Criminal Minds spoiler thread for "The Thirteenth Step" written by Janine Sherman Barrois and starring Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler and Kirsten Vangsness.
**Beware! There will be spoilers in the comments :)
539 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 539 Newer› Newest»I didn't mind the episode - it kind of had a movie feel to it. I think the guest stars did a good job. I agree that there was a lot of emphasis on the unsubs. I don't think that I would mind for any other show but I really am interested in the main characters of CM and look forward to learning more about them.
I think that the Prentiss storyline is going to be interesting as long as they don't kill her. That would be too sad. Her history has always been kind of a mystery so I would love to learn more about her.
I was also hoping to see more of a continuation to Reid's storyline but I guess it will be coming up in future episodes. I know some people are confused as to why he was in so much pain last week and seemed almost normal in this one. Here's what I think: I believe that his headaches are on and off and when they do come, they are quite intense. I gathered this from Corazon when the nurse asked Reid if he was having "one of his headaches" and for how long. This to me suggests that he has had them before and this particular one had been around for 2 days. I'm guessing he is able to work but just doesn't know when he will get the headaches and how long they will last. I'm wondering if when Reid was talking about the 12 step program, was he speaking from personal experience or just being the typical Reid that basically knows everything. I'm also wondering if he will turn to or contemplate taking drugs again for the pain. On a lighter note, MGG looked fine in this episode. Just when I thought he couldn't get any better, he shows up on tmy screen looking so good.
I also find that Hotch needs to step it up. He is the unit cheif but has been kind of in the background lately. I actually didn't mind Morgan taking the lead in the hostage negotiation in this one as the unsub asked for him. I have more of a problem where he has taken the lead in previous episodes where it didn't make much sense to me. I think Morgan just needs to go back being the fun, tough guy and let Hotch be the intense leader. It's what works for this team.
I also agree about Rossi, he is supposed to be one of the guys who started the BAU. He should have more insight. I'm not sure if he needs more lines or just more clever ones.
Still love CM. I think it was better before but I feel like this season's second half is getting better.
All this stuff about TG contracts and all is irrelevant. He's wooden and the show will go on with or without him. This episode gave depth to the unsub characters that aren't generally seen. And Morgan holds his own taking the lead. And as far the show becoming more male driven, who's to say women wouldn't enjoy these types of episodes?? Last I checked, gritty, edgy, sexy storylines with hot actors are a good thing! Keep it up, CM!!
I also am afraid of this storyline with Prentiss. I've been hoping that cBS would negotiate another contract with Paget so that she would stay on after this season. If she also leaves it's really going to be a different show and I'm not sure how I'll like it.
I really hope they don't kill her character. I'd be upset if they did.
Eeks, Anonymous, Hotch is not my favorite character, I like him for sure, but I could almost guarantee you that viewership would go down significantly if he left the show, unless they captured a new audience with this style of episode. But then it wouldn't be CM, it would just be any cop show which is maybe what they are aiming at.
oh my goodness. Agree with everyone. Ok, so watched the whole thing. There was NO hint about Reid's issues except MGG's usual squinting. They could have dropped a sign when Hotch told Matthew to stay behind. But there was no shared look or moment between the two. It was protocol and that's that. And The SUV crashing out of the store was ridiculous. I know they're paying homage to Sid and Nancy but oh my gosh. and the ending. Was it as cheesy for you as it was for me? Having them shoot and shoot and shoot like all Sid and Nancy. Where are the writers who can write subtly? It's in the subtlety that there's power. *sigh*
I caught an re-run of Elephant's Memory last night. Yeah.
There have GOT to be better writers out there for CM. I'm sorry. It's a TOP-20 HIT show with 10 million viewers. Do they not have any script doctors available?
I'm sad. Thanks for understanding and commiserating CM fans. 'Night.
I loved this episode and the writing. Loved, Morgan, Hotch, Reid all of the team. Prentiss, so afraid of what's going to happen to her. Crossing my fingers, that she stays on the show. Great job, CM.
This was just a hodge podge of different movies stitched badly together. There was really no cleverness, no subtly, just again, a hodge podge of movies put together. Just my opinion.
I liked that Seaver wasn't in this episode, although, she is a hodge podge character herself and probably would have fit in well.
Oh Kelli--
Could not disagree more. This was an action packed episode that was so well written. Every episode on this show can't be the same. This one was raw and intense. It had so many layers.
I still love CM. The last three years have been the best!
Sorry Anonymous, but have to agree with Kell and Clarissa. If you see (or rewatch if you have already seen) any of the movies that this episode gleaned its material from, it would become clear that this was a bad rip off. I'm all for different types of episodes thrown in the mix, but at least do it with an original twist on what it was inspired on.
Sorry Belinda,
The whole amends stuff was utterly original and was an interesting twist on a team of killers. It felt inspired and riveting. The pace of the episode was stellar and the performances of the team and the Unsub blew me away. Im watching it again as I type. This was great.
This episode was as good as my favorite episode of all time.."Normal". Keep it up "Criminal Minds." Loved Morgan in this.
Yes, the amends part.. but everything else, the action scenes, the unsubs themselves, etc., etc., straight bad rip-offs from different movies.. I have seen those movies a million times. That is my opinion anyway; sure there will more commenters.
I was really excited for this episode, only to get home from my job at midnight to find the snow interupted my satelite and my dvr recorded gray, so hence no new episode for me. Will be stalking itunes and cbs.com to see this ep now. What is it that Prentiss finds out in this episode that starts out her arc? ..... maybe the snow was a sign quit watching while I am ahead, I dont want Paget to go!
Belinda -- agree to disagree it was just fantastic. The relationship the unsubs had with each other, the whole sociopath vs. psychopath. The amends. The stuff in the gas station. The male Unsub felt like Sean Penn. What a talent. Wow. It blew me away. On that thought, going to bed. We each have our favorites, this is one of mine. Criminal Minds continues to rock.
Totally agree with sdwally!
Too much unnecessary violence, too little profiling and more bullets fired then in the two previous seasons together. A little strange for a show that claims to be about "analyzing minds".
I, too, wonder what kind of stunt they try to pull with Thomas Gibson. Why don't they give him decent material to work with? Ever since 100 (at the latest) they should be aware of what he is capable of, yet they minimize his contribution whenever possible.
By now I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea for Paget to walk away and leave this sinking ship. After what they put her through it'd be totally understandable. Take Thomas with you and start a new show together! A comedy maybe? ;)
The actors that played the unsubs did a convincing job at playing the role of psychos, but the problem is I don't watch CM for the unsubs. Don't get me wrong, I think focusing on the unsubs to a certain degree is not a bad thing in CM episodes; it has certainly been done before. I think a classic example of that is the Reaper. But it seems to me that more and more this show is becoming more unsub-centric to the detriment of the cast. If I tuned in only for the unsub, why would I care if Prentiss, Reid, Hotch, Morgan, Garcia, or Rossi left the show? For that matter, why would I care that they eliminated the JJ character and inserted a ridiculous cadet character. I wouldn't because in theory you could just insert anyone into the FBI profiler role when the unsub is the main player in the episode.
Did they cut to scenes of the team in this episode, yes, they did. But again, using the Reaper example, the way that unsub came in, and mind you he was on for I think 2 or 3 episodes, was done in a way that, wow, I can't even put it into words. It did not cut to nearly as many shots of him like this episode. I mean, I guess what I am saying is that, yes, he was a big player in the episode, but he was a big player in the context of the cast and this relation to them, not vice a versa. He was a cleverly and more subtly written character that still had a big prsence but again within the bigger shadow, context of the team. Maybe it has to do with the fact that these were unorganized spree killers, I'm not sure, but I still have as sense that it could have been written in a way like the Reaper where the unsub was big only because the team was and not the other way around. I don't know if I am expressing this well. Hope I am.
Anyway, to ask a question that somebody else did earlier.. what happened to Rossi? At a certain point he just disappeared.
"Too much unnecessary violence, too little profiling and more bullets fired then in the two previous seasons together. A little strange for a show that claims to be about "analyzing minds".
Bingo S7, this show is about analyzing minds, not riddling people and a car with bullets repeatedly.
They have never been able to top the Reaper Daniela; that character was just too damn good! And by the writing and character additions that they have made lately, they will never come close to anything like that ever again.
What I loved -
1.)The profiling to the AA/12 step
2.)Reid figuring out the 13 step
Hotch and Morgan profiling scene together
3.)The action
4.)The shoot out
5.)The pshycopath Vs. Sociopath
The
6.) The confrontation with Ray's parents
7.) The The confrontation with Syndey's dad.
8.) the little girl
9.) Hotch coming to the scene and taking control and being confidant enough to let Morgan get on the phone only because he wasn't the one who shot the girl and he knew Morgan would handle it well. He trained Morgan.
10.) The making amends.
11.) The way it was shot.
12.) Loved Garcia and Prentiss in the beginning when Prentiss got that mysterious message.
13.) Loved the explosion.
14.) Loved the profiling of the rice, to figure out they had jsut gotten married.
15) The whole concept that this was their honeymoon.
16) The fact that even in the end they had a hint of the Prentiss arc.
17) Loved that it went by so fast.
18) Loved seeing Hotch fire his gun as the guy burst out of the station.
19.) Loved the direction
20.) Loved the profiling of the AA meeting and the body of the guy killed outside of it.
21) I really liked the idea that Morgan and Prentiss figured out that the girl did shoot the guy's dad and must be a psychopath or the one pulling the strings.
22) It was so cool that Morgan and Prentiss were right and they were having their first marital fight.
What I hated?
That the episode ended so fast and the thought that Prentiss is about to have an arc.... CBS don't break up the gang. We Love This Show!!!
Christa, I am beginning to see that schism you are talking about and believe that the one portion, where it is steering will ultimately not be able to make up for the other larger portion it is steering away from. We shall see if we are right or wrong.
WTF, this is not even the same show anymore! Started with firing the writers, then getting rid of cast, and then adding a new asinine character.
Basically, this is has become another garden variety cop show, instead of the intelligently written show about delving into the minds of criminals.
I'm done.
this is awsome, i can't wait to see this episode :D
Thank you guys <3
Last night's eppisode was awesome! I loved it! It as so so good! During the shoot out at the end, my eyes kept getting bigger and bigger! That episode is definately my favorite of the season! I loved it!
Posted by cmwinner
I thought this episode was utterly awful. Only once have I turned off a CM episode half way through - that was the episode last year where they introduced the spin off team - but once Hotch told Reid to stay at the command centre I turned this one off. Although I suppose I should be thankful that at least we got some explanation as to why Reid was about to disappear for the last section of an episode yet again.
I was disappointed on two fronts with this episode. I'd been excited to see Adrianne Palicki as I loved her as Sam Winchester's flambed on the ceiling girlfriend in Supernatural and after Corazon I was even more excited to see what was happening with Reid in this episode. As it turns out...nothing happened with Reid in this episode. I'm guessing (desperately hoping) that his storyline hasn't been dropped, his hair was looking angstily unkempt - maybe an indication that all is still not well with him. I hated that there was no continuity at all from last week with his storyline. Still, at least we got the Purple Scarf Of Awesome.
As for Adrianne Palicki-what I saw of her she was awesome but the violence in the end just got too gratuitious for me. It seemed the episode was for the most part just clips of the unsubs shooting and brutally attacking people and that, for me, does not good storytelling make.
Plus I don't like what they are doing with Morgan these days. I used to adore the character in S1-4, not so much anymore. With the change in his character I find the more Morgan centric episodes this season (and last) less and less enjoyable. Unlike Profiler Profiled which is still one of my all time favourites.
It was good to not have Seaver there but even her absence couldn't make me keep watching. I'm not a huge Emily Prentiss fan but I still dearly wish Paget would stay and we wouldn't be lumbered with the dreadful Seaver.
The one scene I did enjoy was the profiling at the AA meeting and Reid's little talk on the step programme. It was a nice little nod to his past issues and I would have loved a bit more. I wonder if he still attends his NA meetings, I wonder if Rossi knows about his past addiction.
sdwally, I agree with everything you wrote. Seems like CM is trying to target men. Nevermind that their audience is female, we don't count, as it was so well demonstrated to us with AJ being fired, Paget getting a reduced role in the serie and her possibly leaving and the addition of a character that is totally unbelieveable, Seaver.
On top of this, the writers and producers are all hell bend of pushing aside what made CM stand apart from other shows, quality writing. How low things are now. If one of the writers were to turn a script like 'Ridding the Lightning' that script would be rejected. If the script for 'Lesson Learned' was to be filmed now, Morgan ( who else, he is the guy who does it all in the BAU now) would have beat up a confession out the prisonner instead of getting into his head and make him reveal enough about himself to make it possible for the BAU to stop the terrorist attack.
Going back to what sdwally was saying, if you are right and the producers are trying to send a message to TG then I will send one too; Writers, Producers, do you really think you can affort to lose AJ, Paget and Thomas in one season? It is bad enough we lost AJ, Paget, the team moment, the family feel to the team, most of the intelligence the show was known for. Now you, writers and producers, are reducing TG's character on screen time? Well, this long time viewer who happen to also buy the DVD's will no longer watch CM. Only reasons why after all that happen with CM I am still watching is for the team and Hotch in particular. Take out Hotch and by out I don't just mean litterally but by having Morgan do it all then I am out. It is bad enough that now CM is not a show I watch live anymore (I DVR it and watch something else at 9:00) but if Hotch character is still getting over shadowed by Morgan in future episodes then, CM will be deleted from my DVR.
Get this CM writers and producers, for me to continue to watch, I want intelligent scripts, profiling that REALLY look into the minds of the killers, I want team moments, I want the family feel back and most important, I do not want to watch the Derek Morgan show, I want to watch the BAU show.
