Criminal Minds (TV Series) Birthright (2007) User Reviews

Interesting storyline

[lottiemarshalllm · 8/10 · 21 August 2020]

Disclaimer:I am no expert reviewer, I just need a show to binge watch and I'm going to Write a review for every episode I watch.

Pretty good interesting plot that did not disappoint the whole episode. I love episodes where the plot evolves until the last scene.

Sometimes I find it a little bit annoying when episodes focused too much time on a false unsub but I thought this episode did a really great job of balancing between the victims and the wrong and right killers.

Someone could argue that the ending was rather anti-climactic with the wife shooting the murder but I thought it held up pretty well and the drama was still pretty good so it didn't really bother me too much.

I like the idea that the son of the previous killer took on the same persona I thought that was an interesting storyline that could've been a little bit more focused on but overall still pretty good.

I really like Rossi's role in this episode talking to the old detective about his case is that still affecting i'm getting to learn about that bracelet was cool.

The only thing I didn't love about this episode was JJ's role I thought her struggle with this case could've been a lot more focus on rather than just two random conversations with Hotchner. But I like that they gave a little bit more focused to her in this episode.

Oh and that final scene with him getting divorce papers it was so good. Everyone was just like "ohhh yikes"

Could have been more, but has a lot to like

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 23 July 2016]

For me, "Birthright" is one of the lesser Season 3 episodes of 'Criminal Minds', and there are more powerful (emotionally and atmospherically), more layered and more complex episodes. It could have been more, but there is also a lot to like.

"Birthright" has been criticised for inaccurate depiction of Fredericksburg and not being believable in how the unsub knew so much about the old killings with so little information released. The first criticism this reviewer cannot verify, not being from the area but will not dismiss the criticism as it is not the first time that 'Criminal Minds' has been criticised for inaccurate representations. Admittedly some of the accents to me didn't seem that great, a couple exaggerated.

The second criticism is understandable. It is explained in the episode, but it definitely could have been elaborated upon more because it was done in a way that seemed underdeveloped and could easily have been missed. However, generally the story in "Birthright" is great, with great suspense, a chilling modus operandi intelligent use of profiling, some nice diverting twists and turns and a very surprising true identity for the unsub, it is made clear early on that it had to be somebody local and closely related but such a great job was done making another character seem the guilty one that the real identity was a shock. If there is a criticism though, it would have been somewhat more believable if it was that person responsible.

'Criminal Minds' has always been great for little character moments, and "Birthright" does not disappoint in this regard. The standout is the story between Rossi (who is settling in within the BAU very nicely after a naturally shaky first impression) and the sheriff, with the significance of the piece of jewellery Rossi carries round explained. One really feels sorry for Hotch in this episode at the end and what was done with JJ was very touching. The light-hearted humour is somewhat missed, but one can understand why it was not used in such a darkly harrowing and tragic story as it may have felt out of place if badly done.

Production values are slick and atmospheric with lovely use of locations, while the music is appropriately haunting without being over-bearing. Tautly and smartly scripted and solidly directed, "Birthright" also benefits from the great dynamic between the team, a suitably tragic ending and strong acting from particularly Joe Mantegna and Thomas Gibson.

In summary, could have been more but there is a lot to like here. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Underrated

[kellielulu · 9/10 · 4 October 2022]

I agree that the performances by the mothers are incredible, nuanced realistic. There is more believable surprise when the FBI shows up although give the disappearances it's not completely shocking.

I like the way the team divided up in twos or threes you get to see different team dynamics.

This is one of the more underrated episodes it's either overlooked or not well regarded. The way this particular case affects generations and how they deal with it well it's not something that changes. The lies can't stay hidden now more young women are paying for it.

It also affects JJ and Rossi in different ways . JJ by feeling a connection to most victims being young women like herself. As Hotch tells her she absorbs it all she filters the cases it's a matter knowing how and where to draw the line so you can still do the job.

Rossi like the retired sheriff is haunted by an old unsolved case and this case brings it closer to the surface for him.

Well worth watching.

My first and how it still amazes me until now

[xiaorho · 10/10 · 5 October 2021]

This was the first episode of CM that I watched a long time ago. It still gets into me how disturbing it is and amazes me how great the performances and how interesting the characters are. The interactions of the kidnapped girls are emotional. Each action or reaction of the three mothers is somehow tragically haunting. I also like the way the BAU interacts with each other, esp between Hotchner and JJ here. Kudos for Criminal Minds! Since then I have become a fan. Now I am watching reruns every day and starting to give ratings and reviews.

Stafford country represent

[cookimonstr-27377 · 9/10 · 20 June 2020]

At the 14:19 minute marker Stafford County Virginia pops up as a report filed on Garcia's computer

Decent show, except for misrepresenting

[alathiaxavier · 6/10 · 29 September 2018]

The show had a good plot line, but since I know exactly what the area of Chancellorsville battlefield looks like and that wasn't it, it kind of ruined the episode for me. Fredericksburg is in a hilly area but there are no mountains there either.

Farfectched

[Brexx3 · 3/10 · 17 December 2012]

Putting the ridiculous plot aside, CM's really needs to improve how they portray parts of Virginia. I live on the cusp of NOVA and it's rather ridiculous how they portray their locations, like Stafford county etc. To date the worst portrayal I've seen is this episode. I LIVE in Fredericksburg and I'm am almost offended at how the writers created this episode. They depict this area chalk full of barns, county folk, and people with thick southern accents. It's laughable how they view people from this area. I know that their budget may not be big enough to do justice to every location they are supposed to be depicting. Though this does not mean that they have to make it so far-fetched. No wonder I stopped being a fan a while ago.