Numb3rs

Numb3rs offers a fresh and interesting look at the worlds of law enforcement and mathematics. The two subjects, though seemingly different, work well together in this series. The focus of this show is not the crime, mathematics or policing, but the relationship between these three components and how they can work together to find a solution that is otherwise elusive - each offering information that would not normally be entertained. The relationship between Don, Charlie and their father is secondary to the plot, but no less important to the show's ideas. I can't say that I've watched a lot of their previous work, but I can say that I look forward to watching this show each week to see how Charlie and his mathematics can help DOn and his FBI team solve another crime.

Despite being another police drama (this time it is the FBI), it has several unique elements. I don't think I have ever seen a mathematician as one of the main characters in a TV show. It worked. I liked how he related to those he dealt with. He was able to communicate on a human level. The mystery and suspense aspect of the show was very good. The writing was also very good but it may be difficult for the show to keep up the quality of its writing with its main subject a mathematician. Although it is somewhat unrealistic, I liked the idea of the two brothers working together with a common objective with the father putting his two cents in once in a while. I found the show very entertaining and I hope it lasts.

All I can say this that three of Hollywood's most under-appreciated actors are in this show. Rob Morrow in a role meant for him has been sadly missing since his Northern Exposure days. Judd Hirsch will always be remembered for Taxi, but I also loved Dear John and love seeing him play the Dad to Jeff Goldblum's character in Independence Day. David Krumholtz is, I believe, the most under-appreciated of actors out there. He has depth and comic vision and compassion that's been sadly lacking in the most recent spate of "new talent." His "I am right" attitude in this show is not presented in an "in your face" way, but in a way that you know that Charlie is completely perplexed when the math doesn't compute. I hope CBS and the viewers will give Numbers a chance to excel. P.S. BRAVO to the HOTTIE that David Krumholtz has evolved into over the last couple of years. I look forward to his evolution onto one of his generations' great actors.

FBI agent Don Eppes (Rob Morrow) works out of the L. A. office. He has an extra tool in his toolkit. He gets help from his math genius brother Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz). Alan Eppes (Judd Hirsch) is their dad. David Sinclair (Alimi Ballard) is a fellow FBI agent. Amita Ramanujan (Navi Rawat) is Charlie's student turned love interest. His friend Dr. Larry Fleinhardt (Peter MacNicol) is also a professor. Terry Lake (Sabrina Lloyd) is an FBI agent for season 1 who transferred to Washington. Megan Reeves (Diane Farr) is the female FBI agent for seasons 2-4.

This is basic network police procedural for the most part with a covering of math. The family part gets the other big slice of the pie. The tone is serious. It's a CBS. I'm not that convinced with the math part of the show, but it's a fine gimmick. It's a waving of the magical math wand. At least, it differentiates this show from all the rest.

Terry Lake had the potential to develop into Don's romantic partner but actress Sabrina Lloyd left the show after one season. Don's romantic storyline remains the show's glaring weak point. It's funny that Larry has a better romance. Amita does start with a problematic issue. The show skips over it a bit. What I really want is that she doesn't become simply Charlie's assistant. She kinda does. Mostly, I like the group.

This is a fine network show. It lasted six seasons. It's a middling Friday night show which never broke top 30, but never decline that much either. It could have gone another season or two, but there's no point.

As opposed to some users that write comments before viewing a new show/film, I just finished watching the first episode and I am so far very impressed. While the show may lose some points for taking the "safe route" of being yet another crime drama, I felt that the show's unique concept of mathematical probability dictating life (a la "Pi") and unconventional lead roles set it apart from its predecessors. I've never even been a big fan of any of the CSI series, but found this show very entertaining and watchable. I'm also happy to see that Sabrina Lloyd (Sliders) is still alive and well on the planet Earth.

Some viewers seem to let prejudices decide whether or not they like a show, but I've taken a look at the evidence, and I happen to be looking forward to the rest of the series.