Gillian
Camilla,I'm with you on this, the only way I would get this season's DVD would be if it had a a lot, lot, lot of Extras. Behind the scenes, commentaries and the Paley Center Special (a girl can dream)
Without that, I don't think I will.Even if it pains me to have a break in my collection.
To be honest, I got my season 5 a long time ago and yesterday was the first time I watched.
I'm posting again this morning because I have one more thing to say.
When this show started, the idea was to focus on the heros - NOT glorify the bad guy. That's what made it different from every other crime show on TV. But more and more it seems we are focusing on the lowest common denominator - violence.
I don't care whether Seaver is on the show or not, whether Hotch hands the phone over to Morgan or other such things. This show has lost its essence - its heart - and that makes me terribly sad.
Earlier on, someone mentioned having watched Lo-fi as a means to demonstrate how ludicrious it was to try and compare Prentiss to Seaver (which all anybody has to do is follow what the commenter said, take any 2 sentences from Prentiss and any 2 sentences from Seaver, and well, that is all she wrote on that insane debate). I don't know, but I think that may touch on the core of the issue, not the crazy Prentiss versus Seaver as a way of justifying Seaver's ridiculous entrance on the show, but how as Debbie just wrote
"This show has lost its essence - its heart - and that makes me terribly sad"
I think that episodes such as last night, the addition of the Seaver character, the almost complete loss of anything "family" like between these team members, are all signs of things that have been lost, or poorly added, that equal to a loss of that essence that made this show stand apart all others.
"I don't care whether Seaver is on the show or not, whether Hotch hands the phone over to Morgan or other such things. This show has lost its essence - its heart - and that makes me terribly sad."
But Debbie, these are the things that are an outgrowth of that loss in essence, these things (adding Seaver, Hotch OOC) highlight what the writers/producers are trying to use to cover up CM's big gaping wound and it is not, won't work.
I don't mean or want to insult anybody, that would be the last thing in the world i'd wanna do, I love you all but I have to say I'm a little heartbroken.
I haven't been here long, I think I've joined this website and the forum during season 5, or late 4, i don't remember. Anyway, I don't know how everybody reacted to other, older episodes but what I'm seeing lately is really dissapointing me. I'm reading some comments, like some from last week, that are so cutthroat, and definitive, and even a bit hurtful to the show and I didn't expect that from fans of the show.
We all know, the actors and CM has been through so many bad events, cast changes, losing writers, injured actors etc and everytime it came back bigger and better. I feel like this is one of those moments, losing AJ and god forbid Prentiss and again, it's not their fault. It's CBS'. And the show is trying to get back on its feet and slowly slowly it will, but it needs time to "heal".
But when I read stuff like "this is the worst episode i've ever seen, i'm done watching" ; or "this show has lost its essence - its heart ", it breaks my heart
Don't give up on them, we need to be there for them and support them.
That's how I feel...
"WTF has happened to this show? (I'm a newbie who's watched every episode in two months!)"
That is actually the title of a thread started at CBS.... sad CM, sad.
At this rate, with the obvious gap that was left by the fired writers, JJ's role on the show being eliminated (something I truly do understand was out of the hands of the writers and producers at CM), Paget almost surely leaving whether her character is killed off or not, and the dreadful that is Seaver, I don't think I could bear to stick around another season to see that all play itself out.
Not even close. I don't care about all the gratuitous skin/gorefest we were treated to (I'm in healthcare, so, whatever). But there was no pay off. Where was the team? 3 1/2 seconds of Prentiss at the end doesn't mean we got any character development. If this is what CM fans want or like I guess I'm not a fan.
Hmm, definitely agree with no Seaver being a huge bonus!Not my favourite episode by a long shot but there have been worse! And as for Rachel's comment further up, Sean's accent is Scottish (trust me I'm from Scotland). The Scottish and Irish accents have some similar intonations in certain words but it was definitely a Scottish accent.
Finally a GOOD episode!!!
It was good to see Morgan being the hero again, and have a pivotal role in this episode. I'm starting to get my faith back.
I look forward to more episodes where there is more Morgan. He is my favorite character and the most interesting character of the team.
I wouldn't mind if this did turn into the Morgan show, because all of his episodes have been good, except for the dreadful "25 to Life."
Just glad it's not "The Hotch Show" or "The Gideon Show" anymore, (although I must admit, Gideon used to be my favorite character.) They're shifting away for the greater good.
Irene,
I understand where you are coming from but and I am speaking for myself and maybe a few others, when you see a continuous free fall for a show that you love, indeed, when the show that you loved more and more begins to be unrecognizable that is a tough blow. What is more frustrating that instead of listening to the opinions of fans who, despite some of their harsh words obviously still have some sort of tie to it or else they wouldn't be writing here, it is as if the show is hell bent on making a 360 degree turn in an attempt to, I don't know, reach out to new types of viewers, to try and minimize poor writing and casting choices. Maybe it is a combination of these things. I think people are scared that more and more, the show is losing that essence that Debbie touched on, the essence that first glued them to the TV and still has them coming back in desperate search for. But for each individual, no matter how great the love for the cast and crew, there really does come a time when you can no longer support what is happening, when you are tired of being ignored, when your sensibilities are continually being tested by the writing and cast changes/additions. I think some people, instead of seeing it float further under, would just assume leave while they still have some semblance of love for CM.
Again, this is just me talking, don't know if that applies to others but that is the sense I get.
I am holding on to see what I believe will be Paget's exit out of respect for Paget and the character that she performed so wonderfully over time for CM. After that, I do not believe that I will be able to stay with the show being that the direction that it is headed in, which is bigger than Seaver though she plays a significant role, is something that I personally cannot gel with.
Christa, I understand the schism you speak of and am fairly confident that I will be siding with the portion that is steered away.
Debbie said...
I did not enjoy this episode. There was way too much emphasis on the crime and the criminals and too little on the actual profiling. The violence (and sex) seemed so sensationalized and gratuitous. I've been watching CM since the beginning. What's happened to the show I love? This certainly wasn't it.
Couldn't agree more Debbie. Way too much Morgan and Hotch has suddenly taken a back seat to him and, of course, the great Ashley Seaver.
And why is it that Reid had to go wait at the station, what disrespect! Why can he never be involved in the field. Last year with his leg, I understood, but now it seems he's either at the morgue or the precinct working on maps. Suddenly his headaches are no more. Are they going to drop this like they did the Dilaudid story? Why bother in the first place if you're not going to carry on with it?
^ The Reid thing - Matthew was in Japan during most of the time when they filmed this episode
I don't know what to say.... Enjoyed that I was not subjected to the useless banterings and presence of Seaver this week. Will hold on to see Paget's exit (I am almost certain that she is leaving the show) and then it is strictly CM on ion and A&E for me.
For the first time ever I FORGOT to watch CM....what does that tell you.... After last week's dissapointing epi I guess CM just does not hold my interest anymore... As soon as I realized my forgetfulness I came here to read what you guys thought about the epi and it seems to me I should really not waste my time with this one...is this the way the rest of the season going to be????
Relieved that I did not have to deal with what Winifred wrote perfectly the "useless banterings and presence of Seaver this week."
More and more I am convinced that Paget is leaving the show, will hold on as I have said before to see her exit, but then like Winifred it is strictly CM on ion and A&E for me.
My opinion, don't expect others to do the same, and no disrespect to the other characters Reid, Hotch, Morgan, Rossi and Garcia, but this show, again for me, is declining in writing and character additions. Something I am just not willing to give my time to be used for; I don't see things changing for the better on this show, I really don't. Again, my opinion, to each his own.
others have said it better than me but I will add this; CM is changing but not for the better. I use to know all the names of the CM writers, I had my fav, Wilder, Mirren, Dvorkin and Beattie, Mundy. Now, I don't know any of them. I can named any episode written by any of those writers I can do that with the new writers.
The writing this season is bad. Mirren and Dunkel are the only one that are still writing good episodes. This show use to be so good writing wise. I guess, since the quality in writing is down, the producers have to try to make up for it, hence, more violence.
CM use to be about a team of people working to get into the head of the unsubs, understand them in order to arrest them Now, we are in the unsubs head/world. Like voyeurs we watch them kill as many people as it is possible too in 42 minutes.
CM no longer care about the team, we were blattantly showed last night. It is all about the unsubs and how crazy and gory they can get. What made CM stand apart from all the others cop shows was the team and how they worked together to get the bad guys. The team use to have some interaction with each others, no anymore, well unless you count the 5 minutes of screen time they all had last night, so very pathetic. To bad CM use to be about NOT glorifying unsubs and show us the team members as people who work to keep everyone else safe.
Nina Tassler said at the TCA that the producers had a look at what role each agent had within the FBI and deciced to make changes. So I guess it was established that in the FBI, they now have agents who stands around, do almost nothing while just one do everything? Is that what you, CM producers came up with? Now we get Morgan doing it all. Why keeping all the actors? Then be honest and rename CM: The Derek Morgan show, so at least those of us who care about ALL the characters, in case those writers forgot who they are, Hotch, Reid, Rossi, Prentiss and Garcia, those we care, we even care about Morgan but NOT as just him running (ruinning?) the show.
A few 'fans' like the the Morgan show, but CM producers and writers, most fans don't. I'm a Hotch fan and I wouldn't want CM to be the Hotch show because CM is about the team. But this season, Hotch been shoved to the background. Thomas Gibson is too much of a good actor to be treated that way. CM is at its best when Hotch is present and take an active part in the case, see, 100, omnivore, haunted, ldsk, NBK, The tribe, ashes and Dust etc...Please stop sending him in the backgound, you are not doing CM any favors by doing so.
This post is getting long, but all I want to say is, CM, I still care, if I didn't I wouldn't take time to write this, but please, Ed, writers, whoever is in charge of CM now, please read comments and do something before most of us decide to watch something else on Wednesday night at 9:00.
Tracy
I said that I would give the show a grade bump because this episode would not have Seaver, no "Seaverisms," and no further displays of insanity like her giving part of the profile to the police with the team. So, instead of a D for this episode, because of the aforementioned, I am giving it a C. A "C" is not good in my book, but would have definitely been lower had Seaver been there.
What I should have added is that bad writing is bad enough, couple that with a character like Seaver, and it is a train wreck for reasons that people have said here and in the other blog threads on this site over and over regarding Seaver and the writing lately.
This was one of the most violent pieces of crap I have ever seen. This is what CM has become...I honestly don't know why I even turn it on anymore. This is very disappointing...
Good episode in my opinion even if it isn't one of my favorite (never been a fan of 'action scenes').
I liked the profiling, how they identified and tracked down the couple and the case in general.
I would have liked to see more of Reid, missed him a lot since season five.
I'll wait to see where the story about his medical problems goes.
I think it'll be picked up in later episodes. And Reid has been good at hiding his symptoms from the team up until Corazon, so I don't think they disappeared (they might simply be less pronounced at times).
I hope Reid was right and that something is physically wrong with him, not mentally (like he said to his doctor). I don't want him to crumble under the emotional stress of the job. If, on the other hand, he has a serious physical illness, now that could be interesting.
What I didn't appreciate is the set up for what looks like another 'Foyet type' storyline.
It never feels that credible to me when a serial killer wants to target a BAU member for personal reasons. I don't like this type of stories.
I just hope that Prentiss will come out alive and that P. Brewster will stay on the show.
The guest stars were great but there was a little too much focus on the unsubs and too little on the team. The violence was also a little too much. But it still was a good episode. There were some nice profiling moments when the team tried to identify the unsubs and to figure out the dynamics between the too unsubs. Everybody added something to the profile. I liked the team together at the AA crime scene , liked Morgan and Hotch working together and loved that Hotch trusted Morgan with the hostage negotiations.
I`m not too happy with the upcoming Prentiss story line . A criminal escapes and goes after her? Sounds like a repetition of the Foyet story line. And I want Paget to Stay !
"I just hope that Prentiss will come out alive and that P. Brewster will stay on the show."
^ exactly!!!
It was CM like I haven't seen in a long time. Adrianne Palicki was an outstanding guest-star.
As for the team, I kind of enjoy this new dynamics with Hotch being pushed to the background. I suspect he will be back with vengence *go Hotch!*. However what I really like is a different side of Morgan. He's not a dumb action-hero. Well, if he was he would not find a spot on the most prestigious team in the FBI. Let's not forget that the guy graduated Law Cum Laudae. I'm glad the show is finally putting more pressure on his negotiating, profiling and all-in-all brain-skills, rather than reducing him to "kicking down doors". All people on this team are exceptionally bright. Maybe except from S. but she's not really a team-member, right? Right.
episode was AMAZING. Janine Sherman Barrois is a great addition to the writing staff. So far have really loved her episodes the most this season.
S7 said:
"By now I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea for Paget to walk away and leave this sinking ship. After what they put her through it'd be totally understandable. Take Thomas with you and start a new show together! A comedy maybe? ;)"
That sounds like a great idea! A spinoff show for Thomas & Paget, perhaps a comedy or maybe even a dramedy; where we'd get the benefit of their comedic and dramatic talents. They could become a new version of Hart to Hart, Remington Steele, or The Thin Man.
I know it looks like I'm giving up on CM, I'm not. But boy Paget and Thomas may be better of in something more refreshing that will make use of their considerable talents, which are currently being wasted on CM.
Oh Veronica, a person who commented on the previous episode thread, with each passing episode you words are ringining more and more true.
I am still dumbfounded at what CM has become.
Action, action, action.. a little action is good, but when did Criminal Minds become all about action, gratuitous violence, and overly emphasized sexual shots. Theere have always been elements of this on the show, but not like last night.
Hmm, I guess analyzing minds got boring for CM which I suppose I should have braced myself for when you added the cadet to your show.
I thought nothing could top Seaver as being bad, but last night, wow! Believe me, that is saying a lot because the Seaver character is hella bad!
