Mindhunter music: Netflix viewers notice eerie theme tune changes in last episode

28 August 2019, 12:15

Mindhunter viewers have noticed something different about the show’s eerie theme tune in the final episode of season 2...

Netflix’s true crime drama Mindhunter returned for a second series earlier this month, after a nearly two-year hiatus.

In the latest instalment, FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) come face-to-face with some of the most infamous serial killers of our time – including David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz, William Pierce Jr., and Paul Bateson.

The duo also interview cult leader Charles Manson and Tex Watson, who carried out Manson Family murders of 1969, in the hope of understanding the behavioural traits and psyche of multiple murderers, to detect and prevent future crime.

Although the show does still lead on these interactions in prison, the main focus of the second series is the investigation of a live case: the Atlanta child murders and alleged killer, Wayne Williams.

What is the Mindhunter theme tune?

The theme tune for the hit Netflix show is just as eerie and blood-curdling as the details of the crimes exposed in the series. The minimalist score, written by American producer and composer Jason Hill, opens with a few simple notes on the piano, before a violin track plays over the top.

Then, a tremolo cello line comes in, heightening suspense. Throughout the main titles theme, there’s a chilling echo effect.

You can listen to the music from the opening sequence below:

Jason HIll - "Main Titles" (Mindhunter Original Series Soundtrack)

How did the Mindhunter score change in the final episode of season 2?

Those who didn’t press ‘Skip Intro’ in the season 2 finale were quick to notice the theme tune changed slightly.

Rather than the usual instrumental theme viewers have grown accustomed to, the last episode of Mindhunter season 2 was sung by an unaccompanied choir.

One viewer wrote: “The last ep [sic] of Mindhunter has a different opening theme tune...terrified.”

Another added: “Having the Atlanta Boys Choir sing the #Mindhunter opening theme for the final episode of S2 was an especially nice touch.”

A third commented: “The choir version of the Mindhunter theme in the last episode of S2.... chills.”

While it’s not apparently clear straight away, there is a significant reason why the producers decided to switch up the music in the ultimate episode; the version in the season two finale was reportedly sung by the Atlanta Boys Choir.

This, of course, ties in to the storyline of the Atlanta child murders and how Holden and Tench’s efforts result in Wayne Williams’ arrest in the finale.

Seasons one and two of Mindhunter are now available to stream on Netflix.