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Why you should watch Lie to Me

The truth is, this is a great show, no lying about it.

By Samantha ParrishPublished 4 years ago 5 min read
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This is quite possibly one of the most criminally underrated shows about catching a criminal just by studying the expression.

When you look at the CSI reruns there is an interesting intellect about how the science works into finding a killer, but CSI has been criticized for the science as well as the protocol. In Lie to Me, it’s educational on micro-expressions. A section of behavioral science that hasn't been done yet. Sure, there has been some observational tactics to determine the truth of a witness or suspect if they look to the left. Looking to the left has been a central sign that someone is creating a story to cover up the truth. In Lie To Me, there is an expansion on explaining every detail in someone's reactions to reveal what they can't or won't say. The breakdown is very interesting to understand, every episode something new is learned. For those who love to learn how to find the truth, this is one that encapsulates the observations to find it out in human behavior. Humans don't change, we can say all we want, but our faces reveal it all.

The main character of this show is Cal lightman (Tim Roth) who is based off of the series creator Samuel Baum. Cal Lightman is very different than the usual lead characters. He’s not like Grissom, Not like Richard Castle, not like Patrick Jane . He stands out as his own character that can be likable and interesting. There are definitely some moments with his character that is extremely reckless in knowing that would never happen in real life where he knocks down books off of the shelf to prove if his clients are hiding something. Because he has to see the instant reaction, to see if they can pinpoint the evidence within the house. Realistically, This character would need a warrant, but because this character is reckless to get that reaction, it does fit. So it’s perfectly OK that characters that rely upon a instant reaction to find that truth, need to make instant reckless choices. A prime example of his characterization as well as his dynamic with Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams) is in the episode Blinded. He's compassionate in a moment's notice, and he does care for his colleague and if he has to give up on a case, he's Ok with it. Watch it for yourself because I can't spoil the moment.

There’s been a bit of a cliché with some of the crime shows that you have an older main actor who is the leader of the unit. Then there is a professional woman who is his partner, which I do love the dynamic of male and female characters working together regardless of the romantic status (it’s entirely up to the writers on exactly how their relationship changes). Then as usual there is a headstrong, beautiful woman that serves as both brains and brawn. There is the typical nerdy, skeptic character. Top it all off with a authority character that works in a different department, but affiliates with them. It’s the same formula that you see in NCIS or CSI or anything in general. But with this team on the show it’s different and unique, they’re not cardboard characters and they’re very memorable. You can't compare these characters to others from various crime shows.

Even as the observations are explained from the scientists and psychologists in the show. It's not as rushed like forensic moments on CSI. The highlight of this show, the moment that proves their points of a character that is lying is when there is a commercial break. When the show holds on the moment a character is showing a sign of lying. That moment is compared to numerous celebrities or political figures that have made that same face. Let me just say that Bill Clinton makes a lot of appearances as examples, it’s amusing and ironic.

They were very unique cases of that pertain to the exact nature of studying the reactions to uncover a criminal or a killer. One of my personal favorites that needs to be watched is the episode, “Bullet Bump”, Showcasing interesting tactics besides watching someone's face. A part in the episode where a character's foot moving gave away the integral part of the case. The episode also has a very reminiscent feel to the plot to Scandal before Scandal came out. In the game of elections and politics, an episode that centered on that spectrum was bound to happen considering the circle of lies in politics. The show did a great job in decoding the lies that politicians try to cover up. Also if you’re a fan of the show Twin Peaks, Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer) has an appearance on the episode .

To continue that side-note about familiar faces. The show has had many high profile and recognizable guest stars from other various shows. Jennifer Beals (The L Word), Jim Beaver (Supernatural), Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead), Noel Fisher (Shameless), Melissa George (Home and Away), Tzi Ma (Rush Hour), Clea DuVall (The Faculty) and others. You could literally throw a dart to any episode and there is a 99.99% chance you are going to recognize someone from one of your own favorite shows or movies.

Because this show was on Fox Network, it bound to be short-lived, and cut off after only three seasons. I discovered this show three years after it's cancellation, even though I was immersed into this fascinating series, I had to remember that I would never get a new season and it'll end on a cliffhanger. Now I know how people felt when Firefly was cancelled, I'll never recover from having a great show thrown out of the network.

However even though this show is hidden amidst the streaming services, it's had a pretty good run time on steaming networks. Netflix's rating is still critically acclaimed, Hulu has it as well. So it's sought after to have it available.

It's not entirely forgotten by the cast either. Tim Roth has revealed that a possible spin-off is still in the works. That was said in 2015 but that idea hasn't been cancelled yet. Mekhi Phifer has even stated that this was an enjoyable show to work on. No doubt that if he was approached to come back for the spinoff, no doubt, he would accept it.

Now I've explained the whole truth why this show is criminally underrated. So do yourself a favor and enjoy the intelligent honesty of Lie To Me.

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About the Creator

Samantha Parrish

What's something interesting you always wanted to know?

Instagram: parrishpassages

tiktok: themysticalspacewitch

My book Inglorious Ink is now available on Amazon!

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