This one is definitely not one of my favorites since I don't care for unsub-focused ones. This one is worse than the Frankie Muniz one where he was doing his "Malcontent in the Middle" stint but at least, that had better inter-team squabbling between Reid and Morgan. This one had the team barely talking to each other. Reid's headaches isn't mentioned so it's like last week never happened! Hardly anyone on the team got to do anything beyond routine police work.
The nihilistic violence was too much for me to watch esp. coming so close after the carnage in Arizona.
Sorry, but this one felt like a stylistic filler episode.
Hey! No Beaver! Yes, that's my nickname for her.
And if the future wasn't so dark and foggy, I'd say: Hey! Prentiss-centric episodes! But still...hello danger!
Amanda said...
"Action, action, action.. a little action is good, but when did Criminal Minds become all about action, gratuitous violence, and overly emphasized sexual shots. Theere have always been elements of this on the show, but not like last night.
Hmm, I guess analyzing minds got boring for CM which I suppose I should have braced myself for when you added the cadet to your show."
Agreed on every single point Amanda.
First time in years I did not watch a new CM episode and it was not because I could not but because I just FORGOT....does that tell you anything....Really this after the first two epis this season 6 has not been what I expected. Last episode was just so bad (Corazón) , I was just so dissapointed! Today I woke up and realized it was thrusday and I had forgotten CM...so I decided to come here and read the comments...after I did I am not so eager to what this episode....will season 6 continue this way
What can I say about this episode? I loved Curazon and have watched it several times already. This one I will never watch again.
Corazon was a passable episode, but the fact that you had Seaver stand up with the team to give the profile sealed the deal on me never watching that episode again. That was setiously insulting CM! But, while we are at it, you can add this episode to the "I will never watch again" list along with "What Happens at home," "25 to Life,' basically, what has aired during season 6 so far.
I just realized the character development of Hotch and Morgan has probably been very well planned over the last six seasons. They are both hotheaded and stubborn, but display these personality elements in different ways. And I think they've been rubbing off on each other. Morgan is getting more emotionally calm and Hotch is showing his emotions more.
I loved this episode! It was one of the most exciting ones I've seen on CM in quite some time. I loved the balance between the profiling and following the criminals actions. The way it was shot was great! It felt like I was watching a movie!
Seeing Morgan play such an integral part was refreshing. I hope to see more of that in the future. Loved how we got into the 12 step program and used it as a way to progress their diabolicalness!
A swing and a miss.. Although ,I'll give CM one huge swing because Seaver wasn't in this episode. Other than that, the repeated violent scenes and sexualized shots got boring.
I suppose I could give the episode one more swing because of Reid's contribution of his dialogue about the steps in the 12 step program, including the 13th step, that was nice.
All I can say, is that if the Prentiss character leaves, the Seaver character stays past season 6, and this continued decline in writing continues... yeah, sooner or later, well, good luck with season 7 :/
What I find interesting, which is the case with every show, is that it rides on the waves of its core audience. A core audience that, to a certain extent, is willing to ride choppy waves with the show in anticipation that it will all turn around. Generally, unless there is a turn around, what begins to happen is that little by little more of this core audience starts tuning out. Unlike before, they don't see every episode, or they forget when a show is airing, basically they lose touch with the goings on at the show, with the characters, etc.
Criminal Minds was very clever to set up the whole "Secrets" storylines because otherwise frustrated fans, I suspect, would have begun (little by little) the pattern of not seeing every episode, forgetting that the show was airing that night, etc. What is the "hook" going to be next year CM? The way things are looking, people are extremely upset over the writing, upset that the Prentiss character may leave, upset at the OOC characterization of many of the characters, and upset that a new character who is nowhere near the level of series regulars in the past has been added and desperately trying to be inserted any which way possible.
I am curious, what wll be the "hook" next year when you have to juggle all of these maladies up in the air. Again, possibly no Prentiss, a decline in the writing, which I am assuming if not fixed this season will carry onto the next season, and a new series regular that people have basically charazterized as not needed, useless, unqualified, invalid, and someone they will just assign to the background as they watch an episode.
Criminal Minds I am curious, how will you sustain the show under those conditions.
Last night's ratings were solid and basically where they always are at this point in the season. 3.2/8 in 18-49, 12.9 million viewers overall and the highest rated non-Idol program of the evening.
I haven't seen the episode yet, but since I haven't hated anything about season 6 so far, I'm guessing I'll enjoy it. : )
Sharon, OMG.. that is exactly what I think might be going on. The show is riding off the backs of viewers who have faithfully tuned into the show no matter how horrible. But possibly take away a another character (Prentiss), the continued bad writing, and adding a basically just there bad character (Seaver), they need to be careful that this doesn't come to bite them in the bum because, sooner or later, things have a way of beginning to fizzle out.
The test, I think will be season 7.
The numbers were great because the episode was great. Way to bring it back ole school Crminal Minds. It was refreshing to have an action episode. Thanks CM. I still love you.
This was not ole school CM! Please reference 1, just 1, ole school CM that was presented like this episode. This show is definitely riding off the backs of fans many have been lured with hopes if great writing and now this secrets story line for each character. People are concerned about Reid wondering what he may or may not have, will Prentiss be killed, written off the show... But like Sharon, I think was saying is that after that is all up, if it is not done in a good way, people are going to be pissed and little by little switch off.
I want to be clear that by stating what I did, I am not begrudging the fact that some may have enjoyed this episode. I personally didn't, but there is a distinct difference between the graphic violent and sexual way this episode was presented than in CM episodes in the past (and by ole school, I mean season 1-4).
Ole school Criminal Minds is what many people have been begging to get back.. this is not it. Like Patty said, you may have liked the episode, great. Like her, I didn't, but there is no comparison to what is being produced now to what was produced then. Simply no comparison.
Yeah, I have never recalled anything near the level of this much T&A and violence in any ole school CM episode, (S1-4).
Neither do I Anonymous. I wouldn't have continued viewing the old seasons if they were as graphic as last night's episode in violence and sexual nature.
Of course, there have always been those components to the show, but in the past, they knew how to temper it.
to sf81387
get your facts straight, rating are NOT as they were at this time last year, last year CM had:
14.91millions viewers, demo 18-49 were at 4,2 and demo 25-54 were at 5.2
compared to last night: 12.9Millions viewers, 18-49 demo at
3.2 and demo 25-54 at 4.1.
and yes last year numbers were against american idol.
Dave
I loved Criminal Minds. Really I did. I thought the first couple of episodes this season were fantastic. Then JJ left and something happened. It just doesn't click anymore. The heart is gone. I love Garcia. But she is a technical analyst. She might be doing it for the team. But there is no team anymore. The writers have lost soul. These last 10 episodes are just not doing it for me. Not that JJ was ever my favourite character. Thats always been Derek and Hodge. But I don't like the direction this programme is going down. How can one episode be so focused on Reid and yet absolutely no comment on the next. When did it become OK that the main characters driving the investigation become the bit parts needed to showcase the violence and criminals who are now the stars of the show. I don't like Seaver. Makes the team feel very disjointed. I don't like this new CM. Its undirectional, insulting to the fans and downright laughable in sections. Its stretched to breaking point. RIP Criminal Minds. Welcome Criminals R Us. The fat lady is singing. Say your final prayers. The coffin is being lowered into the ground. I will miss you my love (Derek). Goodbye and Goodnight.
Kerryanne
Dave said....
"to sf81387
get your facts straight, rating are NOT as they were at this time last year, last year CM had:
14.91millions viewers, demo 18-49 were at 4,2 and demo 25-54 were at 5.2
compared to last night: 12.9Millions viewers, 18-49 demo at
3.2 and demo 25-54 at 4.1.
and yes last year numbers were against american idol."
Very interesting. Thanks for this information Dave.
I was looking forward to this episode to see the Prentiss aspect of it and also b/c Seaver would not be in it. However, I found it too violently graphic and over-sexualized for my taste. There was too much of the unsubs and not enough of the team. CM doesn't need overtly sexual and graphic scenes to be a good show. Maybe it appealed to some but not me. It was like they were trying to be too much like the movie 'Natural Born Killers' to me. I mean after a couple of scenes of violence and sex, we get the picture. When they cued the sad music when the female unsub was shot it was a little much. I mean the girl had bad things happen to her in the past but I found it hard to feel sympathy for a character that took so many innocent lives b/c she appeared to get off on it. On the upside Seaver wasn't there and I was glad to see a little more of Prentiss' story.
Looking at Dave's numbers, looks like CM is losing viewers. Too bad, I love CM but last night despite having great unsubs, a good case, I still feel like the good old CM was still MIA. Anyone who's been watching the serie from season one to season six knows CM has changed and not for the better. The writing is off, the profilers no longer go into the minds of the killers as they use too. CM now shows us things from the unsubs perspective and that is NOT why I watch. I watch to see Hotch, Emily, Dave, Spencer and Morgan profile killers, tell us why they kill and how to get them.
Last night, I felt the team was not needed, well apart from Morgan who is all over the places now. Everyone else could have stayed with Reid at the police as their presence was not necessary. All they needed was Derek to charge in behind the wheel of his SUV and everyone would be saved.
This might work for a few fans, but thing is, most people who watch CM watch for the TEAM and not just one character. CM has broken that winning formula.
As a long time fans, I was not happy to see, yet again Hotch and Rossi and Reid and Prentiss having nothing to do. When I watch CM I want to see the team work the case. Not have everyone stay in the shadow of one character. That is acceptable when we have a character centric episode but when a season feel like it is all about that character and worse that character is now doing other characters job then that is when I have to speak up. Ed, CBS, writers, the new CM is not working, this show that I did watch is now all about the unsubs and one character, Morgan, there are no team anymore and that is what made CM so great, the BAU team and how they worked TOGETHER.
I hope, sincerly hope, that things can be turned around and soon, if not then CM is doomed.
Sylvia
Also wondering why didin't make even a comment as to Reid's headaches. I guess they cleared up overnight and why in the world would Hotch tell Reid to stay alone at the last scene in case the unsubs came back? In the end it took the whole team plus a precient of cops to bring them down. Didn't make sense. Why would they come back and why would you leave one agent to guard? Why so many holes in the writing lately?
Can anyone explain to me the final moments where there are constant gunshots accompanied by car crashes into the building? I stepped away for a moment and my husband, who does not watch regularly but likes the show, said it was an absolute departure from the typical CM (admittedly, much of this epi was) and he could make no sense of this last bit.
Also, do we know if Ray deliberately strangled Sydney or because they had such an intensely passionate relationship he accidently did this? During earlier love-making scenes, I believe they both had hands on each others' necks but given Ray had learned about Sydney's role in killing his former GF, Amy, I wondered if he could not help himself but then regretted his actions?
Just wondering...
I believe alot went into the filming of this epi and it may well attract a dif demographic but those of us that are devoted fans are desperately looking for some shred of the old CM that we know and love and are hanging on to the hope that this is not a new direction that the show is headed.
I want to find it thought-provoking and engaging once again and do not want to be shocked by all the horror and gore no matter how good the unsubs' acting is.
And I want some storylines to be continued, like Hotch's dealing with his personal life, Reid's headaches and finally Prentiss' situ which I sincerely hope does not lead to her departure from the show, whether being killed off or going away, a la JJ.
A nod or two about Reid and how his physical well-being would have been nice last nite and not too time-consuming to address it. As someone else mentioned, it could have been when Hotch directed him to remain at the command center. Damn, I really hate it when Reid
TTFN.
It's a shame, but I must agree that the program is focusing on a single character. It's a shame, because it hurts the show. And like others who have written here, I miss the Criminal Minds before. I think there were two factors that have affected a departure from JJ and the entry of SeaverbecauseI feel that even in the same actors , is not the same light as before , I think they've losta little interest . And although they are still good players, you need a good script. The production of Criminal Minds should react, because what we see every week on the screen is not what attracted fans from the first season, was the idea of a team, a family, facing the most dangerous and dark minds , using his intelligence and wit. These shootings, Walker Texas Ranger style, not what we should return to the roots of the program. See a health-conscious team of Reid, Hoch as a leader and not as a curmudgeon, and to give greater importance to the characters of Rossi, and Garcia Prenttis that lately, are pure decoration. And stop giving so much importance to Morgan, who was always a character dear to me, but it bothers me.
Dave, I don't believe I stated that I was quoting "facts", but only that the show is basically where its at every year. Since the beginning it's pulled in between 12 and 14 million viewers each season and has been consistently rated in the top 20. Let's check back at the end of the season and see where the averages end up. If it's as grim as so many of you seem to think it is there will be a significant drop in the ratings and then perhaps TPTB will attempt to do something to right the ship or perhaps they'll just cancel it all together and put all of you out of your misery.
sorry, my last comment got chopped off: I meant to say, I hate it when Reid gets relegated to lunchroom duty...
hope I hear back from someone who can explain that last scene to me.
I wonder if some of the 2 million viewers that the show is down from based on Dave's numbers, which I have seen before, are maybe part of the crowd that Sharon alluded to in her comment. Would be interesting to find out if there is data about that somewhere.
Also, being that is where CM was at last year in a season against American Idol that had Simon on it, interesting to see that it is lower now that he is no longer on that show. Some in the industry believed that American Idol would flop because Simon was no longer there. Definitely, they have lower #'s than in the past, something that has been happening over time with American idol, but it is still up there ratings wise, surpassing all of its competition, at least at this point in the season. I think it has been number 1 ratings wise since it has come back this season.
Sorry, I know that was a little off topic, but I find this type of data interesting.
Maybe I am wrong, Dave plase correct me if I am wrong, but I think that maybe Dave was trying to highlight that there has been a dip in the show from last year (about 2 million viewers). Now, this dip is nothing that will get the show cancelled tomorrow, but in the industry, it is something you want to check and see where there maybe room for improvment lest it proves to be something than is other than just transitory.
