Murder (Spike)

Reality competition series MURDER takes CSI wannabes through the process of investigating a homicide and trying to solve the crime. Using a real solved murder as the basis for each faux-investigation, two teams explore a re-created crime scene, watch recorded interviews with suspects, interview the real coroner, and get lab results from the evidence they collect. Based on this pile of information, the groups hash out their theories, ruling out suspects, mapping out the killer's possible movements, and piecing together their hypotheses before presenting their final scenario to Det. Tommy Le Noir, who is also their guide. After the teams present their final scenarios, the detective reveals the identity of the real killer as the circumstances that led up to the murder; the team that best solved the crime wins (the prize is a donation to a crime victims' charity).

For fans of crime shows who try to solve the case before the cops do, this thoroughly grisly show is heady stuff. Some team members are up to the challenge, and watching the group think through the possibilities can be exciting, especially when they seem to be getting somewhere. But occasional clashes between team members are emphasized through editing, which can distract from the show's strength.

What's shocking about Murder are the intensely graphic crime scene re-creations, as well as glimpses of real photos from the actual crime. Shots of the real corpses appear onscreen, and the replicated scenes sometimes include massive amounts of very real-looking blood, tissue, and bodies. It's gruesome, and younger and more-sensitive viewers will want to stay far away.