Criminal Minds has become the gold standard for police procedurals. Debuting in 2005, the series follows criminal profilers who work for the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. Fans lapped up countless episodes of the original, which wrapped in 2020, and continue to tune in to the spin-off, Criminal Minds: Evolution. That means that the drama has lasted 18 seasons and counting. But before Criminal Minds ever aired, there was another procedural that laid the groundwork for its success.
What Is ‘Without a Trace’ About?
Back in 2002, CBS debuted Without a Trace, which would go on to run for seven seasons. The series depicts the Missing Persons Unit, with each episode exploring the case of a person who has disappeared. Not only do viewers get sucked into each investigation, they also learn more about the fascinating group of people who are doing the crime-solving. Led by the surly and serious Jack (Anthony LaPaglia), the team consists of his former protégé and mistress, Sam (Poppy Montgomery), and the insightful and skilled Vivian (Marianne Jean-Baptiste). Every episode dives into how this group of complicated individuals try to work together, while also doing their best to find the victims that need them the most.
In a time when this type of procedural was fairly new, Without a Trace was able to showcase the winning formula of how cases could be wrapped up within one episode, with longer narratives also running throughout the season. Cases are wide-ranging, including storylines as transfixing as a 12-year-old boy disappearing from a school bathroom to an office worker whose safe return is offered for a hefty ransom. As with most procedurals, the members of the Missing Persons Unit are often put in danger, but this only leads to the high-stakes action of the storytelling.
‘Without a Trace’ Is a Thrilling and Gripping Drama From Start to Finish
Without a Trace was a certified hit when it was on the air, including garnering huge audiences and two Emmy Awards for guest star Charles S. Dutton and for Outstanding Art Direction, as well as nabbing nominations for LaPaglia and the legendary Martin Landau as his Alzheimer’s-stricken father. Although the series is filled with thrilling storylines, plenty of twists and turns, and compelling relationship conflicts, Without a Trace is a true stand-out because it delves into complex and sensitive themes (including mental health issues and the harmful ripple effect of missing person cases).
But perhaps most impressive is that the show was able to shine a light on one of the most devastating types of crimes. The show leaned into these realistic elements of its storytelling by ending each episode with information about a real-life missing person. This encouraged viewers to share details if they knew anything about these specific cases. By raising awareness about these types of crimes, Without a Trace was making a difference, along with being an entertaining show to watch.
TV Guide Says This Sci-Fi Police Procedural Was Cancelled Too Soon, and We Couldn’t Agree More
This wasn’t your typical buddy-cop duo.
The series is also elevated beyond a traditional police procedural because of its impressive performances. LaPaglia is fantastic as a desperate, somber cop who has seen his work life bleed into his home life in a heartbreaking way, and his scenes with Montgomery are especially captivating to watch because of their electric chemistry. Of course, Oscar nominee Jean-Baptiste uplifts any project she’s cast in with her vulnerable and authentic acting, but the other supporting actors are every bit as necessary to Without a Trace‘s success. Enrique Marciano, Eric Close, and Roselyn Sanchez also helped the show keep up its fast-paced and intense vibes, and guest stars including Laurie Metcalf, John Krasinski, J.K. Simmons, and Lynn Whitfield are all fantastic additions.
At first, it seemed like Without a Trace would be unbeatable in the ratings, even doing a fun two-part crossover with the immensely popular CSI: Crime Scene Investigation series in Season 6. But in its final season in 2009, the series did show some signs of aging, and it dropped in the ratings. This led to its cancellation, likely also due in part to budget cuts as well. Although the series came out many years ago, it still stands up with 160 episodes that will keep you glued to your screen. And if you’ve already binged all of Criminal Minds, it’s the perfect substitute to give you that suspense and mystery fix.
