Going Out of Your Mind? Watch Mindhunter/Netflix

The best series to binge, be forewarned, it may cause some to cringe, is the crime/drama  MINDHUNTER on Netflix.  Based on the non-fiction work "Mindhunter Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by retired FBI agent among the first to develop studies and techniques for profiling serial killers with the intent to solve murder and prevent further victims.  Veteran FBI agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) and rookie FBI agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) become the odd couple that click to form a Holmes & Watson duo venturing into groundbreaking territory trying to unravel the psyche of serial killers (a newly coined terminology).  Their radical methods are not readily appreciated by their exasperated boss at the FBI.  Their authorities & egos are kept in check until they meet with an intelligent & attractive female prof., Dr. Wendy Carr (Anna Torv.)  Dr. Carr believes their unchartered work invaluable (and desirable material for getting published.)   The duo become a tight trio.  Holden & Bill are on the frontlines interviewing infamous, incarcerated mass murderers (a.k.a. serial killers).  The repugnance of cavorting in conversations with these deviant criminals is off-putting & compelling.  You don't have to be Sherlock to see their unorthodox methods are proving beneficial in solving murders and offering insightful indicators of future killers who present specific aberrant behaviors.  This is not by the book interrogational procedures despite attempts at being constrained by Wendy and their boss at a loss.  The series directed by David Fincher is an engrossing crime drama and character study.  It has all the rudimentary elements that make for a spellbinding series.  The dynamics between the FBI agents and their relationships outside the office add complex & captivating characters & storylines.  Holden's girlfriend Debbie (Hanah Gross) a psychology student who goes head to head with Holden is especially enticing. The personal interviews with criminals behind bars are insidiously captivating.  The late 70s & early 80s is smartly captured in style and social context.  MINDHUNTER may require an acquired taste.  But, should you find yourself watching, you'll be shackled to the series.