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Without a Trace

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Where to watch: CBS, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Predictible crime drama for older teens only.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While the main characters are humanly flawed and deal with problems like adultery and substance abuse, they're on the side of justice. The cast is multicultural; recurring female characters are generally portrayed as strong and capable. An occasional character is disabled.
  • Violence:

    Violence varies from episode to episode. FBI agents carry and sometimes use guns and engage in tense stand-offs, but blood is minimal.
  • Sex:

    Some minor sexual activity: Characters wake up in bed together, and the main characters engaged in adultery but were remorseful. Plots sometimes revolve around sexual themes, like prostitution or pornography.
  • Language:

    Some adult language in certain episodes, but not generally noticeable.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The main character was addicted to painkillers. Another recurring character may have a drug abuse problem, but drug use has serious repercussions on the show. Plots may involve drugs, but not without consequences.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Without a Trace

Parents need to know that this crime drama deals with sensational topics, many of which involve children and teens, such as abduction, molestation, child pornography, and infanticide. The regular characters also struggle with adult topics like adultery, divorce, addiction, and serious health problems, which may upset sensitive young viewers.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the rare nature of the cases that the show's team investigates. Under what circumstances do most people go missing? How safe do kids feel? Is there anything families can do to make everyone feel safer?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Good but nothing beats the 24

    great but some of the episodes are preditcable.

  2. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Terrific Show

    Without a Trace is one of the best shows on television, perhaps the best show on CBS. Without a Trace is a fast-paced and compelling crime-drama, but differently from CBS’s big three CSI’s. Without a Trace is character-driven with the storyline often secondary to the characters interaction with that particular storyline. One of Without a Trace’s most interesting aspects is the depth with which it explores the lives and feelings of its main characters, all of whom are interesting human beings with shortcomings as well as virtues. This is truly an ensemble show with each member of the cast playing an integral role in the plot. Nicely cemented by Anthony LaPaglia’s Jack Malone, the show achieves a gravitas or weight that the CSI’s lack. The show also achieves a level of compassion for the victim that the cold hard science of the three CSI shows have difficulty achieving. Also interesting is the shows format, unlike in the CSI’s where you have a body and must work to discover why, in Without a Trace the action is spurred by the absence of a body, a possible victim who in the beginning is essentially a blank slate, however, by the episodes end, becomes as well known to us as a friend or colleague. Without a Trace is an exceptional drama with thought-provoking plot lines and likable characters. Highly recommended for those thirteen/fourteen and up.

  3. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Good Show

    This is a well done, intelligent show. It features likeable, intelligent characters with mostly decent morals, and a strong determined attitude. Without a Trace centres around a team of FBI agents who investigate mysterious disappearances. The show is not on par with the CSI franchise, but is smart and enjoyable all the same. The characters are well rounded and interesting, they are appropriately flawed making them seem fully human; they are nicely diverse and the interaction is excellent. While kidnappings are a frightening and frequently featured aspect of the show that some people might find disturbing, those who are not easily disconcerted are likely to enjoy the fast paced, smart, and generally likeable show. I recommend it for those 15+.

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