Detective: 137

Raines (2007), a seven-episode American police procedural TV show, follows the story of detective Michael Raines, played by Jeff Goldblum. Raines has a unique ability – he hallucinates the victims of the murders he is investigating. The show was created by Graham Yost and aired in spring 2007, receiving mixed reviews. In each episode, Raines returns to work after recovering from a shootout that claimed his partner’s life, Charlie Lincoln. As he delves deeper into each case, Raines involuntarily sees and talks to the victims as if they were still alive. These ...

Released in cinemas on September 28, 2007 in Norway, the inaugural film Varg Veum – Bitter Flowers (2007) was helmed by renowned Norwegian director Ulrik Imtiaz Rolfse. The story follows Varg Veum, a private detective hired by a prominent female politician to discreetly locate her missing daughter. However, his investigation leads him to uncover the shady dealings of an international corporation involved in corruption, illicit trade, and even murder.

Zodiac (2007) is an American neo-noir crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by James Vanderbilt, based on the nonfiction books by Robert Graysmith: Zodiac (1986) and Zodiac Unmasked (2002). The movie opens on July 4, 1969, when an unknown man attacks Darlene Ferrin and Mike Mageau with a handgun at a lovers’ lane in Vallejo, California. Only Mike survives. A month later, the San Francisco Chronicle receives encrypted letters from the killer who calls himself ‘Zodiac’. In these letters, he threatens to kill twelve ...

The psychological legal crime thriller film Fracture (2007) stars Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling, with direction by Gregory Hoblit. The story revolves around wealthy Irish aeronautical engineer Theodore ‘Ted’ Crawford, who discovers that his wife Jennifer is having an affair with police detective Robert Nunally. In a heated confrontation, Crawford shoots his wife and confesses to the act when Nunally arrives on the scene. Despite her injuries, Jennifer survives but remains in a coma. Crawford is arrested for attempted murder and awaits trial in jail. ...

The American drama show, Dexter (2006–2013), was broadcast on Showtime for seven years, starting in October 2006 and ending in September 2013. It takes place in Miami and follows the story of Dexter Morgan, a forensics expert with a focus on analyzing bloodstains for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department. However, he also leads a covert double life as a vigilante serial killer. His targets are those who have escaped justice due to corruption or loopholes in the legal system. The show received positive reviews throughout its entire run, with the first four seasons receiving universal acclaim. However, as the series progressed, reception declined significantly. It ...

The Prestige (2006) is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan. This film is based on a novel by Christopher Priest that was published in 1995. Set in 1890s London, it follows two shills for a magician named Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, who are both mentored by John Cutter, an engineer responsible for designing stage magic tricks. During one performance involving a water tank, Angier’s wife Julia tragically drowns while attempting to escape. In ...

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), an American neo-noir black comedy crime film written and directed by Shane Black, follows the story of Harry Lockhart. After showing remorse in an audition for a botched burglary, Harry unexpectedly lands a screen test in New York City. Mistaken for method acting by casting director Dabney Shaw, he is then sent to Los Angeles for another screen test. At a party in LA, Harry reunites with his childhood crush Harmony Lane and meets ‘Gay’ Perry van Shrike, a private investigator hired to help him prepare for his screen test. Meanwhile, party host Harlan Dexter has recently settled a ...

Saw II (2005) is a horror movie helmed by director Darren Lynn Bousman and penned by Leigh Whannell and Bousman himself. After waking up in a room with a death mask locking his neck, police informant Michael is given instructions by Billy the Puppet on a nearby screen. Failing to retrieve the key from his eye in time, he meets his demise as the mask closes around his head. At the crime scene, Detective Kerry discovers a message for her ex-partner Detective Eric Matthews. The two team up with Officer Rigg and lead a SWAT ...

The French film, Empire of the Wolves (2005), helmed by Chris Nahon, tells the story of Anna Heymes, a stylish 31-year-old Parisian housewife. She is plagued by nightmares and visions connected to a string of brutal murders in the city. As authorities Schiffer and Nerteaux work to solve the case, Anna’s own discoveries add fuel to the fire. It turns out that she has undergone intense reconstructive surgery, concealing her Turkish heritage. As tensions rise and danger looms, Anna must face off against the Turkish mafia and her would-be killer.

Revolver (2005), an action thriller film co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, has two different versions. The following plot synopsis pertains to Ritchie’s preferred Directors Cut. Set in an unnamed city, the story follows Jake Green, a cockney gangster and gambler who is released from a seven-year solitary confinement sentence for an unspecified crime. During his time in prison, Jake developed claustrophobia, causing him to feel great distress in confined spaces and elevators. Two years later, Jake and his brother Billy visit Dorothy Macha’s casino. As a gang boss involved in illegal gambling throughout ...