The fact that many are displeased with the show is something that you will not only find here, but in virtually every arena where the show is discussed/spotlighted. I don't believe this is an isolated situation where just a few are crying out about quality, I think this may be something that is prevalent among a good number of viewers. How many viewers, that is something that I don't have numbers to say. But, it is curious that, again, almost every place you may go CM focused the same drum is being beated.
@sf81387
I don't think any of us want CM to be canceled, if we did we wouldn't bother coming here and post. Me posting here is in the hope that Ed will listen, the blog owner says he and the writers and the CBS people read comments posted here. I hope Ed will take a good look at what we are saying and make a few changes.
1- Less time spend on the unsubs from the unsubs point of view.
2- We want the character to work as a team. Yes to characters centric episodes but no to character centric season.
3- Don't push away fans favorite characters in order to make one shine. Not cool and can only results in ALOT of backlash as alot of fans love Hotch, Reid, Prentiss, Rossi and Garcia.
4- If you REALLY must keep Seaver make her EARN her spot on the team. How you can do that, the heck if I know since from what I read you have to be an agent before you join the BAU, who is not an entry level job at the FBI!
5- Make it MANDATORY for every new writers to watch every episodes of CM before then can write a script. That way you have better chances they will turn scripts in that really do fit with the CM universe and the characters will not act out of characters.
Sylvie
25 to life, was waiting for the one-armed bandit and Tommy Lee Jones to appear, this episode, was waiting for Woody Harrelson to appear.
I have never reviewed a CM episode online or commented on this blog but this episode was SO HORRIBLE that I feel like I have to. It's already been said by people above me but WOW, what horrible horrible writing.
The guest actors were good but the whole episode seemed to revolve around boobs and bullets, and the only time the BAU team ever did anything it seemed like the writers were like "Okay how can we make this scene as SHORT as possible? Rice = wedding = boom, cut to next shot of boobs."
This script gets an F- for probably being 3 pages long and consisting mostly of *characters shoot at everything around you for 5 minutes* or *characters have sex or suggestively suck on things*
SO SO BAD. Worst episode EVER.
"4- If you REALLY must keep Seaver make her EARN her spot on the team. How you can do that, the heck if I know since from what I read you have to be an agent before you join the BAU, who is not an entry level job at the FBI!"
They don't really need to keep Seaver unless there is some contractual agreement that precludes them from getting rid of that character by season 7. Plus, there is no way Seaver could earn her spot, that is why every one is upset that this character was created, let alone introduced to the show. You'd have to cut so many corners, OOC characters, and suspend common sense to craft a situation where she can earn a spot on the BAU; she is just pathetically underqualified for even the most basic requirements that are considered for a spot on the team. She just simply wouldn't be considered for a spot on the team, there is just no way around that.
Now, if she were a genius like Reid, cool, but she is not, so again, it is just a fail. Nothing against the actress, everything against the character.
And before anyone says it, yes, I realize this is fiction. But again, in the fictional context that the show has propelled, that it created, Seaver being on the team is not possible, simply not possible.
The numbers I posted will not get CM canceled. CM does have on average for this season, prior to the last episode, until the final ratings are release numbers can go up or down that is why I didn't include those in the numbers I am posting here, average of viewers for this season: 13.875 millions viewer and 3.5 demo 18-49. For this season CM does better than anything on CBS except: Two and a Half men, BBT, NCIS. So that is pretty good. Fact is CM numbers are down. Why is that? Could be yes the quality, the competition, Modern Family is a stronger show this season than last and DVR. CM is like many shows now heavily DVR.
The most important question is: Will CM be canceled this season? No. Too many shows will get cancel on CBS before it is CM's turn but if the numbers continue to go down then next season CM could be canceled. A number to remember when evaluating which shows will get back and which will not, the network average. CBS is at the moment demo 18-49 is under 3.0, will have the real number next week. For a show to have a fighting chance to come back it need to be at the network average or higher. CM is definately over the average.
I must say, all this should not hide the fact that numbers and quality are down and the showrunner and the producers should have address that before the numbers goes even lower.
Dave
Concerning the ratings:
Dave said:
(Sorry I don`t know how to quote on this blog, so I just copied your post)
Quote: get your facts straight, rating are NOT as they were at this time last year, last year CM had:
14.91millions viewers, demo 18-49 were at 4,2 and demo 25-54 were at 5.2
compared to last night: 12.9Millions viewers, 18-49 demo at
3.2 and demo 25-54 at 4.1.
and yes last year numbers were against american idol.
end of quote
The 14.91 million viewers were the highest number CM had last season (ironically for the JJ episode "Risky Business. But from episode 5.16 the ratings started to be lower ,between 12 and 13 millions.They came back stronger at the beginning of this season with between 13.5 and 14.5 millions .Overall the first 11 episodes this season had more viewers than the first 11 episodes last season. The ratings only started to drop last week and probably because the start of AI. People obviously wanted to see the new AI jury. CM still was in the top ten nearly every week. It will be interesting though to see what impact Prentiss absence will have on the ratings.
Seaver was missed. Here we again with the sausage fest.
your hate for seaver is ridiculous and i bet Bernero is not proud of his fans right now, that does not support the new kid or should i say woman in class. I bet he would say those who does not support Rachel as a new cast member is no criminal minds fan at all
Forgot to add last night, that I LOVED what I assume is the beginning of the Prentiss arc.
(Was hoping that Matthew would be the one to direct the last episode of that arc, but he's directing ep18 -"Lauren"- and last night was ep13 so it looks like maybe he's not (??) Somehow it seems fitting....)
Anonymous:
If the Seaver character were even slightly credible and believable in any way, however slight, I'd be the first one saying "Hey, let's give this character a shot." I simply cannot do that. This character is an epic fail in every possible way. And although it has been repeated time and time again, apparently with no effect, this has nothing to do with the actress. The actress is just an unfortunate recipient of a ridiculous character that never should have been introduced to Criminal Minds.
Quite frankly, the only one who should be ashamed is Ed Bernero for heaping this woefully sub par character onto the Criminal Minds viewer.
I don't think any of us want CM to be canceled, if we did we wouldn't bother coming here and post. Me posting here is in the hope that Ed will listen, the blog owner says he and the writers and the CBS people read comments posted here. I hope Ed will take a good look at what we are saying and make a few changes.
I was in the chat Ed Bernero did in December. He seemed absolutely clueless about the unhappiness of the fans so either he's a really good liar or he's just really not had the time to read the blog.
I think that constructive criticism is a good thing, but the majority of what is going on here isn't constructive in my opinion. Lately it's almost resembled a lynch mob mentality.
Has the show changed some? Yes it has, but I haven't decided if the show has gotten bad or if it's just become a little different. Some changes I've liked, some not so much, but I don't think I've hated any of it and am doing my best just to sit back and see how it all plays out.
I still find myself entertained by it for the most part. It's never been a deep thought provoking Emmy worthy production in my opinion so I find it difficult to find a drop in a "quality" that never existed in the first place.
I think that the actual "state of the show" is that it is in a bit of a decline, but not the free-fall that the comments lately would seem to suggest.
However, if it really is in a free-fall then don't be surprised if they just go ahead and let it crash.
OMG! I meant that to read as "Somehow it seems fitting that Matthew DOES direct the last ep of the Prentiss arc!"
Yikes! So sorry for the misunderstanding! I think Matthew directing that ep would be more than amazing!
"more than amazing" = "awesome" (just to clarify)
Well, having just viewed that “The Thirteenth Step”, all I have to say is…that was different, for Criminal Minds that is. Clearly the writers and producers were mainlining Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers” for inspiration, but I already knew that from one of the chats. I guess I can do different, but this was weird different. I didn’t HATE it, but I certainly didn’t love it either. I wasn’t all that bothered by the excessive violence and sex, though it is odd to see that in a CM episode. Usually the show implies more of what is going on, but this was literally in your face and you couldn’t easily look away. I mean, the body count was like 14 before we even hit the opening credits. Really? That much gunfire was necessary to get their point across? Was it that just after they kill the person who was supposed to make amends to them that they get so high off the adrenaline rush they just keep killing? There was no real explanation for the excessive body count, but maybe there wasn’t supposed to be. This episode was a tour de force of acting for the guest cast, but it sadly sidelined the BAU team (you know, the actual stars of the show. The people most viewers tune in to see every week. Remember them, CM writers?)
Based on some of the themes explored in this episode, it certainly ranks as one of the most disturbing and squirm-inducing CM episodes I’ve seen. Syd was the poster child for how childhood sexual molestation and alcohol abuse can screw you up royally. It wasn’t so much the fact that a victim of abuse would turn to crime, it was how the episode emphasized Syd’s hypersexuality over and over again. She completely conflated extreme violence with sexual arousal, and I am not sure what scene was the most disturbing: Syd teasing with creepy guy to sexually use her, Syd pushing Ray to beat her and have sex with her her, or Syd sexually teasing her father. I’m going to have to go with C) Syd taunting her father with her sexuality. I think the episode would have been more fascinating if it had laid off the excessive gunplay and explored the psychology of such a victim deeper. It is both sad and not unheard of for someone’s psyche to become completely twisted after experiencing such hell. Sex and violence were forever entwined in her head and even at the end, she tried to coerce Ray into having sex with her in front of the hostage negotiators. I understood that the writers were emphasizing that point over and over again about how damaged she was by showing such gratuitous sex, but I would have preferred some more psychology of such behavior as well. We don’t need to see it over and over again.
(cont)...
In the midst of all this mayhem, sadly the BAU team was left to play second fiddle. Which is sad, because I tune into the show to see how the team profiles the unsubs, solves the cases, and interacts with each other. That is the danger of using name guest stars. To either justify their appearance (and presumably cost) or to entice them to the show in the first place, the guest star often becomes the focal point of the story, to the detriment of the actual cast. I’ve seen it happen on other shows I like, but I wish CM would lay off that. There are many talented actors out there who could flesh out the characters just as well. Or at least the writers need to go back and view earlier seasons’ episodes with name guests to see how you can still have someone recognizable, but the BAU team is still center stage (e.g. James Van Der Beek in The Big Game/Revelations).
...(cont)
However, there were still some nice moments. I enjoyed Penelope and Emily’s conversation at the start of the episode. We learned Emily likes to salsa dance (with who I wonder) and Penelope was funny teasing Emily about her international booty call. There was little Reid in this episode, but what few scenes he was in, I really enjoyed them. I liked his explanation for the steps to recovery from substance abuse. However, I hope the team remembered to go back to Montana to pick up Reid! They really did abandon him in another state! Yeah, yeah I get that Matthew was in Japan for most of the filming, but it was still weird to have him disappear in the middle of the episode. And so we come to Morgan and Hotch. I do not understand why Morgan’s role is emphasized so much this season to the detriment of Hotch. Hotch is still the team leader, but now he so often defers to his subordinates. As it was written with Ray demanding to negotiate with Morgan, it made sense, but that was a writer’s choice. Hotch or Rossi could easily have handled the negotiations and frankly should have. That being said, I especially liked Morgan’s tactic to psychologically divide and conquer Ray and Syd. He really got into Ray’s head by telling him the truth of Amy’s death and then detailing just how Syd would respond if she was guilty. He completely broke down Ray’ psyche, though I was rather surprised that Ray killed Syd in the end. I knew they were going out in a hail of gunfire, but I didn’t expect him to murder her first.
Just some minor quibbles about the psychology. Syd was supposed to be the psychopath and Ray the sociopath. It was said that sociopaths would not readily start the crime spree, but it was Ray who instigated the first shoot out in the convenience store. Syd just got up into the fun after he starting shooting. Also, sociopaths do not view other people as real or their emotions valid, and they have no real conscience. I can’t imagine a true sociopath breaking down in tears over Amy’s death. But maybe Ray wasn’t a true sociopath. As to whether Syd was a true psychopath, that is hard to tell. Was she born that way, or more likely, her psyche was irreparably damaged by child rape and she never received the treatment she needed to make a full recovery.
As for the ending, it was obviously setting up the Emily arc about her past work in Interpol and the man who is now out to get her. Yay! Emily gets her very own Foyet (I mean that sarcastically). Based on how dangerous he sounds, I hope Emily went straight from dinner to a gun store to stock up on some serious weaponry to protect herself. I am intrigued about how this story will play out. I just beg the writers to not approach “Honor Among Thieves” level of crapfest. Pretty please…especially if this leads to Emily’s departure from the team.
sf81387
You are so right it is a lynch mob mentality and it is quite sickening to watch
"Lynch mob mentality" .. people are expressing their deep distress and frustration with the certain aspects of the show. Perhaps, there is an increasing upswing of this "lynch mob mentality" because to a lot more people in recent times, they don't like what they are seeing and feel the need to share that here and elsewhere. It is apparent that people are firecely trying to get their point(s) across in hopes that someone, anyone, will stop the brakes on a train that may be spinning out of control.
I doubt anything will be done to address any of these individuals concerns (myself included) since it would go against the network way, that is, to disregard what is so obviously being communicated to them. Well, not until the day that the show is cancelled, then they will address it by placing the blame elsewhere.
I think that the nastiness towards Seaver should be directed at the writers who didn't write a good character for her, not the actress. I personally don't mind either the character or the actress ( i rather like Rachel Nichols) but think that the problem is that no one knows what to do with her. The "blonde for blonde" replacement is the problem here - just because the actress is young, pretty and blonde doesn't mean that they can just throw her in to replace the other young pretty blonde.
