NUMB3RS is a drama about an FBI agent who recruits his mathematical-genius brother to help the Bureau solve a wide range of challenging crimes in Los Angeles. The two brothers take on the most confounding criminal cases from a very distinctive perspective. Inspired by actual events, the series depicts how the confluence of police work and mathematics provides unexpected revelations and answers to the most perplexing criminal questions.
A dedicated FBI agent, Don Eppes (Rob Morrow), couldn't be more different from his younger brother, Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz), a brilliant mathematician who, since he was little, yearned to impress his big brother. Don is joined on his team by fellow agents Megan Reeves (Diane Farr), a behavioral specialist who brings psychological insight to their investigations; David Sinclair (Alimi Ballard), who utilizes his incredible perspective and the survival skills he learned growing up in the Bronx; and new agent Colby Granger (Dylan Bruno) who just completed an extensive tour of duty in the U.S. Military.
After some initial reluctance, Don's team welcomes Charlie's innovative methods to crime-solving. Their father, Alan (Judd Hirsch), is happy to see his sons working together even though he doesn't understand the intricacies of what Charlie does for a living. It is his co-workers at CalSci who further refine Charlie's approach and help him stay focused. Physicist friend Dr. Larry Fleinhardt (Peter MacNicol) constantly challenges Charlie to employ a broader point of view to his work with the FBI, and Amita Ramanjuan (Navi Rawat), Charlie's former grad student, frequently helps him see cases in a new light Despite their disparate approaches to life, Don and Charlie are able to combine their areas of expertise and solve some killer cases.
This is clearly a high concept series that could have suffered from the notion that maybe the high concept wasn't enough for a television series to run with for over a few seasons. Maybe it's better as a movie? Well, they proved that wrong. This series constantly delivers. It's clever. It's fun. It makes math interesting and kinetic. And it's a breath of fresh air compared to most lackluster cop dramas.
Rob Morrow is an underrated talent. He was so good in "Northern Exposure" and manages to offer yet another likable character. This season starts soon after the end of the last, time-wise. Charlie had run into some trouble in the previous season but finds his FBI clearance reinstated. He also is forced to see his girlfriend kidnapped, rescued, and soon thereafter he garners the courage to drop the "Will you marry me" bomb... successfully. Krumholz is just so good in this role, especially when he's spitting out mathmatical jargon.
There are some extras for fans to enjoy, including some select commentaries, a discussion and celebration of the 100th episode, deleted scenes, and a great blooper real. Everything is pretty much by the, um, numbers. The deleted scenes aren't anything to special. However, I'm a sucker for the blooper reel, and this one is actually quite good.
Overall, a great show that continues to shine.