The film Brick (2005) is a neo-noir thriller, written and directed by Rian Johnson in his debut as a director. High schooler Brendan Frye receives a mysterious note that leads him to a pay phone. There, his ex-girlfriend Emily Kostich calls him for help, mentioning ‘the Pin’, ‘Tug’, and a dangerous brick before quickly hanging up. Brendan enlists his friend Brain to assist him when he can’t locate Emily. At a party thrown by popular girl Laura Dannon and her boyfriend Brad Bramish, Brendan’s encounter with another ex-girlfriend Kara leads him to Emily’s new boyfriend Dode, who is addicted to drugs and sets up a meeting for ...

The film Secret Window (2004) is a psychological thriller featuring Johnny Depp and John Turturro. Written and directed by David Koepp, it is based on Stephen King’s novella Secret Window, Secret Garden. After finding his wife Amy in an affair with their friend Ted, mystery writer Mort Rainey seeks solace in his cabin at Tashmore Lake, while Amy remains in their home. Although they have been separated for six months, Mort has yet to finalize their divorce due ...

Taking Lives (2004) is an American psychological thriller film directed by D. J. Caruso. In the early 1980s, teenagers Martin Asher and Matt Soulsby meet on a bus to Mont-Laurier, Quebec. The vehicle breaks down, so they obtain a car, which later gets a flat tire. As Matt fixes the tire, Martin notices their similar height and shoves him into the path of an oncoming truck, causing the death of both Matt and the driver. Martin then takes Matt’s guitar and clothes and continues on foot, imitating his singing voice. Twenty years pass and FBI profiler Illeana Scott is called in by Inspector Leclair to assist Montreal ...

Crimson Rivers 2: Angels of the Apocalypse (2004) is an action thriller helmed by director Olivier Dahan and produced by Ilan Goldman. This international co-production, involving France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, follows Chief Niemans as he delves into a string of ritualistic murders where the victims are crucified. To aid in his investigation, Niemans teams up with young officer Reda, who becomes involved when a disguised monk attempts to kill a man Reda had picked up off the street. With the help of a scholar in Christian mythology, they uncover the mysterious ...

CSI: NY (2004–2013) is a popular American police procedural television series that aired on CBS for nine seasons, from September 2004 to February 2013. Set in New York City, the show features a team of investigators working at the city’s crime lab. Like its predecessors, CSI: NY tackles gritty subject matter and employs deductive reasoning to solve cases, with an added focus on criminal profiling. Leading the team is Detective Mac Taylor, a former Marine and seasoned member of the NYPD. Despite personal tragedies, including losing his wife on 9/11, Mac remains dedicated and maintains a strict management style. He is joined by his partner Detective ...

NCIS (2003–2024), the inaugural installment in the NCIS media franchise, is an American military police procedural television series. The show follows a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and seamlessly blends elements from military drama, police procedural, and comedy genres. Recently, CBS had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the show’s 20-year milestone with an Anniversary Special. Over the years, NCIS has captured the hearts of countless viewers and consistently garnered high ratings for CBS. As we look forward to introducing new shows, titles, and talent on our network, it is with a heavy ...

Basic (2003) is a mystery-action thriller directed by John McTiernan and written by James Vanderbilt. During a live fire exercise in the jungles of Panama, Army Rangers trainees are led by their instructor and Master Sergeant Nathan West. Sergeant Ray Dunbar emerges from the jungle with wounded Second Lieutenant Levi Kendall, pursued by Sergeant Mueller whom Dunbar kills in self-defense. Although no other casualties are found, West’s team is presumed dead. Dunbar refuses to cooperate with Military Police investigator Captain Julia Osborne and requests to speak with ...

The American mystery thriller, Blood Work (2002), was directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in the film. While investigating a local homicide, FBI Special Agent Terry McCaleb is outside addressing the media when he spots the alleged ‘code murderer’ in the crowd. In pursuit of the man, McCaleb wounds him but suffers a heart attack and ends the chase. Following his retirement, McCaleb resides on a houseboat in Long Beach and receives a life-saving heart transplant after two years. Soon after, he is approached by Graciella Rivers, whose sister Gloria was killed in a robbery. She asks for his ...

Boomtown (2002–2003), an American action drama TV show by Graham Yost, ran on NBC from September 29, 2002 to December 28, 2003. Its name is a nod to its location: Los Angeles, California. Each episode featured a different crime investigation, told from multiple perspectives including those of the police force, attorneys, emergency responders, journalists, victims, witnesses, and perpetrators. The show debuted on September 29, 2002 and initially had a first season of 18 episodes. In response to subpar ratings, the show underwent changes such as toning down the use of non-linear ...

High Crimes (2002), an American legal thriller film directed by Carl Franklin, stars Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman who reunite after their previous collaboration in the 1997 film Kiss the Girls. Claire Kubik, an attorney, and her woodworker husband Tom enjoy an idyllic life in Marin County, California. However, during a Christmas shopping trip to San Francisco’s Union Square, Tom is suddenly arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for his alleged involvement in the brutal murder of nine civilians in ...