I really love the plot of this episode, but it was poorly executed. I've been rewatching Criminal Minds for the umpteenth time and was looking forward to this episode, but I normally have the show on in the background and hadn't realized before now just how bad the acting was. Moreover, there are a few factors that have influenced my experience watching the later seasons, both good and bad.
Firstly, the turnover of the BAU agents makes it difficult to get to know their characters and follow their respective storylines, and it's frustrating keeping up with the revolving door of new characters while watching each case unfold. However, despite the issue of the ever-changing dynamic of the unit, I really love how immersive the show becomes into each of the agent's lives and how the cases start to weave amongst them.
That said, this episode falls in the midst of some pretty significant agent-focused plot lines and pulls focus away from them. At this point in the show, a large portion of air time has been dedicated to following the agents as they are affected by past unsubs, and some of the cases tucked into these integral moments are welcome departures when coupled with good writing and competent acting. Unfortunately, this episode was severely lacking in the latter department, and failed miserably to deliver a well-constructed, dramatic story the viewers have come to expect.
This story could've been a really good one to tell, had the cast been comprised of more talent. It offers a unique perspective into the lives of a dysfunctional gay couple and touches on the sensitive issue of spousal abuse and control. Fortunately, after this let-down, the show picks up quickly and delivers shocking and powerful plot lines that rope the audience back in.
Firstly, the turnover of the BAU agents makes it difficult to get to know their characters and follow their respective storylines, and it's frustrating keeping up with the revolving door of new characters while watching each case unfold. However, despite the issue of the ever-changing dynamic of the unit, I really love how immersive the show becomes into each of the agent's lives and how the cases start to weave amongst them.
That said, this episode falls in the midst of some pretty significant agent-focused plot lines and pulls focus away from them. At this point in the show, a large portion of air time has been dedicated to following the agents as they are affected by past unsubs, and some of the cases tucked into these integral moments are welcome departures when coupled with good writing and competent acting. Unfortunately, this episode was severely lacking in the latter department, and failed miserably to deliver a well-constructed, dramatic story the viewers have come to expect.
This story could've been a really good one to tell, had the cast been comprised of more talent. It offers a unique perspective into the lives of a dysfunctional gay couple and touches on the sensitive issue of spousal abuse and control. Fortunately, after this let-down, the show picks up quickly and delivers shocking and powerful plot lines that rope the audience back in.