NUMB3RS

I have enjoyed the show Numbers from its inception. It was a clever idea with a star I enjoyed since I first watched him on Northern Exposure (still one of the best shows ever-- well, okay, until the last season or so), Rob Morrow. The premise is this: a group of FBI agents in Los Angeles needs help from the lead agent's brother, a mathematics prodigy. Using math as a guiding principal, they solve crimes.

Admittedly, the premise seemed a little Schoolhouse Rock at first, as they forced these mathematical principals into every show. It seemed almost like an hour long "stay in school" special at times. But slowly the characters (and writers/directors) hit a groove and made the two disparate ideas (math and crime fighting) work together. The actors also hit a groove. Even one of my least favorite actresses, due to her seeming inability to emote on screen, Diane Farr, has hit a nice groove with her character and the rest of the actors.

Lately, however, the show has taken a turn recently with the introduction of Rob Morrow's lead FBI agent, Don, having anger issues and not letting anyone in to help him. He sabotaged relationships and it seemed like the character might be written off the show.

The last episode, called "One Hour," had the rest of his team helping an abducted child while Don was in for an hour long session with a shrink he decided to see. Without feeling forced or put on, while Don was describing how he sees his team members, they had opportunities to shine in those areas within the child abduction story. It allowed Don to realize where his anger was coming from while also allowing the team to show how good they can (and someday will) be without Don as their leader. It hit the exact right balance between each character, the writing, and the math. It feels like they can move forward with the solid foundation they have.

It is funny when a show hits the exact right "feel" to it. I cannot always point to any one thing as being why, but I just know it from watching the episode. Most shows continue in that vein until something happens. Some shows, like Studio 60, hit and then miss it again. Others are canceled before or even after they finally hit that stride (Enterprise was one such victim-- they struggled at first, but then finally hit a good balance in the last 4-6 episodes before cancellation). Numbers has always been a quality show, but with hits and misses. This last episode really hit a stride and hope the remaining shows this season are able to keep that going.