "With plotlines that are both ludicrous and predictable, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior falls victim to audience overfamiliarity."[24]

References

edit
  1. ^ Gorman, Bill (December 21, 2010). "CBS Mid-Season Schedule: 'Criminal Minds: SB' Wed. 10p; 'Mad Love' Mon. 8:30p; 'Chaos' Fri. 8p; 'Rules' Moves To Thu. 8:30p". Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
  2. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 17, 2011). "CBS renews 'CSI:NY', cancels 'Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  3. ^ Kris De Leon (July 7, 2008). "'Criminal Minds' Spin-Off in the Works". BuddyTV. Archived from the original on February 23, 2010. Retrieved April 8, 2010.
  4. ^ Michael Ausiello (January 25, 2010). "Scoop: Forest Whitaker to headline 'Criminal Minds' spin-off!". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 28, 2010. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  5. ^ Chuck Barney (April 7, 2010). "Criminal Minds proves actor Moore than pretty face". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 6, 2010. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  6. ^ Adam Bryant (August 5, 2010). "Richard Schiff Joins Criminal Minds Spinoff". TV Guide. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  7. ^ "Hotch and his agents join forces with another BAU team to solve a series of murders in San Francisco, on "Criminal Minds," Wednesday, April 7". CBS. March 9, 2010. Retrieved April 8, 2010.
  8. ^ Gorman, Bill (April 13, 2010). "TV Ratings Top 25: NCAA Final Joins Idol, Dancing On Top Weekly Broadcast Charts". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 17, 2010. Retrieved April 14, 2010.
  9. ^ Gorman, Bill (February 17, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  10. ^ Seidman, Robert (February 24, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: Mr. Sunshine, Survivor, Criminal Minds, CM: Suspect Behavior All Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 26, 2011. Retrieved February 24, 2011.
  11. ^ Gorman, Bill (March 3, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol Adjusted Up; Better With You Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 6, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
  12. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 10, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol Adjusted Up; Shedding for the Wedding Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 13, 2011. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
  13. ^ Gorman, Bill (March 17, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, Survivor, Minute, Top Model Adjusted Up; Off The Map, Criminal Minds: SB Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 21, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
  14. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 24, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, Modern Family, Survivor, ANTM Adjusted Up; Mr. Sunshine Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 29, 2011. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
  15. ^ Gorman, Bill (March 31, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, Survivor, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Minute Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 4, 2011. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  16. ^ Seidman, Robert (April 7, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: Law & Order: SVU, Survivor, American Idol Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
  17. ^ Gorman, Bill (April 14, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, Modern Family, Happy Endings, Survivor, Criminal Minds, Suspect Behavior Adjusted Up; Breaking In, Minute, Shedding, Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 17, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  18. ^ Seidman, Robert (May 5, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, Survivor, Modern Family, Law & Order: SVU Adjusted Up; Breaking In Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 8, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  19. ^ Gorman, Bill (May 12, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, The Middle Better With You, Modern Family, Survivor Adjusted Up; Breaking In, Cougar Town Adj. Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
  20. ^ Seidman, Robert (May 19, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, Modern Family, Law & Order: SVU Adjusted Up; Happy Endings Adj. Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  21. ^ Gorman, Bill (May 26, 2011). "Wednesday Final Ratings: American Idol, Modern Family Adjusted Up; Law & Order: LA, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 28, 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  22. ^ "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior - The DVD Edition". Amazon. September 6, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
  23. ^ "2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages". Tvbythenumbers.com. June 1, 2011. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  24. ^ "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
edit