Like everyone else here I miss the last iteration of the CM cast - Joe, Thomas, Paget, Shemar, AJ, Matthew and Kirsten. I certainly dont miss Mandy and Lola so I believe that it took some time to find the right mix of actors and characters. What I don't like is the disregard for the fans' and the characters' intelligence in the 6th season. We know the history and we know the characters - we love them and want to see them week after week. The team needs a leader- we need a leader. Someone get this back on track and dont lose any more actors or credibility
New to writing here but longtime reader and fan so hello everyone
"your hate for seaver is ridiculous and i bet Bernero is not proud of his fans right now, that does not support the new kid or should i say woman in class. I bet he would say those who does not support Rachel as a new cast member is no criminal minds fan at all"
Seriously? You honestly believe that? We the viewers are under no obligation to support a character or a storyline we don't like or believe fits the universe of the show. As the BAU was written for so many years, Ashley DOES NOT fit in on the team. And honestly, I could care less what Ed thinks of me. As we have said over and over again, this is NOT about not liking or blaming Rachel. This is about us not believing that the character of Ashley has any credibility. Believe me, Ed needs US more than we need him. If viewers abandon the show en masse, it will be canceled, and he will be out of a job, or at least a show.
New York Guy.. can you please direct me to one comment here that points to Rachel Nichols herself and not Ashley Seaver. Unless Rachel Nichols has switched persons and is now Ashley Seaver all of the comments that I have read thus far here are about Seaver.
But Seaver has only been in 3 episodes in total. Nobody can judge a character with so little screentime. That is why it is lynch mob mentality
They are not giving her a chance. And they need to do that
Anonymous said...
"New York Guy.. can you please direct me to one comment here that points to Rachel Nichols herself and not Ashley Seaver. Unless Rachel Nichols has switched persons and is now Ashley Seaver all of the comments that I have read thus far here are about Seaver."
I would really like to have one pointed out to me as well.
It is unbelievable to me that people so easily morph Rachel Nichols with Ashley Seaver, so much so, that I am beginning to wonder if people realize that one is real and one is fictional. Of course the Seaver character is the fault of the writers. Nichols is an actress, this is a job. What actor is not going to take a paying job?
It is simply not useful to keep equating dislike and disagreement reagarding a character with a real person. I just don't get how that connection is even being made?????
Elle, Prentiss, and Todd has experience in the FBI before at least. Even if their main jobs weren't profilers, they had to do some kind of profiling in their old units. Which didn't leave them clueless when they had to work on a case. I am pretty sure that Elle, Prentiss, and somewhat Jordan Todd, proved themselves when they were profiling. The first episode of Criminal Minds really made me believe that they were profilers, so far three episodes and Seaver has made no impact on me whatsoever. She is just not believable as an FBI agent, as all the other actors/actresses are. I think that by three episodes, people should really be able to tell how this is going to work out, and so far by the number of people being excited about Seaver not being there, I think that we have an answer! Ever since the first episode Seaver came on Criminal Minds, I have not liked her, she just doesn't bond with the team like everyone else on the show does. At least on Prentiss' first episode she gave some input to the team, Seaver did NONE of that one bit. They brought her on the team to help them with the case and she didn't do diddly squat when she was supposed to help out. I say that they should get rid of her, but it seems a little too late for that. About the episode, I liked the episode, but felt that they could have gone more into Reid's storyline a little more. And does it seem to anyone else that now since Reid got his episode, they kind of cut down his lines, I have noticed that on every episode on this season so far, and I don't know why, Reid's character used to have a lot of lines in the earlier seasons.
Anonymous said...
"But Seaver has only been in 3 episodes in total. Nobody can judge a character with so little screentime. That is why it is lynch mob mentality
They are not giving her a chance. And they need to do that."
Give a chance to do what?? To show how she should be on the BAU when there is no way under the umbrella of the show that she can be?
I'll say it again as so many here have said over, and over, and over, and over again, if the Seaver character were someone who made sense to be on the show and not some ill- conceived and poorly introduced character, hell, I'd be the first one to sit by week after week to give the character a shot. But to expect me and other viewers to really take in this character with no questions, without pointing to what this show has always firmly stood its ground on, what it built the show around, what it proudly displayed week after week, no.
Give me a character that fits and I am there 100%
honestly for me the episode was just so- so, i am a fan of criminal minds like super, but honestly, i prefer the season 1 and 2 writing than the latest once, for once, gideon was still there, it's like this team doesn't have the same deepness that they used too, and they pulled out cook and possibly pagent which am not really excited for is that happens. but needless to say, the show is still ok just not as exciting as it used to, no more grand twist and turns like the episode that the killer fed his victims to the searchers or frank the spear serial killer, they don't have an adversary anymore that is worthy for them to face. but it's just me.
don't go paget brewster, :)
saever is ok, a lil' bit for me. so-so.
go criminal minds :)
I have read every comment and watched the episode twice now and here are my thoughts:
1. MGG must be renegotiating his contract and that is why his "secret" is so iffy. The writers are leaving the door open for him to leave the show.
2. TG must also be renegotiating his contract and that is why they have used SM so much instead of TG. They are leaving the door open for SM to take over if TG bolts. And if I was him I would. He deserves much better writing than he is getting. Of course, once he is gone so am I but if I were him I would bolt.
3. The new writers simply do not have a handle on the characters or the premise of the show in general. The writing is horrible. Too many so so episodes for it to be a fluke.
4. CBS or ABC or both are more wrapped up with the spin than CM because it is new and will make them more money. Shows make less money for the networks as they age.
5. As much I will hate losing the Prentiss character I hope Paget does leave. She deserves more respect than she has received from CBS. She was basically fired and then they tried to rehire her. Insulting and a huge slap in the face.
I have watched CM since the pilot episode. I have never missed one and I even watched last night's drek again this morning to make sure I disliked it as much as I thought I did last night. I find myself less interested with every episode.
Tracy, I know that TG's contract is up at the end of this season. Not sure about the other guys. Does anyone know if MGG's and/or SM is?
P.S. Tracy, sadly, I agree with everything you said.
Ok I will eat crow about comments that people need to separate Rachel Nichols from Ashley Seaver. I just wanted to make sure that people realize that they are different.
Sorry folks.
I do not like this:
Ausiello: I have a hunch Paget Brewster’s swan song will play out around Episode 17 or 18 when a dangerous criminal from Prentiss’ past breaks out of jail and goes hunting for her.
Also, you wanna know why I don't like Beaver? SHE WAS WRITTEN ON THE SHOW BECAUSE A CERTAIN OTHER BLOND WAS WRITTEN OFF THE SHOW AND THE ACTOR WAS FIRED JUST FREAKING BECAUSE.
THAT'S WHY.
We traded Mandy for Joe and that was awesome. We traded Lola for Paget and that was awesome.
We traded Paget and AJ for a character that doesn't fit the criteria of the real BAU and that sucks.
If they are thinking of trading Thomas for someone else then they will lose me as a viewer. If they get rid of any of our present five remaining actors I will stop watching.
Where's the beef?
Where's Ed? Cause I have a beef with the way this season is going.
And neither Thomas Gibson or Matthew Gray Gubler are leaving the show. The network simply can't be THAT stupid.
The episode was not bad but really different. I would have liked to see more of the main characters.
They need to start giving Reid more screen time. I don't think COrazon makes up for all the screen time he has lost this season and last season. I really don't know why because he is an interesting character and has so many fans. Not just Reid but A lot people are fans of MGG. You think they would use this to their advantage. I don't think that he should get more screen time than others as that would ruin the group dynamic but at least the same amount.
I also can't help but mention how incredible he looked on last night's episode. I wish we could have seen more of him!
Ausiello just published an article on the renewal scorecard on network programs, titled What's Coming Back? What's Getting Axed? What's on the Bubble?
He listed five levels of renewal certainty from high to low (if a show had already been canceled, he added the date of cancellation):
♦ Already renewed
♦ A sure thing
♦ A safe bet
♦ Could go either way
♦ A long-shot
I looked at the CBS programs and Criminal Minds was rated "a sure thing." Usually, isn't Criminal Minds always guaranteed to be renewed? Well, from that lower score, it looks like there's going to be some doubts about its renewal, if you look at the recent ratings and dread a decline. For the record, Two and a Half Men has already been renewed.
If Criminal Minds is only "a sure thing" to be renewed rather than already renewed, what does that tell for the show's future?
It is hard to say without knowing the history of the show before, meaning, if it was something that at this point would have "Already Renewed" and now is just a "Sure Thing." Maybe this show is just not at the stage where that is being discussed, perhaps having to do with contracts of cast that need to be handled. Although, I think whatever happens, whether someone comes or goes from the show, it will be picked up for season 7. Season 8.. well, that is anybody's guess, especially if season 7 follows the flow of season 6.
At any rate, I don't think there is any doubt it will be picked up for season 7.
Yeah, I kinda put a bet on it being renewed for a seventh season, but no more after that. If it goes for an eighth season, I'd be pleasantly surprised, but my money is on seven seasons and that's it.
Yeah, if they don't have a serious writer/producer shake-up plus they keep the Seaver character around for season 7, along with a possible Prentiss exit and continued OOC of characters, I think it is a wrap for this show after season 7.
I LOVED LAST NIGHT THANK YOU CM!!!!!
About to watch it again
Wow this blog is filled with so much hate. The show was really stellar last night. Loved the profiling and loved Reid helping team lead to AA. This was really solid. Must find a cite that doesn't have some much hate on it.
What are you people saying. Just watched my favorite show on earth. What a great episode. Thank you CM. It was a treat to come home and go for that ride. WAY TO GO, Morgan!!! LOVE HIM.
So, having a view that is contrary to yours is hate.. Okay...
People are intelligently and honestly expressing views about this episode and CM in general. If it seems harsh, maybe that is because some people are frustrated with what the show has been delivering so far this season and they feel that they need to communicate that to one another and to whomever possibly at CBS and/or CM is reading this blog.
Forums have a diverse set of views and tones.
"It’s obvious to me that what’s happening with the Hotch character is a deliberate tactic being employed to demonstrate to Thomas Gibson that he can easily be replaced by Shemar Moore. This seems to be the producers/writers mechanism for controlling its lead by demonstrating how we can minimize your character and thereby minimize your contribution to the series. It seems to be mean-spirited and demoralizing."
Completely agree with all of your post, sdwally. I'm disgusted at the use of Morgan to the deliberate (& obvious) detriment of Hotch. I'm a Hotch fan and miss him terribly. We have had jack-all continuity from all last season's trauma and now its all just conveniently ignored. Well, I'm sick of this crap. I watch for Hotch and Thomas Gibson's acting first and foremost and my second motivation is the TEAM interaction. Ed & Co seem intent on shoving the Morgan show down our throats and it isn't working. Come on CBS, treat your lead with some respect, give him scripts that are worthy of his talents, and let him shine, whilst allowing the rest of the team to shine too. CM used to be good at this.
Hey Riley --
You're right. I happen to love last night's episode but it's cool if you didn't like it. We are all entitled to our opinion.
Criminal Minds is still the best show on TV. Keep up the great work, CM writers. Love what you're doing!
Love Hotch, Love Morgan!! Love them all. This show is truly still one of the best shows on CBS!
This show is still great and can't wait to see this upcoming Prentiss stuff.
The 13th step is now one of my favorites!
@Isabel: Yes, I agree with you, this episode deserves a thumbs up for simply not having Seaver in it! I only wish she would stay gone. Another good thing about this episode is finding a little more about what is going on with Emily. What I really don't like is Reid's blinding headaches all the sudden gone. We didn't get anything from his pov about what's going on with his health so how are we to know what's going on. Were we supposed to assume that the headaches suddnely disappeared?
This blog is not made of haters, or a lynch mob as it has been put. A lot of us are simply stating our opinions on a show we all use to love and that has unfortunately diminshed as of late. I think a lot of us are hoping the developers of the show read our comments and make the show how it use to be. Btw this isn't the only forum where CM is getting unhappy comments for bad writing and bad character development. Many other news forums have put out articles that are recieving the same comments. Just saying.
Hey Anonymous... just because you post under a hidden identity doesn't mean we buy that 5-6 people in a row, all anon, are that ecstatic about this garbage episode.
Ed? Is that you????
You know I thought last night's episode was really strong but I get if people didn't like it. That's why this is a forum. If people from the show are reading these comments they should hear all sides.
"A Sure Thing" basically means it WILL be renewed for another season, barring some major catastrophe. Take a good look at all the CBS shows listed, and you will find that most of the successful shows are considered "a sure thing." Even NCIS, their highest rated drama is in the same category. It just means the network hasn't gotten around to picking it up yet. The ratings for Criminal Minds are still pretty stable, within the standard range for the past couple seasons, so unless they tank completely on the back end of this season, or the producers pull the plug on it, it is safe to say that it will be around for the seventh season.
To all the Anonymous people, you can either sign in the bottom after you are finished or you can pick the option: Name/URL, because you can just put your name in it, you don't need to put a link too.
Hope I helped.
@ Lori, OMG, that was so funny! I
Really looking forward to what will happen with that Emily story !!!
CU sindee
A lot of comments here which I’ve only scanned through, but I will add my two cents .. As much as I liked the pace of the episode & the unsubs were nothing like we have seen before which was different, I have to agree a little over the top on the violence & sexualisation which I will overlook if it was for the sake of getting the story across. I missed the profiling and team interaction, the family feel of this team, the quiet but strong leadership from Hotch it’s leader no longer exists & the whole basis of the show I fell in love with from the very first episode seems to have been dropped by the wayside.
The JJ thing is now done and gone & I think we all accept that nothing is going to change there but I hope CBS takes a long hard look at what they have done to this amazing show and keep Paget on & get the show back on track. Ditch the spin off if need be don’t let something that has taken 5 seasons to build up go down the tubes.
