Thursday, May 10, 2012

Spoiler Thread: Profiling 101

ROSSI AND THE TEAM TEACH COLLEGE STUDENTS ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF CRIMINAL PROFILING, AS THEY LOOK BACK ON A SERIAL KILLING CASE THAT SPANNED NEARLY 20 YEARS, ON “CRIMINAL MINDS,” WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

Talk about this episode in the comment...

Careful in case you haven't watched the episode yet... comments might contain ***SPOILERS***

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting episode. More of a "how to" and "why" rather than a "doing" when it comes to profiling. Still in the pretty good category. Creepy, bad egg gets outwitted and at least kept out of action. Everybody participated. Maybe choosing this particular method of story telling is an acknowledgment of the roots of the show and an indication of a return there. Most of the posts recently that state an episode is "good" make reference to the similarities with early episodes. Clearly profiling and the early seasons' formula is to the liking of most avid fans. One thing about this episode - When the location of the first and last crimes was identified, why didn't the Magic Garcia take a look for employees and find the busboy that way? A minor item and hardly worth mentioning. Of course, maybe she was just showing her expertise by digging up a 1966 starting point - badger style. All in all a pretty good entry. Solid, good participation, team strength, creepy engaging crimes, reasonable conclusion, and a thread that can be revisited in more than one way potentially. GB

Rutland said...

One of the better season 7 episodes. Lots of food for thought, I had to go back for a second look to get the dates down. Thoretically, Rossi could be visiting this guy for the next 50 years to get victims' names out of him. Maybe they'll live long enough . . . maybe not. That's got to be the most torturous aspect of this case. The unsub was born in Feb. 1967 so that makes him 45 in 2012, and if he lives into his 90's he could live long enough to divulge them all. But whether Rossi lives long enough and is physically and/or emotionally able to bear this burden is another issue. They always say that serial killers make some of the best profilers. By choosing his captor's birthday, this guy couldn't have been much more cruel to Rossi if he had tried. This day has now become a sick and sad anniversary and painful rememberance instead of a joyous day of clebration .

It's only after seeing the entire episode that you understand why Rossi was so incredibly distracted at the beginning and why Hotch kept inquiring after his well being. It now also makes sense why the team tried so hard to be at the class and to take Rossi out to dinner. For those of you keeping up with team birthdays, here's another approximate to add to the list: Rossi -- May 9th.

The ending had a great twist and I realize that you see the face of the unsub for the first time as Rossi exits the prision interview room! Take that all you fans who complain about knowing who the unsub is too early!

Anonymous said...

Another really good episode IMHO, especially by Season 7 standards. Have to admit that at first I didn't get the difference it makes when the unsub isn't revealed until the end, but indeed that is a common element of most of the best episodes of CM. Thanks to those who first pointed that out, and to the CM writers like Rick Dunkle who have penned many of the very best eps.

Just a matter of personal taste, but this was a Rossi overload for me. With apologies to his fans, I have never been able to stomach the Rossi character. Also, the "incredible shrinking" Reid role has bothered me all season. Have high hopes for more Reid in the finale and in S8. If MGG doesn't re-up I'd be done with CM. Anon Q

Anonymous said...

Good ep but I have to say that CM has the worst stylists for the best cast in Hollywood.

JM said...

Only 4 comments ?! wow something is really going on...

Kristin said...

Fantastic episode! I loved it. Of course, it being a Rossi-centric episode made it extra good for me. I just wanna know who the chick was in his bed. (A little jealous.) I give it an A+!

Anonymous said...

i think this one was crapy.ithink erica got the worst writters this year know wonder the rattings are going downi think next sept the show wil be off before that season ends

Anonymous said...

Gee Whiz! I almost hesitate to say this. Bad "writters"? In four lines I count 4 capitalization, 4 spelling, 3 punctuation, and 2 construction errors. I make some spectacular mistakes; but proofreading usually isn't one of them - particularly when I critique writing. GB

Anonymous 44 said...

Glad you said that, GB, so I didn't have to. If this person wants to be taken seriously, they need to take more care in their writing. Prob'ly writing on a smart phone, but still...hope their English teacher is not reading this - it's getting awfully close to report card time:)

Anonymous said...

