Criminal Minds
This article contains discussions of attempted suicide.
The formula of the show splits characters into “good” guys and “bad” guys.
Occasionally, the storylines challenge the audiences black-and-white thinking, though.
One such example comes from a potential unsub named Nathan Harris.
Initially, Reid believes him to be the killer theyre looking for, but he is mistaken.
Because he fears his abilities, Nathan follows Reid and asks disturbing questions about serial killers with sexual motives.
In talking with Reid, Nathan realizes he exhibits the same traits as serial killers.
A few factors distinguish him from other unsubs, though.
Firstly, Nathan is aware of his sexual proclivity.
Secondly, he is making an effort to change before he kills someone.
His thoughts of sexual sadism motivate him to learn everything he can about his brain.
Due to the premise ofCriminal Minds, the show would have needed to address the topic at some point.
Nathan is a mentally ill individual with a natural tendency toward criminal activity.
His psychological evaluation shows he has all the makings of a serial killer.
However, he has mental health support and adults who care about him.
When she refuses, offering therapy instead, Nathan gets worse.
He hires a sex worker, unclear on whether hell kill her or not.
He pulls out a knife and Reids business card.
Then, he attempts to die by suicide.
The sex worker calls Reid, and he comes to save Nathans life.
Afterward, Reid grapples with his decision.
By saving Nathan, he may have caused future deaths.
The psych evaluation results clearly showed a soon-to-be serial killer.
Ultimately, Reid made the correct choice by saving Nathan.
Nobody should die by suicide.
Plus, Nathan was innocent of any wrongdoing.
The Minority Report famously presented the idea that labeling someone a murderer could cause them to kill.
By choosing to save Nathan inCriminal Minds, Reid may have broken the self-fulfilling prophecy.
Additionally, Reid may have given Nathan the hope he needed to believe he could get better.
