As the winter weather carries on into February, that seasonal depression that we all feel follows it. There are plenty of people out there that give advice for those who are feeling down or bored even: drink water, take vitamin D, exercise, and more. However, the gloomy atmosphere that surrounds January-February is the perfect time to discover new interests and obsessions, a.k.a, TV shows. It’s too early in the year for romantic comedies, and quite frankly these months are too boring for an action-packed thriller. Instead, a nice Crime/Mystery Series is enough to do the trick.
Criminal Minds
Wells:
As far as cCrime TV goes, Criminal Minds is known as one of the best series out there. The dynamic of the group is essential to the success of the show, including characters ranging from a nerdy doctor named Spencer Reid to a jacked detective named Derek Morgan. With this group and all of their interactions, watchers are drawn into the family-like atmosphere. On top of the dynamics, the crimes themselves are insane. The plot lines that are developed throughout the show are honestly ingenious and shocking, but not too scary that I’d be afraid to continue watching. However, despite the characters and the plot, each episode seems to follow the same pattern, which tendstending to come off as repetitive and unoriginal. For these reasons, I give Criminal Minds an 8/10.
Saley:
I first started watching Criminal Minds due to the popularity of it. Like many others, it captivated me from the start. From the great characters to the suspenseful scenes, the show draws you into it. However, after a while, the show gets very repetitive. While the crimes may be different, they have the same format. 1. Fly into their place where the crime took place 2. Go after the first suspect by kicking in some doors 3. Randomly figure out who the real criminal is by a small piece of information 4. Kick in some more doors while getting the culprit. Due to these reasons, Criminal Minds is a 6/10.
Gravity Falls
Wells:
A stark difference from Criminal Minds, Gravity Falls has a special place in my heart. Yes, it is technically a children’s show, but the writing and development of the city’s dark history is truly enough to rewatch the series. The relationship between Dipper and Mabel, the two main characters, reminds me so much of how my siblings and I used to interact, garnering a sense of nostalgia. Each episode contains a new crime or mystery, and in the last season everything comes together. The ending of the show BLEW me away, especially for a series originally made for Disney. When I want a light-hearted but wildly interesting show, Gravity Falls will always pop up in my mind. For this, I give Gravity Falls a 7/10.
Saley:
On the more kids side of mystery shows, Gravity Falls is amazing! With the fantasy side, it captures one’s attention and curiosity throughout the whole show. From mermaids to mini-golf ball people, the show has a variety of creatures. Additionally, the storyline is incredible! The mystery behind who the author is of the book is brings suspense to the show. When rewatching it, the show brings a lot of nostalgic feelings whilewhen watching it. I will always be waiting for nextfor the next summer. Due to these reasons, I give Gravity Falls an 8.5/10.
Psych
Wells:
Without a doubt, I can confidently say that Psych is my favorite TV show of ALL TIME. I grew up watching this series with my family, and I’ve only grown to appreciate it even more as I’ve gotten older. The show centers around Shawn Spencer and Burton Guster, childhood best friends, and now, business partners. Shawn has amazing observational skills, so he pretends to be psychic and works with the SBPD to solve crimes. Each episode features a new crime, but also introduces new jokes and hysterical moments between Gus and Shawn. I cannot emphasize enough how many times I’ve recommended this show, and how everyone has loved it. This show is the perfect mix of comedy with crime, and the perfect series to begin in the upcoming month. For these reasons, I give Psych a 15/10.
Saley:
While this show may not be as well known as the other shows we reviewed, Psych is definitely the best. I started watching this series with my family when I was young; however, I didn’t really appreciate it until later years after rewatching it. Two of the main characters, Gus and Shawn, have the best dynamic. While Gus is the serious one, Shawn is the goofy one who messes around when they are uncovering the crimes. Although, they both create a lighthearted side to a crime show. One of the best parts of the show are the nicknames that Shawn creates for Gus when introducing him to random people. The nicknames are always very random and while they don’t add anything to the plot of the show, they add an amazing comedic side. Overall, Psych is one of the best shows ever and everyone should watch it. I give Psych a 10/10.
