Not quite as good as the brilliant season premiere "The Fisher King Part II), but an extremely good and at its very best scintillating episode that succeeds at doing something different from the norm for 'Criminal Minds'.
Admittedly there is much more of a personal preference for the serial killer concept, which sees more suspense and more opportunities for the psychological delving into the criminal's mind (which is really what 'Criminal Minds' is all about and what makes it work so well). This said, it is also nice to have a change in pace once in a while, and while 'Criminal Minds' attempts to do something different have had varying results "P911" is one of the best examples.
This time, "P911" covers abduction, the horrors of paedophilia and the dark side of the internet. While the paedophilia and the dark sides of the internet are not exactly novel concepts, they are important subjects to address and talk about, something that "P911" does wonderfully. The episode is essentially a race against time and is filled to the brim with tension and suspense, plus you are left disgusted and disturbed by the actions of those behind the crime.
It also has room for funny moments, such as when Elle (struggling from her trauma and showing great determination in going back to work, something that is done very well without taking too much time) is reprimanded for going to the crime scene and drops Reid in it (Reid's reaction is what makes that scene), and touching ones such as the ending, which did make me tear up. My only complaint really of "P911" is Gideon's somewhat out of character remark regarding Katie's fear of flying.
Visually, "P911" is stylish, classy and atmospheric, while the music is suitably moody, the pacing is taut without ever feeling rushed or draggy and the direction alert and sympathetic. The story and writing are dark, thought-provoking moving and tense with many twists and turns that add enormously to the intrigue.
"P911's" acting is very good all round, Mandy Patinkin and Matthew Gray Gubler add so much to the show's appeal, the mother is touchingly played and the criminals are creepy and very much detestable. Interesting to see a post-'Spy Kids' Daryl Sabara.
To conclude, scintillating and a must watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Admittedly there is much more of a personal preference for the serial killer concept, which sees more suspense and more opportunities for the psychological delving into the criminal's mind (which is really what 'Criminal Minds' is all about and what makes it work so well). This said, it is also nice to have a change in pace once in a while, and while 'Criminal Minds' attempts to do something different have had varying results "P911" is one of the best examples.
This time, "P911" covers abduction, the horrors of paedophilia and the dark side of the internet. While the paedophilia and the dark sides of the internet are not exactly novel concepts, they are important subjects to address and talk about, something that "P911" does wonderfully. The episode is essentially a race against time and is filled to the brim with tension and suspense, plus you are left disgusted and disturbed by the actions of those behind the crime.
It also has room for funny moments, such as when Elle (struggling from her trauma and showing great determination in going back to work, something that is done very well without taking too much time) is reprimanded for going to the crime scene and drops Reid in it (Reid's reaction is what makes that scene), and touching ones such as the ending, which did make me tear up. My only complaint really of "P911" is Gideon's somewhat out of character remark regarding Katie's fear of flying.
Visually, "P911" is stylish, classy and atmospheric, while the music is suitably moody, the pacing is taut without ever feeling rushed or draggy and the direction alert and sympathetic. The story and writing are dark, thought-provoking moving and tense with many twists and turns that add enormously to the intrigue.
"P911's" acting is very good all round, Mandy Patinkin and Matthew Gray Gubler add so much to the show's appeal, the mother is touchingly played and the criminals are creepy and very much detestable. Interesting to see a post-'Spy Kids' Daryl Sabara.
To conclude, scintillating and a must watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox
