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Cracker: Mind Over Murder

Cracker: Mind Over Murder

1997–1998Ended1 season16 episodes~60 min/epMidcredits score: 22nd percentile of all shows

Crime drama based on the UK TV series about Gerry "Fitz" Fitzgerald, a brilliant but troubled criminal psychologist working alongside the Los Angeles police department.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Cracker: Mind Over Murder?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Cracker: Mind Over Murder streaming on The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Rent / Buy

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Reception

Is Cracker: Mind Over Murder worth watching?

Cracker: Mind Over Murder's Midcredits score is the 22nd percentile of all shows, from 514 ratings across 2 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

22nd percentile

Better received than 22% of shows

13th percentile among Crime12th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)26th
Approval (how many liked it)20th

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

65 /100

26th percentile of all shows

18th percentile among Crime15th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

Approval

How many liked it

52% liked it

20th percentile of all shows

10th percentile among Crime11th percentile among 1990s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

46th percentile

503 ratings across platforms

25th percentile among Crime27th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The show is a darkly gritty character drama centered on a brilliant but self-destructive psychologist, though opinions diverge on how well it measures up to the British original.

Fans praised

  • Pastorelli's daring, uncompromising anti-hero Fitz feels realistic and multi-layered
  • The show stands on its own as gritty, character-driven drama when not compared to the original
  • Strong performances and writing give the series a darkly humorous, grounded edge

Detractors panned

  • Pale, watered-down copy of the superior British original
  • Lead lacks Coltrane's flawed charm, with storylines not translating to America
  • Unconvincing, poorly cast supporting characters and wooden acting

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

Pastorelli's bold, gritty performance as Fitz praised by fans, but detractors find him lacking Coltrane's depth and charisma

AtmosphereDivisive65

Dark, gritty American setting praised by fans, but feels less authentic than the British version

Emotional impactDivisive63

Pastorelli's raw performance adds emotional depth, though some find it uninvolving

CharactersDivisive62

Fitz seen as complex and realistic by fans, while detractors find him too perfect or unbelievable

Dialogue60

Some lines from the original are reused; fans find dialogue sharp, but detractors say it doesn't land

Pacing58

Critics note inconsistent pacing across episodes; fans find it engages but sometimes drags

Plot and storyDivisive55

Stories seen as compelling and realistic by fans, but translations from the original felt weak to critics

OriginalityDivisive45

Seen as a derivative remake by detractors, but fans appreciate its unique dark tone

Episodes

1 season

Season 1 · 1997 · 16 episodes

  • S1E1
    S1E1

    True Romance (1)

    Sep 18, 199760 min
  • S1E2
    S1E2

    True Romance (2)

    Sep 25, 199760 min
  • S1E3
    S1E3

    Madwoman

    Oct 2, 199760 min
  • S1E4
    S1E4

    Lemmings Will Fly

    Oct 9, 199760 min
  • S1E5
    S1E5

    Hell Hath No Fury

    Oct 16, 199760 min
  • S1E6
    S1E6

    'Tis Pity She's a Whore

    Oct 23, 199760 min

Watch experience

What is Cracker: Mind Over Murder like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — an even-paced watch that leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseDread
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcOne continuous story
ToneThe show treats its dark subject matter and deeply flawed protagonist with a brooding, serious tone, never undercutting the psychological tension.
The rideThe series maintains a consistent pressure of psychological tension and ominous anticipation across its run.
StructureEach episode follows a conventional mystery investigation structure with setup, interrogation, and resolution.
Episode formatEach episode features a new criminal case investigated via Fitz's unique psychological methods, with a serialized backdrop of his family life and the series' overarching character arcs.
Season formatThe single season follows a continuous narrative arc focused on Fitz's professional challenges and personal relationships.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Thought-provokingHaunting · 9% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe series' psychological depth and flawed protagonist linger, leaving the viewer with unresolved questions about human nature and a haunting sense of darkness.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% (this title) · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

8% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe typical episode follows Fitz as he uses psychological insight to solve a crime and elicit a confession from the perpetrator, centering on the question of who committed the act and why.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfDeception
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11% (this title): Justice 14% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6% (this title)
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Morality

Deception · 6% of showsJustice · 14% of shows
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe show centers on the psychological manipulation and hidden truths that Fitz uncovers, while exploring the broader pursuit of justice through confession rather than due process.
StanceThe show questions the ethics and effectiveness of Fitz's manipulative interrogation methods while centering on his singular perspective.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalJazzSupportive music · original score
SettingNew York City police precincts and criminal environments

Cast and crew

Who is in Cracker: Mind Over Murder?

Cast

Robert Pastorelli
as Gerry 'Fitz' Fitzgerald
Carolyn McCormick
as Judith Fitzgerald
Robert Wisdom
as Detective Danny Watlington
Josh Hartnett
as Michael Fitzgerald
Scott Sowers
as Detective Parker
Angela Featherstone
as Det. Hannah Tyler
R. Lee Ermey
as Lt. Fry
Paul Perri
as Waldron
Sally Levi
as Hope Fitzgerald
Josh Lucas
as Lt. Macy

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