I smirked at the paper files with the iPads that Hotch handed out when he was doing the case brief, thought this was funny! Reminded me that we never found out the ‘thing’ that Garcia did to get these, but that said there a lot of ‘things’ we have not found out, forget about the character back story, I’m still harboring on the Hotch / Reaper arch & killing of Haley & the impact of this on Hotch, Jack & his team which never saw the light of day. Okay our stoic leader is as tough as nails I get that, but a passing mention to close the loop would have been great for continuity. Let’s see how Hotch’s secret is handled!!
Likewise would have been nice to have had a mention on Reid's condition from the last episode. I know these are meant to be stand alone episodes but the dedicated fan base hold out and miss the connections.
I would have liked to know more about what drove the two unsubs to the spree killings, their gun rampage & blowing up gas stations, I guess the gas stations connect back to her father (btw gas stations don’t sell alcohol do they? I know ours’ don’t, you have to have a license to sell and serve alcohol here.), would have been good to have seen the team profile & delve into their heads a little more. The unsubs dominated this episode, but I did like the bits of the team dialogue that we did get although would have liked to have seen more.
Was nice to see Reid’s knowledge on the step program & Hotch connecting with him in this discussion, not sure if this was intentional but connects back to Reid’s drug problems & Elephant Memory.
All in all the episode was okay but lacked team connection and interaction, was sad to see what the little girl was put through but she did a good job and was very convincing.
Oh and I had to say it … didn’t miss Seaver one single bit … I didn’t have to worry about blocking the character out, oh how I wish they wouldn’t bring her back. Nothing against RN but can we not simply have our team the way they were before TPTB decided to fix something that wasn’t broken in the first place!!
Lori said...
Hey Anonymous... just because you post under a hidden identity doesn't mean we buy that 5-6 people in a row, all anon, are that ecstatic about this garbage episode.
Ed? Is that you????
That's really funny. But I don't think it's Ed. I don't think Ed would be ogling Morgan that much. Maybe Erica?
I had a chance to rewatch this episode; something that I didn't do with 25 to Life and What Happens at Home. They were quickly deleted from my DVR.
Again, it wasn't the worst episode of CM, but it was as far I can tell, the most violent and sexual.
The actors were good, but there was far too little of the team. I know we've all been speculating about what's happening, what should happen, and things they would like to see changed. That's what makes this blog fun and interesting; so I have a few additional thoughts:
Maybe the intent of TPTB is to make the spinoff the more character-driven, cerebral, well-crafted version of CM so that Forest Whitaker & Janeane Garafolo can get the attention of the critics, and the spinoff can capture some awards.
The producers/writers will turn the original into a violent, freakfest from week-to-week, focused on the action and the unsubs ensuring that the cast is interchangeable and replaceable at anytime. In the promos for the spinoff, it's obvious they want to focus the attention on FW & JG.
The bottom won't fall out of the ratings immediately; ratings loss and audience drop-off are gradual things. But Mirren had hoped to increase CM's ratings after AI's loss of Simon Cowell, so far that hasn't happened. Here's hoping the Prentiss arc is worthy of more viewers; and we'll actually see an increase in viewers/ratings and quality.
I am one who doesn't believe they will kill Prentiss off. As I said before, they've made it too obvious with the ending of the 13th Step. The BAU would be the most inept group of imbeciles if they demonstrate they can't keep Prentiss safe after Haley was killed on their watch.
This would be a great opportunity for Hotch to annoint himself Prentiss' personal protector to ensure that she doesn't meet a similar fate to Haley's.
If Prentiss dies with the BAU on the job, who would or should ever trust that team to do anything in the future. They would have demonstrated they are completely incompete. If they can't protect one of their own, who can they protect? Haley's demise should have taught them a valuable lesson and prepared them for future situations.
Just my thoughts.
@sdwally:
"That sounds like a great idea! A spinoff show for Thomas & Paget, perhaps a comedy or maybe even a dramedy; where we'd get the benefit of their comedic and dramatic talents. They could become a new version of Hart to Hart, Remington Steele, or The Thin Man."
Oh, yes, I would definitely watch that! :) Hart to Hart and Remington Steele, loved those shows. :)) Although I think I would really like to see them in a comedy show. They have great chemistry, seem to work very well together and, what's essential for a comedy, have excellent timing. But whatever it might be, the main point is that their talents should be no longer wasted.
@sdwally:
"That sounds like a great idea! A spinoff show for Thomas & Paget, perhaps a comedy or maybe even a dramedy; where we'd get the benefit of their comedic and dramatic talents. They could become a new version of Hart to Hart, Remington Steele, or The Thin Man."
Yeah, maybe something like Moonlighting!
341 comments!;) I'll wait until next time before the anti-Seaver,"CM's not my show anymore" vitriol starts. I'm out of Aleeve :)#willloveCMuntilthelastepisodeairs
I liked it. It felt much more like older episodes than the last three have. Yet it was new and different as far as the story line.
Personally I felt the story spent a little too much time on the unsubs, but that's a taste thing. I'm all about the BAU gang. The unsubs were good and crazy in this episode, though.
Loved the writers using Reid's knowledge of 12 step programs. It's always nice to have a little bit of a throwback to older episodes.
I was a happy girl Wednesday night. :)
I have to add that I don't hate Morgan. To the contrary I like him a lot. But, the old Morgan....the one who knocks down doors, is part of the team. makes his funny comments and gives the looks, and especially when he is a big brother to the kid Reid. Not, when he is still taking over leadership functions which Hotch should be doing and is way too serious.
I also agree that there should be continuity with Reid's headaches. When Reid had the drug problem, it was evident in every episode and the rest of the team knew it.
I watched the episode "Road Warrior" on ION last night. A great example of the team interaction we all loved so much. The team was the main focus throughout the entire episode, profiling....loved the car action scene and then the family team when JJ and baby came to visit. Please bring those kind of episodes back (and so many more I could mention.)
I think it is safe to say that most of do not want all that screen time on the unsubs. I think it started with Tim Curry this season when he was upfront and center too much.
I also thought most of the violence in this episode was unnecessary. Seemed like it was for the shock effect and was used instead of well-written dialogue for the team.
And 3 reruns coming up....really?
Hope the time is being used for writers to watch seasons 1-4 and get the characters back.
Rosie said: "But, the old Morgan....the one who knocks down doors, is part of the team. makes his funny comments and gives the looks, and especially when he is a big brother to the kid Reid. Not, when he is still taking over leadership functions which Hotch should be doing and is way too serious."
I think it's unrealistic not to have a character develop after dealing with the types of cases the BAU deals with. I remember a definitive change in Morgan at the end of S4, "To Hell...and Back." The pig farm was too much for him.
Hotch's style of leadership is to do what's necessary to get the job done through the team. It's not about being in the limelight. He has never given up that style of leadership (except for that one hiccup in "Sex, Birth, Death"). It's that style of leadership that wins me over.
coadygirl: I'm with you, GF; I am tired of talking about Seaver and going on and on about CM. Enuf! What more can be said? If Ed and the boys have not gotten our message yet, they never will.
Meanwhile, as long as any of the existing team remains on my favorite show, I am forced to admit that I will most likely be watching - it just can't get as bad as so much else on TV, ya know?
I am not a fickle person but also have to admit, am prob'ly addicted:)
I will NOT watch the spin-off but will continue to watch re-runs on ION and A&E whenever I have a chance and I will show my support whenever I can to keep the show going. I think I speak for everyone here who has already voiced their desire for the format to be more of the "old school" CM that drew us in from the very beginning. New unsubs, OK, some violence, OK, just not at the level we experienced this wk on a regular basis, pls.
Just get back to basics, please.
That's all.
Hmm, okay, so what do you guys think of an article that was published in TV Line by Michael Ausiello in which he replies to the answer posed to him like this:
Question: After this week’s Reid-centric episode of Criminal Minds, I need some major scoop! Is Reid OK? Matthew Gray Gubler isn’t leaving, is he? —Brandi
Ausiello: I don’t think Gubler is going anywhere. There’s little to no discussion of Reid’s headaches in the next batch of episodes, and no news is good news, right?
Michael Ausiello seems to be the go-to guy the industry feeds information to. So, the thinking is that either he knows something, or he was told to say what he said in the article. The word "think" in the article was italicized, a rather curious way of writing the word think in the context of his answer.
My two cents, if there were a Reid exit, I don't think this would be something on the part of CBS, rather a personal decision on MGG's behalf. MGG's passion is directing and I think that if there were an opportunity out there for him to do that on a full-time basis he would take it. Plus, who knows how the actors are feeling on the set of CM nowadays.
Could there a connection between the "Curious case of the Disappearing Reid" this season with what was said rather ambigiously stated in the article? MGG is not suffering from any injury this season like last season that would warrant this push to the background lately, well, other than horrific writing and lack of character development we have been fed by CM lately.
Then again, this could all be a cheeky way of answering a question so as to play up the possibilities with Reid's storyline, along with a way for readers to keep tuned into his column.
Michael Ausiello HATES Criminal Minds and he is SELDOM correct about his predictions for the show. The only time he gets something correct about CM is when another site truly connected posts a story.
He has NO inside track with CM.
lacey.. thanks for the reply. I just read a reply one of the forum people told another person basically telling that person that there is really nothing to support that article. So, your info also helps.
Thanks again!
@ kat887 I totally agree with you.
Rosie said: "But, the old Morgan....the one who knocks down doors, is part of the team. makes his funny comments and gives the looks, and especially when he is a big brother to the kid Reid. Not, when he is still taking over leadership functions which Hotch should be doing and is way too serious."
kat887 said "I think it's unrealistic not to have a character develop after dealing with the types of cases the BAU deals with. I remember a definitive change in Morgan at the end of S4, "To Hell...and Back." The pig farm was too much for him."
I too think it would be unrealistic if the characters did not change over the course of the 6 seasons. Specially since the Foyet story arc it is impossible for the characters to go back to their easygoing lighter attitude.
And Reid is not a kid anymore. He is nearly 30 years old and a full fledged FBI agent.
@lacey! That's a HUGE relief! Thank you so much.
Also, why on earth would he hate CM? Is that because it reminds him of how awesomely bad-ass people can be if they weren't whiny TV critic idiots?
On an aside, I just saw the promos for the spinoff on the CBS CM site. It looks pretty good. Maybe it will generate larger numbers for CM original.
Just because a trailer or promo looks good doesn't always mean that the movie or show will BE good. I learned that in my interterm film class, that studios often try to put audiences into seats for bad movies by highlighting the aesthetics.
kat & zagi...... yes characters can change over time but to eliminate the personalities of the characters completely is not a good thing.
We already have Hotch who is overly serious and never smiles, we sure don't need it with Morgan too. Rossi has been in the BAU for 30 years and he still manages a little levity.
CM needs some light heartedness. Even with the most depressing jobs, it is the light heartedness and some together personal time with the team that probably keeps the team close and keeps them from losing their minds. I used to enjoy seeing them go out to dinner together.
And....Morgan is 10 years older than Reid. Sure, Reid is not a kid anymore but to a big brother their little brother is always a kid. Some of the Reid/Morgan banter has been my favorite parts.
Little precision regarding the previous comments : Reid turned 29 this season since he turned 27 during the fourth season ( he mentioned it in "Masterpiece").
Sure, he's technically not a kid, but I too miss the interactions between Reid and the rest of the team. I mostly miss the interactions between Reid and Hotch.
Reid and Hotch had a great relationship during the first three seasons, but the writers stooped writing those little scenes between them since season four.
I hope that Reid's storyline (about his health problems), will give us great moments between Hotch and Reid.
From English CM fan.
As far as Seaver goes, I can cope with her being in it briefly as a love interest for Reid but no more. To make her a fully fledged member of the team is unrealistic and doesn't work.
Hotch / Rossi - Love Hotch (loved TG in Dharma and Greg)and agree they need to step up his authority and screen time but his story line did run through a vast amount of season five so it's okay for him not to have another major thread in 6 so long as he gets air time as the decision making dynamic team leader. Rossi - I missed Gideon all through season three even though his character was very troubled and since he left they haven't given Reid another "father figure" / "mentor". I didn't find Rossi's character very welcoming of the quirky team members (Reid and Garcia), his mannerisms toward them were offhand but by season 4 he grew on me. He had quite a few storylines in seasons 3 to 5 and I struggled with his acting but now I find him the voice of wisdom for Morgan, Prentise and Hotch in many episodes and I like him.
Garcia, have always loved her. Love the Garcia/Morgan relationship which is really played out in seasons 5 and 6.
Prentise, missed Elle at first. I can't think of any other character they have allowed Reid to try and be a voice of wisdom to (when she was drinking in her room the night before she shot the unsub and he went to talk to her), but Prentise did grow on me and I find her character able to match the alpha males and unafraid to challenge them in a way that makes her really valuable to the storylines.
Morgan - Again, I love his character and I have noticed that in seasons 5 and 6 they have given him a lot more storylines but apart from the one where he went home for his mums birthday I can't remember any other BIG storylines for his character until season 4. He is 40 and they can't leave his character where it is as he is supposed to be ambitious so they need to develop him. Making him team leader doesn't really work for me though because then the dynamic of his relationship with the rest of the team changed and I found that hard. He's the only one who Reid really bounces off when he has issues now that Gideon has gone.
J.J - I sooo miss her. They never really gave her in depth storylines until she got pregnant so they wrote in a love interest for her but there was always that bond between her and Reid where she was the only one who sort of managed him on a social level and interacted with him out of genuine friendship and there was a closeness between hers and Garcia's character which will be missed..
Finally, boy genius - Reid, my favourite but not and I repeat NOT at the expense of the other characters because they are all the reason I watch CM. He is so not an alpha male, skinny, awkward and at odds with himself and people relate to that. Because of his youth they have been able to develop his character the most in seasons 1-4, but then they seem to have decided he was a man and just stopped developing him and it isn't until Corazon that he we got a bit more time with him.
