Mindhunter and Links to True Crime Stories

So, today I am talking about something a little different. I generally focus on true crime and other non- fictional things related to such. However, in my excitement with a new show coming in October, I wanted to write about Mindhunter. So, I have been making my way through the book by John Douglas, a rather well-known former profiler with the FBI. He has written several books, of which I have read a few, but this one focuses a lot on the creation of the BSU in the FBI as well as how John Douglas ended up in this field. The book is a little older, but that does not detract from the interesting content in anyway.

If you haven't already guessed, I do have an interest in serial killers. Not in a they-are-so-cool-way, but in a how-could-someone-do-this-way. Is it nature or nurture? Or some combination of them both? (My theory). What drives someone to commit such horrible acts? There are so many questions I have about serial killers and why they exist, so it is only fitting that I read about them and watch documentaries and all that. John Douglas really delves into these ideas and he discusses a lot of them in his book including some I have never even heard of. In fact, John Douglas was one of the first agents to interview serial killers in order to help law enforcement catch them. Some were far more talkative than others, such as Edward Kemper who really opened up about his crimes, although his m motivations for doing such are a tad suspect.

I have been watching Criminal Minds since it began, due to my fascination with profiling. However, this show is clearly fictional, although they do consult with profilers in order to add a realistic touch to the show. Plus, the character of Rossi is loosely based on John Douglas which adds a fun little tidbit to the show. The fact that it is fictional does not detract from my enjoyment, but occasionally, the cases get a little out there and there is a lot of stories with the characters being kidnapped, almost murdered and stalked. Somehow, I don't think this happens that often, but hey, it makes for a good show.

Now, on the other hand, Netflix's Original Series Mindhunter, coming out in October, is based on John Douglas' book and traces the development of profiling. In the preview, which looks amazing, you see the lead characters talking to a man who is clearly supposed to be Ed Kemper (although I am not sure if they actually call him by that name) and what appears to be other serial killers. I couldn't quite place them all, but the Kemper character did stand out given that he is huge and speaks in a distinct manner.

The lead FBI agents are not called by real names, having fictional ones instead. However, according to IMDB, Ed Kemper and Dennis Rader are both characters in the show. From what I can tell, in the two minute preview, the show traces the development of the profiling unit and the interviews with serial killers. I am also thinking they will hunt down serial killers and whatnot in the show since you got to have that procedural thriller thing happening. Which, don't get me wrong, I freaking love.

So, anyways, I am super stoked on this show. As a true crime buff, especially with profiling and serial killers, I can barely wait until October 13, 2017. Now, here is hoping to the fact that the show lives up to my increasingly high expectations. Will you be checking this show out?