If the phone's the culprit, I sure am glad I don't have one smarter than I am. Everyone is entitled to an opinion on the show, of course, regardless of what it may be. It is at least instructive to state the basis of the opinion. That can make for good discussion. I appreciate the posts that point out things I missed or may even disagree with. I've noticed that most recent posts, even ones with opposing or differing views, have been much more civil than some in the past. In that regard, I applaud all posters - who are obviously fans. GB

Anonymous said...

i think erica is the worst owner of criminal minds .they had good writers before like andrew .they let him go.hey did jill davidson died i saw something on her twitter page

Anonymous said...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I believe that many posters have dropped away because too many others became intolerant toward criticism of CM. All that nonsense about "haters" drove many thoughtful posters and dedicated fans who love the show but were critical of Season 7 away. It is most unfortunate; I doubt they'll come back. A great loss in my view; diversity of opinion should always be welcome. Anon Q

Anonymous said...

A good episode, gave us a peek into the minds of the profilers and how they catch these unsubs, felt so bad for Rossi and how he has to relive this case over every year so he can give closure to the families of the victims, how soul crushing that must be.

Also, i personally don't think those who voice their dislike of an episode or character, are haters, I'm not a fan of the Will LaMontagne character, and this goes all the way back to season 2 when we first saw him, i found him unprofessional and sleazy in that episode Jones, and my view of this character has not changed, no offense to all the Will fans.

Anonymous said...

Even though I didn't get to watch the full episode on Wednesday I do plan on it at a later date. From what I did see it was basically them teaching the college students how to profile. They just used a case that wasn't closed and what hoping the students could help them solve it? Either way I thought that it was an okay episode not like last week's but still a pass. It was different but I was kind of expecting it to be more action packed, not so much like everyone going back to school.

From what I read in the other postings Rossi has to relive this case on his birthday? and having to go and confront those families about their children is so heartbreaking. I saw the ending where everyone tried to take Rossi out for dinner, but I don't think a meal would really make him forget what that monster did to those victims. Especially if he has to go through it all over again next year.

Anonymous said...

Love Crininal Minds! As a psychi., I'd love to work with this BAU Team. Especially with Thomas Gibson. No wonder his last. Name is " Hot' cheer." who does everyone tho k departs ext week? Even though Gibson is the leader, he refers too much to Rossi for advice. Rossi is ok, but Reid's role could be way more challenging. Recently read Gibson was having trouble with salary issues. Anyone know ? I agree, some episodes were poorly written. Hate to see Gibson go, but do Not feel Derek Morgan can replace him effectively as Bearue Chief. Gibson has that " authority figure " look. Suits & his appearance demands respect. However, he does turn to Rossi formany decisions. This down grades the Special agent in charge. ( my opinion ). Reply please

Anonymous said...

Rossi, besides being the eccentric uncle figure who everyone would consult anyway, has been profiling longer than any of the others. He is an obvious source of information and analysis. It is not an exact comparison, but in many, if not most, military units, the senior NCO is often older and more experienced than the unit commander. The Lieutenant, Captain, or Colonel who doesn't keep the Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, or Sergeant Major in his hip pocket for advice is a fool. It's easy to see Rossi in taht role. GB

Anonymous said...

I feel that Hotch should ask Rossi for advice after all it was Rossi that started the BAU. Also Did anyone else notice the guy named Zimmerman in the Hoddie? Kinda made me wonder if the writers were making a statement without really saying anything. Did not think much about it until I watched SVU last night and I seen that case mentioned. can't wait for next week in the mean time rewind the dvr. Happy watching all.

Carl said...

I think that when they give us insight on a character's life, regardless of what aspect (personality, background, etc...) it makes us that much more a part of the show. I know it helps me relate emotionally to know what they are going through. They have visited Rossi's twice before that I know of, and each time, to me, it shows why he keeps doing what he does. While I LOVED Gideon, I realize he won't ever be back :-( Rossi is.more than capable. I agree with others in that not knowing the UnSub until the end heightens the suspense and enjoyment factor. I also agree the writing has suffered as of late, but overall I still love the show and will continue to watch faithfully!

Anonymous said...

There needs to be more of Dr. Reid in the future episodes. The show has to remember how alot of us fell in love with CM. It's because of Reid's character.

Anonymous said...

This was a fantastic old school episode. Rossi is my favourite character so no surprise to me that this was the strongest episode of the season, tightly written, powerful, and focused in on profiling and on character. It is probably going to be one of my all time favourites for its insight into Rossi's motivation. Bloody good writing from Virgil.

A*

UK Viewer


Ps I'd stopped posting here cos I didn't think it existed any more, for some daft reason. Glad to find it still does