As far as this episode goes, I liked the directing though a bit too much gratuitous violence for me - but every episode can't appeal to every fan as we all have different tastes and don't mind when storylines are not character centric because I guess CM is not a soap, BUT, that is only on the odd occasion. I agree Reids headaches need to be threaded in even if just a tad for continuity.
CM sold itself to me based on the characters. They all had backgrounds you could invest in that explained who they were today. Those backgrounds have opened up some of the best storylines and that's what mustn't be lost. The show needs to be developed not reinvented. Some storylines will be similar that makes sense. A profile is built based on what is already known. It can't all be new..............
English CM FAN cont
I love how Morgan looks out for Reid and I love that Reid can confide in him but I would like to see some of the other characters more involved with him. He's opened up once or twice to Garcia. In Hotch, Emily, Rossi, Morgan and Garcia episodes Reid never really has big parts in their storylines, they use the other characters to be the support or reasoning voice. I doubt we will see much of him in the Prentis centric episode - I may be wrong. I am really looking forward to the Prentis Arc and it looks like the makings of one fo the best storylines so heres hoping. But I'd like to see Reid injected to other characters storylines a little bit more - maybe he's too borderline Autistic and not capable of that level of interaction - can that be developed? CM has not got to a place yet where I will stop watching but I wont be watching the spin-off out of f loyalty and angst for Paget and AJ. If their leaving wasn't so turbulent and was a choice i would grieve, dismiss their replacements for the rest of the season and then fully accept them in the next once my mourning was over. But this wasn't a choice.
Bernero has stated that Seaver was not brought onto the show to be a love interest for Reid (he was actually pretty adamant about that point). Moreover, he has said that it has never been his intention to develop any love storylines between the team members.
On another note, while I agree that the characters have gotten older, been through numerous challenging situations as a team and on a personal level, I believe that this should not change the fundamental aspects of the character. For instance, there had always been a playful side to Morgan that was endearing and fun to watch. That is all but gone now. Yes, Morgan has been through some tough stuff, but why all but eliminate that side of him. His relationship with Reid, is all but gone and I so miss the moments of "brotherly" love and concern he used to show to Reid (Elephant's Memory is my favorite Reid/Morgan moment). I can go on and on about the other characters interactions that are all but gone now, but I will spare you all. I just wanted to say that it is these types of interactions that, at least for me, made me begin to fall for these characters and their relationship to one another. While yes, I would expect that to evolve on some level through time, it needn't be completely eliminated.
Of course I love interaction between the team members but after what the team went through in the last five years, the playful banter and funnier moments would not be believable any more and should really stay limited. The show has gone darker and darker over the seasons and IMO the characters can not return to who they were in season one or two. But that is just my opinion.
Morgan is not 40. He was 33 in season two Profiler Profiled . So he should be 37 now. Shemar Moore is 40. Some websites mixed that up.
Okay, this story behind Prentiss is going to drive me nuts!!! Prentiss better not die!!! Otherwise, I like the story idea ... just keep Prentiss alive, regardless if Paget decides to stay or leave.
My thoughts on the episode:
At first, I thought I was watching a movie similar to Jason Born, with all the shooting and the partnership. It was really cool though and the storyline was really well done in terms of the psychopath vs sociopath and how they act together. I still didn't really see too much in team dynamics, but when Prentiss and Morgan were being shot at, there was that part that made me stunned for the commercial break because it did actually look like Prentiss got hit!
What happened to the Reid headache thing? It seemed like it just disappeared ...
Prentiss salsa dancing! LOL! I can see her doing that. I do not quite fully understand how Garcia would end up with a call over the weekend that was someone looking for Emily.
Overall, it was a really well-done episode. I really liked it.
Mary Lynn, I loved the Reid/Morgan moment in Elephant's Memory too! I also loved the Reid/Morgan elevator scene in "Scared to Death" and in "True Night" when Morgan hit Reid over the head and Spencer told JJ, "JJ he just hit me" and JJ replied, "Boys behave or I will ground you both" :)
I love Cm, it is the only show that I watch constantly. This season is not a great season but the evolution of the team has been there throughout the seasons. First, Reid is a fine young man and has gone from reminding me of a college graduate student to being a full professional man of the FBI. He does not need a mentor or anything like that, anymore than any of the others do at this time. He has matured and shows that in his actions and abilities if not in his fears still of becoming like his mother. But fears like that are not unusual for anyone. His headaches and such are probably not a continuous thing for him, They come on once in a while because I believe they may be emotionally generated by other things. It will be interesting to learn more about it.
Second, Prentiss has definitely improved over the years and shows that she belongs in profiling. When she began it was as a novice profiler, her experiences in the agency were office related and had nothing to do with profiling. She actually went back to the academy and took the profiling courses in order to learn about it. The first case study for her was the fox, who was captured in 2005. Prior to that year she had no profiling knowledge or experience. She was put on the team over more qualified people because of Strauss and her desire to use Emily to destroy Hotch and also to use her political and diplomatic influences. Not because she was the best qualified candidate. But she has improved and is a good part of the team.
Third, Morgan is a fine, gentle man but he is also rash and at times very reckless in his pursuit of criminals. The past year that he has been more in the leadership role has caused the team to seem to fall apart and lack the ability bring criminals to justice and not just to shoot them up, which is not just. The unsubs are not being arrested and tried but being unjustly shot by vigilante style of law. Morgan does not lead but uses the skills that he has to kill the unsubs. I don't like that and it makes him less desireable to watch, which I also don't like.
TBC
Christy
In continuing my assessment of the unit, is four, Rossi is a fine man and is a good and solid anchor for the members of the team to go to for advice and strength. He is also a maverick or rogue in that sometimes he goes off into his own methods of doing things which can be good but sometimes gets in the way of justice. But I like his roguish ways.
Five, Garcia is a treasure and quite a quirky character. It is this that makes her interesting and fun to watch. Not the foolishness sometimes between her and Morgan, although it is cute too. Her fancifulness is great with all the team not just with Morgan and they need to bring that back to more of her interactions with the team. It is part of what is missing in the dynamics of the show now.
Six, JJ is gone and not coming back and they are not going to hire a new communications liaison for the team. The agency has downsized the unit of that function.
Seven, Seaver is young and has taken the profiling classes but lacks the experience of working in a field office which is what she needs before she can be in the BAU unit but I think that it would be interesting if they did bring another agent in as a profiler but that person should have all the correct qualifications and not just to bring a newby on to the show.
Finally eight, Hotch. My favorite character has also changed much since the first seasons. Since the divorce from Haley, it seems that he has a corncob up his back. He is still a great leader but has not able to really decompress, (as I call it) and allow someone else to take care of him, which is what he needs too. He focuses so much on the needs, physical, emotional and professional, of his team and others. That he leaves nothing for himself and doesn't confide in others about himself. He is like a drifter on a raft in the ocean right now, holding on to a tenous thread to life. That thread being his son and his team. He has not yet finished going through the stages of grief for his dead wife who had been a part of life for more than twenty years. He has had so much to concern himself with in his son and team that he not allowed himself to grieve. This is affecting his ability to lead and that is why he has given a lot of leeway to Morgan right now. It is hurting the team. It would be interesting to see him finally break down so that he can come back to being a leader.
Just thoughts of mine.
Christy
Hi everybody !
my guess is that the episode MGG is directing, "Lauren", is the one that will let us know about Prentiss fate, like some of you.
And since MGG says it's a special episode, I guess "Lauren" is the name Emily used when she was working undercover for Interpol, and when she met Ian Doyle who obviously wants to get revange.
Would kinda make sense since the last episode of JJ was called "JJ", and it would be to easy if de possible last episode of Emily would be called Emily.
And maybe, "Lauren" will be the end of the character "Lauren" played by Prentiss since she finally get some closure with the story that links Lauren to Doyle.
I really hope Prentiss wil not die, and will not be hurt (at least not to much) both physically and mentally. I hope CBS will beg Paget to stay on CM for a lot of years, in full time not like this year. And I hope too that the writing gets better because this season, in my opinion, only "JJ" was a really good episode.
Of course I will understand if Paget decides not to stay on CM after what CBS did, but I really really hope she will still portrayed Emily Prentiss for a long time.
I watched CM since the firt episode, but really love the show since season 2, since Paget arrives and made me discovered a so great actress.
Seven, Seaver is young and has taken the profiling classes but lacks the experience of working in a field office which is what she needs before she can be in the BAU unit
How do you know she took the profiling classes? As far as I know it's never been mentioned and it's obviously not part of regular FBI instruction or JJ wouldn't have had to take the courses like Hotch suggested in North Mammon, so I doubt very much that Seaver has taken them. That's why her presence makes no sense. She is, in no way, qualified.
I'm going to leave my comment by way of a poem:
The writing suckage
Has run amok-age
Make violence milder
Make viewers smile-der
BRING BACK ANDREW WILDER!!!
I'm quite surprised to say that I actually liked this episode. I was not really looking forward to it as I knew it was going to be another in a long list of post season 4 episodes that focus on the guest characters. The performances from the guest actors were great and I loved the camera work. A bit too much focus on the shooting scenes though. Could have used some more team scenes. While I enjoyed the ep I am fairly certain that I will not be re-watching it all that often. Like the ep True Night (which I loved on first couple of viewings) I'm sure it will lose its lustre as I watch CM because the appeal to me is the regular cast, not the guest cast. I'm truly hoping that the remainder of season 6 is going to be team focused and not guest focused.
Cathy
I think it really says something that for the first time since the inception of the show the fans have no idea who the writers are. We seem to lost those writers that were best in tuned with the characters and the entire premise of the show.
I can't imagine how the actors must feel. They know their characters better than anyone and to continually be handed scripts this season that take their characters so far off the reservation must frustrate them.
I think we all realize that as a show ages it tries new things to keep itself fresh and to grab a new audience. The problem is that the things they are trying aren't working and while they may be grabbing a new viewer here and there they are alienating the massive audience that has been their backbone from the beginning.
I do have a favorite character. I have always liked Hotch the best BUT as characters are cut and new characters created it lessens my enjoyment of the show and the scenes they have given Hotch this season are not worthy of an actor with the talent of Thomas Gibson.
Even my least fav character has been given material that makes no sense to his character.
I felt so bad when AJ Cook was fired and Paget Brewster was slapped in the face but now I wonder if they aren't the lucky ones. The show has changed in a way that I feel is degrading to the remaining actors. There has been a lot of speculation about their contracts. If I were these actors I would say, thanks but no thanks and then go find a show that has its act together.
As a fandom we've always held Ed Bernero in the highest esteem. He has been our rock during the hard times with Patinkin leaving, etc. I don't like seeing pics of him on the spin set while our show is drowning. And it is drowning. Perhaps the chick who is tweeting pics of him there could be a tad bit more sensitive towards the feelings of the fans of the original show and are feeling the loss of Ed's leadership. Just my two cents.
Oh and the episode was okay. That is all we have had this season. Okay or total suckage.
I used to list Hotchner as my third favorite character until the episode he wasn't in. Then I really realized how important his character is to the show. I don't know who made the decision to allow TG to not be in an episode but they should be fired for being stupid and if it was at the request of TG then all I can say is that I am disappointed that he would do it.
Anonymous said...
"Seven, Seaver is young and has taken the profiling classes but lacks the experience of working in a field office which is what she needs before she can be in the BAU unit
How do you know she took the profiling classes? As far as I know it's never been mentioned and it's obviously not part of regular FBI instruction or JJ wouldn't have had to take the courses like Hotch suggested in North Mammon, so I doubt very much that Seaver has taken them. That's why her presence makes no sense. She is, in no way, qualified."
Anonymous, great observation and you are absolutely right! The BAU is a specialized unit that would require specialized training beyond the standard academy training and/or years at the Bureau or a related field. For example, Morgan had experience as a police officer as did Elle before joining the FBI, then after sometime in the Bureau, they got a spot on the BAU. Reid, of course, has been the only team member exempted from these requirements because of his exceptional intellect that Gideon sought out for the team.
Seaver was in test taking mode to graduate from the Academy the last episode. I'm assuming she kept up her high scores on the obstacle course..... No one, again except for Reid who is a genius and was specifically sought out and recruited because of that genius, can stroll barely fresh out of the Academy and get a spot as a team member in a specialized unit such as the BAU.
Therein lies the problem of Seaver being on the team; it runs counter to everything the show was founded on, it is violating the universe the show is premised, created for itself and that is something they simply cannot run away from no matter how hard they attempt to spin the wool they'll have to use to cover the viewers eyes.
From English CM FAN,
I love everyone's comments. Yes the characters have to evolve, yes they should still be true to their real characters and evolving shouldn'tchange them, just develop them. You are right Reid doesn't nee a mentor anymore. I see him as much stronger now and in the doll episode he was very mature, but out of the whole team he still has that vulnerability (to me)which is not really anything to do with the job or his capability but more his coping mechanisms because he grew up in books etc and goes home to books - just me but I liked how Gideon used to help him develop. I hope Emily doesn't leave too, and Hotch - I don't know, maybe he has become a bit too stiff not sure but I still think he has it. He gave Garcia the praise she deserved when she tried to be J.J, he noticed Reids headaches - even on the plane so I think he will be key whenever that crops up again and he's a single parent with the warmest of relationships withhis son. and yeah, I guess Reid and Morgan aren't as interactive as they used to be which I miss. It was there a little in corazon though not as much as elephants memory etc. all in all - I'm still not ready to give up watching CM and it's still one of the best shows to come out of America inspire of season six not being it's best. Apologies, I genuinly thought Morgan was 40, lucky Shemar to get away with looking os young!
More so than the DVD's of the previous seasons, Ion and A&E serve as a huge thorn on the side of CM because not only by viewing episodes from earlier seasons can one tell how badly the writing on the show has plummented, but also the absurdity of a charcter like Seaver becomes instantly clear.
