Yet another spin on the old-fashioned “police procedural” drama, Numb3rs boasts acclaimed filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott as its executive producers. While the crime-fighting characters in shows such as CSI and Crossing Jordan rely on forensic evidence in their detective work, Numb3rs is all about the math (well, mostly about the math). Rob Morrow stars as FBI agent Don Eppes, who recruits his brother Charlie (David Krumholtz), an eccentric mathematics prodigy (is there any other kind?), to help solve baffling crimes that defy traditional investigative methods. Charlie's even-more-eccentric colleague, Dr. Larry Fleinhardt (Peter MacNicol), also occasionally pitches in, as does the brothers' proud dad, Alan (Judd Hirsch). The 13 episodes from the 2005 first season collected in this four-disc boxed set are not equally engaging, but the best are as riveting as anything else you'll see on primetime TV—although the application of mathematics to criminal investigations is portrayed with such accuracy that it's occasionally difficult for us ordinary Earthlings to understand just what it is Charlie's doing. Yes, the series is based on a gimmick, but it's an unusual and effective one, and Morrow and Krumholtz not only work well together, but their easygoing banter lends an endearing human aspect to a fairly cerebral show. DVD extras include audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, audition reels, and bloopers. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
Numb3rs: The Complete First Season
Paramount, 4 discs, 544 min., not rated, DVD: $54.99 Volume 21, Issue 5
Numb3rs: The Complete First Season
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