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6 Best TV Crime Fighters

Kathy Zerbib |
January 30, 2013 | 11:16 p.m. PST

Associate Entertainment Editor

Dr. Spencer Reid, though young for his position, is a staple to the FBI for his intellect (Touchstone Television).
Dr. Spencer Reid, though young for his position, is a staple to the FBI for his intellect (Touchstone Television).
Dr. Spencer Reid, “Criminal Minds”

Matthew Gray Gubler plays this endearing character in “Criminal Minds.” Reid is a genius, chess enthusiast, prodigy, and a member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. Though he is such an intellectual, Reid avoids coming across as a “smart aleck” and instead keeps a humbled persona around the rest of the BAU team. He is not as good as the other investigators when it comes to the physical aspects of the job, such as using a gun, but he excels in tracking down killers and deciphering obscure messages. Reid is crucial to his team for his brains and we love him for his quirkiness.

Calleigh Duquesne, “CSI: Miami”

Calleigh Duquesne is not just any Crime Scene Investigator from Miami. This tough girl (Emily Procter) is a ballistics specialist, meaning she knows the ins and outs of firearms. Duquesne is naturally bubbly in “CSI: Miami,” despite her line of work and first-hand experience with tragedies. She is able to keep her positivity and serves as an idol for female viewers who regularly see television shows dominated by male leads. Calleigh Duquesne is the ultimate chick superhero and, near the end of the series, also becomes the ultimate adoptive mother. 

Dexter Morgan, “Dexter”

Dexter Morgan leads a secret double life on “Dexter.” Michael C. Hall portrays this blood spatter pattern analyst by trade and serial killer of other killers by hobby. Morgan lives by The Code, something his adoptive father taught him as a child. The Code states that if someone must be killed, he or she must be a murderer who kills without a cause and will probably kill again. Naturally, the irony of his own existence is brought out in the series, though Morgan is not keen to killing himself. His method of killing those who really deserve it is something new to the TV world (since its first airing back in 2006) and the sense of karma the show revolves around is a refreshing, abstract concept.

Seeley Booth, “Bones”

This FBI Special Agent, played by David Boreanaz, is the jewel of “Bones.” He and his love interest, Temperance “Bones” Brennan, undergo a complicated relationship and their personal ties dominate the background of the show. Throughout the seasons, Booth is shown as protective, dominating, courageous, and loving to his girlfriend. Though the pair have their ups and downs, Booth always manages to keep the two together. He brings her the mysteries and handles the suspects. Fun fact, Booth is also a master knife thrower.

Carrie Mathison, “Homeland”

Claire Danes plays Carrie Mathison in “Homeland,” a Central Intelligence Agency officer who vehemently believes a U.S. Marine, once held captive by al-Qaeda, has returned to the United States as a spy for the terrorist group. Mathison suffers from bipolar disorder, which she takes pills for. Her accusations against Nicholas Body, the Marine, are widely ignored, as he is considered a war hero for successfully returning. Though she is initially unsuccessful in proving her claims, the show spirals into hits and misses for her and her passion for her country shines through. Mathison’s relentless need to save the United States from a terrorist shows her determination, though her ways of achieving the truth are not always ideal.

Adrian Monk, “Monk”

Monk, portrayed by Tony Shalhoub in “Monk,” is truly a character all on his own. Previously a homicide detective, he then worked as a private police homicide consultant. Monk suffers from intense obsessive-compulsive disorder, in addition to a number of phobias and harboring grief from his wife’s murder. Monk’s antics are hilarious, but his mystery-solving skills are what make him a success. His skills are reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, just with a little more humorous behavior. Unfortunately, “Monk” ended in 2009, but the detective’s legacy lives on.

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