Lately, I’ve become addicted to the kind of television subgenre known as the “procedural”–which is basically a show like “NCIS,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Fringe,” that yes, has ongoing story arcs, but mainly turn on an episode by episode, crime-solving scenario. One of those shows is CBS’s “Numb3rs,” which stars the wonderful Rob Morrow as Don Eppes, an FBI director, whose brother Charlie, is a math genius that helps him solve the crime of the week.
I’ve mentioned the show once before in a post on Idol Chatter because of the interesting character arc of Larry, the genius physicist and Charlie’s former mentor. Larry is not only one of the funniest characters on the show, but he is unabashedly the soul-searching scientist, who finds his way into faith, and out of spiritual crises, through his passionate pursuit of hard science and queries about the biggest questions humans ask.
But lately the show has taken an interesting twist with Don’s character–Don is under constant pressure with his high-powered, high-stakes job which more than occasionally requires him to take the life of another–and this season they’ve written some soul-searching into Don’s life. He’s from a Jewish family, and the last few episodes has Don visiting a rabbi, talking to his Dad about their family’s faith background, but most of all, last episode, “Arrow of Time,” (which you can watch in full online) not only begins with Don at synagogue, reading the Torah in Hebrew and listening to a rabbi, but ends with a showdown in this very same synagogue, with Don saving the life of the criminal they are chasing–a nineteen year old boy–that he is determined not to kill. It was quite powerful.
I’m heartened to see a show having a main character exploring Judaism for once! That doesn’t often happen, and I’m curious to see where the writers take Don next. Check it out.
posted January 13, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I need to say, first, that I really like this show. I even enjoy the reruns. I admire the characters and find the stories interesting and compelling. The spiritual element has always been a strong part of the best episodes. CBS seems to have a real investment in nerds – From the Big Bang Theory to Criminal Minds and The Mentalist to the CSIs and Numb3rs, they have done wonders for the geeks of the world.
That being said, it is starting to seem a little like harry Potter – when there is a prblem Charlie comes up with a magic formula – uh, logirithm that solves or at least eases the dliemna. But the explanations are so much fun, it makes this device quite tolerable.
posted January 16, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I used to watch Numb3rs all the time, but stopped when the product placement ads inside the show became too distracting. I know this is a new trend, but it seemed to be more blatant in Numb3rs. I had heard about the story line with Don’s exploring Judaism – very cool. It might be enough to get me watching again.
posted January 16, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Addendum to Cate’s comment. The last straw was when Charlie used a brand name vacuum cleaner to demonstrate his solution to a problem.
posted January 16, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I agree with the above except for the complaint about product placement. I find it aggravating when they conceal a brand name. If I got to friend’s house and he’s finishing vacuuming, he doesn’t hide that fact he has a Kenmore.
I especially applaud the genius for his logirithm which allowed him to shave and cut his hair. That was the best improvement of all.
Yes, the Jewish aspect is nice, but it not FAITH is learning from the wisdom of his People. He’s thinking studying questioning — I see no FAITH in some silly mumbo jumbo hokus pokus. FAITH has nothng to do with; it is all questioning and searching.
Also, I’m not too good on names, but it seems that Rabbi Brad may have confused which character is doing what on this show.
posted January 17, 2009 at 4:27 pm
The recent Nubm3rs Was a sterling example of excellent television. My only objection is that one had to be a regular watcher (as I am) to understand Don’s problem. His being instrumental in saving the young criminal who was the pawn of the female archcriminal that Don was forced to kill in a prior program is truly integral to the full understanding of this great program
posted January 20, 2009 at 8:04 pm
First, I am addicted to Numb3rs and watch it all the time.
Second, I am very glad that they are going in this direction with Don. I think it’s great whenever they do start searching for God andfinding Him. I hope it does continue to develop.
posted July 15, 2010 at 8:00 am
Remarkably! Thanks!
posted July 27, 2010 at 6:21 pm
My wife is obsessed with these shows. My question: How you keep them all seperated? It seems as though it’s the same story, over and over, rehashed episode after episode. TV seems to offer 3 options:
News, Reality TV/Game Shows, & Medical/Law/Crime Drama