Mindhunter Season 2 Review: 5 Ups & 3 Downs
2. An Engaging Storyline For Bill
Bill was already an interesting character in season 1, but the writers really focused on letting him develop in season 2. His family issues, while perhaps a little on the nose, made him a much more complex and easy to sympathize with character. Having the agent who studies killers' son become one was a little bit of a stretch, but ultimately it worked.
Tench's problems weren't just limited to his home either. They added a wonderful layer to many of his other interactions, especially in the Charles Manson interview. It was clear that he was conflicted about whatever his son could be considered responsible for his actions and what his crimes would say about him as a father.
One could almost psychically feel the restlessness and powerlessness both Nancy and Bill felt in relation to Brian. He was their son, whom they loved and they tried to somehow rationalize his behavior, but they couldn't find a way out and seemingly felt trapped. The whole situation was heartbreaking both for them and the viewer and it felt like there were no good solutions.
Seeing the way we left things at the end of season 2, there are many ways the situation could develop. One way or another, it probably won't end ell.