For me, Ion was the vehicle that got me hooked on CM. After only watching a couple of episodes, I rushed to Google to get information about the show and since then have become a fan of CM. It deeply troubles and saddens me to see what is going on with the show. I am praying that something can be done to restore CM to what it once was, an intelligent, witty, suspenseful show whose characters were not poorly fleshed out, but rather complimented one another perfectly to round out the specialized and elite nature of the team the show was created around.
I`m afraid when Seaver is back in episode 15, they will tell us that she completed the profiling classes. They already mentioned in the last ep that she was taking some test. Surely she outdid everyone else in the tests and that alone will qualify her as a full profiler on the team. Oh dear!
Zagi, I am dreading episode 15 and any other where Seaver is ridiculously inserted into the mix. But with reagrd to the profiling classes, I think Anonymous and Yolanda make great points about that- Yolanda quotes and picks up from where the Anonymous writer finished.
Basically, the profiling classes are not part of the standard academy training (Yolanda goes into detail about it). Although as Yolanda pointed out, she probably excelled again in the obstacle course, ack!
Tammy, I love the Reid/Morgan moments you brought up! They are favorites of mine too :)
I know that Thomas Gibson had very strong storyline and screen time in Season 5, and others probably needed more development this year. However, I think the natural flow of CM has suffered in the way the writers are pushing Morgan to the detriment of the Hotch charachter. Morgan can get more screen time with good writing - but not necessarily to the detriment of the other characters. We hardly see any team interaction and Rossi and Reid have had even less than Hotch this season. If Thomas Gibson is diminished further I am gone from CM. It's a good show, but Thomas makes it for me.
Jackson said: "I used to list Hotchner as my third favorite character until the episode he wasn't in. Then I really realized how important his character is to the show."
Interesting...especially if it influences CBS execs during contract negotiations.
Hotch has always been my favorite.
Okay. Let's see if we can get to 401 comments and start another page. (We have time. Next week is a rerun.)
I have to jump on the same didn't know how much I would miss him until he was gone bandwagon. I had no idea how really crucial the character is until that dreadful episode.
But I have to echo some that have said Thomas Gibson might be better off jumping off the ship since it seems to be sinking. I do hope he doesn't though. Selfish I guess.
I thought they had filmed new episodes, so why is next week a rerun? I'm assuming next week is a rerun as several people have said that it is. I am anxious to see the Prentiss arc.
Unfortunately, I think Prentiss is going to be killed, leaving Hotch, Reid, Morgan, Rossi, Garcia and Seaver. No offense to the original characters whom I adore (Hotch/Reid are my favorites), but I cannot watch the show after Seaver is the only female agent on the field with the experienced male characters. Well, she'll be the only one unless they go back to fish for more cadets at the academy. Maybe this time they will find one whose mom is a serial killer and excels at hand to hand combat because you know that is key to being able to profile, really, who needs experience when you got a psycho in the family and you do well on physical tests at the academy.....
Okay, I got this off the site for qualifications to become a profiler.
"You cannot simply apply to the FBI and immediately become a NCAVC agent. A basic requirement is three years service as a FBI special agent. However, such is the competition for places, successful candidates tend to have up to 10 years of service behind them along with experience investigating violent and sexual crimes and abductions.
In terms of educational requirements an advanced degree in a Behavioral or Forensic Science is often listed as preferred qualification.
Whether you are applying to become an agent or a research specialist you can expect to have to complete a range of written and psychometric tests."
This seems to disqualify Seaver from the get go.
I also don't enjoy episodes that are unsub and not team driven, and this one was particularly awful because of the violence strictly for violence sake. What other unsubs have done has been gruesome, but the act was mostly left to our imaginations, and I, at least, like it that way.
I don't know if TPTB got rid of JJ because they felt she was the low woman on the totem pole. No character on the team was of greater or lesser value than the other. They all bring their strengths to the table. JJ's strengths were vast. She was the go between for the team with the police, the press, the families, and victims. Yet, when called upon to do so, she was an excellent field agent. I think Nina Tassler underestimated JJ's value to this team, and part of why things are so off this season, despite the bad writing is that a big chunk of the team's heart is gone. I watched the A&E marathon yesterday and the end quote of Machismo seemed particularly fitting for what's happened at CM. I could not help but think of JJ when Hotch said it.
"A house does not rest upon the ground, but upon a woman."
Perhaps this is why CM's house looks to be in danger of crumbling.
It seems its all about demographics this season. They think they needed a beautiful young blonde to attract the 20/30 yr old males. JJ fit that bill until she became pregnant. Paget, although drop dead gorgeous (IMO)is older so they decided to reduce her visibility. Bring in a blonde, young, meek, mild, lady in distress in place of JJ and Paget and voila you have your male attraction. Last night's episode was was all about sex and violence, very little thinking needed, who do you think that was geared to?
This is the one episode I probably won't watch again (which for me is saying alot). After a while the violence didn't advance the plot, it was just boring. What I love about the show is the profiling and the interaction of the regular cast. This show lacked that. When the cast did have screen time it was like they were getting their lines out of the way so as to get back to the unsubs.
I also thought it incredibly stupid that the team didn't call ahead to the Spokane police to check on the girl's father and warn him. And it bothered me that Morgan started shooting with the young hostage right there. I know in TV shows certain liberties have to be taken to farther the plot and wrap up the case in an hour. But these are mistakes the team would have never made in past seasons.
I wasn't really put off by the violence and sex, but I felt it became repetitive after a while. Yeah we get it, they get off on killing people and having sex with each other. I think time would have been better spent, and the episode deeper and more interesting, if instead of showing the same basic thing over and over again, the team really delved into the psychology behind these unsubs and their actions.
Selfish is just fine, Cachew Lover. I've always thought Hotch was the foundation and is missed when pushed into the background (or worse, left out entirely). Certainly if he goes (and I'm selfish too b/c I so don't want that) then I will stop watching CM too. I just don't understand why he's so in the background. Sure, he had a big storyline in S5 but that was the first half and we didn't see much of him in the second half. Now this season we haven't had much so its been over a year. I miss Hotch!! :( To reiterate what others have said, you can still give 'focus' to other characters but NOT at the expense of other characters. I hope tptb quit it soon.
English CM FAN
Okay completely of the thread, have they changed the jet since the early seasons? I just watch a rerun of season two episode and the seating was completely different,
Will have to take a look at the seating on the plane the next time, although, I think you may be right. What I noticed changed was the opening for the show. I don't really like it, too many sirens in the background.
Maybe the "savings" they got from firing the writers and AJ wasn't enough to sustain the old plane seating and show opening.
I hope the rest of the season will highlight Hotch (I love this character).
I just hope it won't be at the expense of Reid who has been in the background for such a long time.
And when Reid is in the background we barely see him.
This has been going on for a really long time, and I hope for more Reid scenes where we see him putting his genius to good use.
I want to see Reid working out clues, solving puzzles and riddles.
I want him to be confronted to challenges only he can resolve due to his exceptional mind.
In other words, I hope his genius will be acknowledged and will play a role in the upcoming episodes.
And if the writers could put his scientific background to good use (three Phds : Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematic and two BAs ongoing three), that would be a big plus.
E. Rousset, it has been such a long time since they have shown all these exceptional things about Reid that I was beginning to forget that he was able to do them.
I agree with Mr. Moor!!! It will take the CM original show donw in ratings. Have Mr. Whittiker to do cameos.
I must admit, I am a bit happy that they didn't continue with Reid's storyline--at least for the time being. I've always thought Reid got way too many storylines; for example, the whole being taken hostage thing and accompanying drug problem from season 2 and the events with his father and Riley Jenkins from season 4. However, I do hope the writers eventually continue Reid's possibility of having schizophrenia or a mental illness.
Aside from that, I enjoyed the episode--to some extent. I definitely thought the actors portraying the unsubs did an amazing job. The plot was...interesting. It was certainly Criminal Minds worthy and the writers did a great job. With that being said, there wasn't much mystery to it; you find out who the unsubs are at the very beginning of the episode. However, the episode itself wasn't the big issue for me.
CBS kicking Paget Brewster off is, I think, not too bright of a decision. I'm already incredibly upset JJ is gone (she was my absolute favorite character) and I believe others are, as well. I just don't understand how they can get rid of two main characters in one season. Hopefully they will notice the show's popularity going down come season 7 and come to their senses.
As far as the whole Emily Prentiss storyline goes, I was a bit surprised. I thought the episode would have been more Emily-centric, when in reality it only really focused on her at the end. The way things are going, it's obvious something is going to happen to her--what, though, is a bit hazy. I hope they don't kill her off (though it's certainly an effective way of discarding a character). That would seem ridiculous to me.
Anyways, I hope that Emily's future is going to be okay. As for season 6, it's not totally what I had hoped for (JJ is gone after all), but it's not horrible. Can't wait for the next episode to see what happens to Emily! Eek!
To Jennifer : yes, sometimes we forget what Reid can do because they barely use his talents since the beginning of season five.
I don't think Reid has gotten too many storylines. Since the end of season four he's barely present.
He only had 'The Uncanny Valley' in season five (and you can't call that a "storyline") and now 'Corazon' who didn't give much to the Reid fans who hoped to see him shine. I hope there will be a real follow up for his medical problems.
Reid is not the character who got the most, storyline wise.
And when the writers start something with him they completely let it go, and they do that very quickly.
I hope to see more of Reid in the second half of the season, he has been sidelined way too much for a long, long time.
The Seaver's character first episode as a series regular is called "Today I do," I think they should rename it "Today I don't." God, I hope this character is not sticking around for season 7. I seriously don't know what in the world they were thinking when they created this character other than their belief that the audience is stupid. I'm sorry but I don't like to be treated as if I have only half a brain. It is painly obvious that this character is so off the mark and it angers me that after many years of loyal viewing, not to mention the money that CBS has made off of the fans purchase of the show's DVD and merchandise, CM thinks so low of us that they throw out a ridiculous character they want us to swallow up like water.
This character was not fleshed out but yet sprung on the CM viewing audience. It is as if Bernero was like,
"Oh, ok, got to get some character in here before I go off and focus my attention on the spin-off. Dang, don't have much time to do this. Got it, how about I badly rip-off the Clarice Starling character from Silence of the Lambs. Yes, I know she doesn't work for the show, she's completely off, but I will just say things to the audience like 'Give her a chance' even though the character is a fail. Yep, that is what I will do before I rush off to spin-off land."
Some have asked why don't they just send Seaver to the spin-off. You know why, because they know that character is sub par and they don't want anythng that is sub par for their new spin-off baby. They have invested too much in the spin-off, including shafting CM. Never mind that if it weren't for the once great writing and characters (including the well fit and wonderful character additions of Prentiss and Rossi) the spin-off wouldn't have been born.
The past CM episode for me just further confirms the downturn spiral CM is going down. Excessive use of violence and sexual tones/images is a fairly common device to use to cover up bad writing for it distracts the viewers with a lot of bodies, both cold and warm. In the next few weeks, you we see a flurry of ads for the spin-off, count on it, and while CM continues to struggle with bad writing and a wannabe profiler, the spin-off will keep on trucking. After all, if CM were to tank and the spin-off were to take off, they'd just make a spin-off of the spin-off, throwing the original CM out the window.
Please...keep Paget on the show!
Fans are getting desesperate at this point...we are begging you!
Don't kill Prentiss off...
Don't send her into Witness Protection Program...
Don't let some lunatic kidnap her...
Don't put her in a coma or whatever...
We want Prentiss all the time! She's the only female profiler, we don't want Seaver!
Why can't you people listen to Criminal Minds fans?
Please, keep Paget on the show! We already lost JJ and we cannot lose Emily too!!
E Roussett said...
"I hope to see more of Reid in the second half of the season, he has been sidelined way too much for a long, long time."
He sure has been sidelined way too much and for way too long now. I'm hoping for more Reid in the second half of S6 too. Reid is my favourite and if he keeps being sidelined then my interest in Show is definitely going to lessen.
And I also love the Reid - Morgan brotherly moments that Tammy talked about upthread. I miss their friendship a lot. I wonder why the writers decided to eliminate this from the show.
Oh and can I just add my wish for Paget/Prentiss to stay on the show and for Seaver to maybe get a transfer to someplace other than the BAU.
Dear writers please get rid of Ashley Seaver. Not only she is unbelivable as a profiler, but what is worse she is even more annoying than Wesley Crusher. There is so much other characters I would rather see as series regulars, for exemple agent Anderson or one of Rossi's ex-wifes.
As for the last episode, it wasn't SO bad.
Are you guys sure that Seaver will appear in the regular credits from episode 15? Will she be like the theme song and stuff? Oh man..seeing her in the beginning with the rest of the BAU is going to make me gag :P
Anyways, I asked the question because Rachel Nichols tweeted that she would appear as a guest from episode 15 onwards till the end of season6. I hope that the CM producers/CBS come to their senses and don't bring her back for season7. She is a poor, poor character, one that has no place in the BAU..and I'm afraid she's going to ruin everything. Having Seaver as the only female field agent is like suicide for the show, and being the only girl out there with the guys she is going to get more screen time and story lines. This is simply atrocious. Couldn't they just have written in an experienced strong female character? It would've made more sense and it would have been easier to accept such a character. Seaver is just a weakling, not only bringing down the integrity of the show, but the other characters as well. Please get rid of her Ed. Please I'm begging you because I love this show and hate what it is being reduced to, you can still sort it out.
13th step was okay. A bit too unsub heavy for my taste, but I enjoyed the unsubs. The girl was especially fiesty and did a brilliant job. Like the majority here, I also think the episode would have been better if there was more team interaction. Oh well, maybe next week. I was just glad Seaver was nowhere to be seen. Why did Rossi have to ask about her? That was a mood killer for me, I couldn't have cared less.
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