"Mayhem" was a decent season premiere and conclusion of the end-Season-3-beginning-Season 4 two parter, but a few steps down from the brilliant season 3 finale "Lo-Fi".
"The Angel Maker", the second episode of Season 4, was the first great episode of the season and comes incredibly close to being a classic/elite episode in a season with so many of them. My only complaint really was the discovery of a big clue due to Morgan and Prentiss looking at the stars, too random, too lucky and too coincidental.
However, "The Angel Maker" is as ever with 'Criminal Minds' very well made, being slickly and stylishly photographed, tightly edited and atmospherically lit with a real spooky vibe (especially the beginning, which never fails to give the chills). The music has the right amount of haunting mood and the odd bouts of melancholy.
Writing is tightly structured and thought-provoking, with all the classic writing ingredients for 'Criminal Minds' there. Prentiss tapping Reid on the shoulder and saying "he's so lifelike" is a refreshingly funny moment and considering how dark the episode is it is timed remarkably well.
As one would hope, the story is rich in tension and suspense, with a nail-biting creepiness, throughout the telling of it is absorbing. Hotch's subplot with his hearing is handled sensitively and in a way that makes one feel sorry for and admire him. The climax and the unsub's identity are true shockers.
Lastly, there's the acting which is excellent all round. In conclusion, great episode and the start of Season 4's high quality, that generally had a few bumps along the way, but generally to me it's the best 'Criminal Minds' season. 9/10 Bethany Cox
"The Angel Maker", the second episode of Season 4, was the first great episode of the season and comes incredibly close to being a classic/elite episode in a season with so many of them. My only complaint really was the discovery of a big clue due to Morgan and Prentiss looking at the stars, too random, too lucky and too coincidental.
However, "The Angel Maker" is as ever with 'Criminal Minds' very well made, being slickly and stylishly photographed, tightly edited and atmospherically lit with a real spooky vibe (especially the beginning, which never fails to give the chills). The music has the right amount of haunting mood and the odd bouts of melancholy.
Writing is tightly structured and thought-provoking, with all the classic writing ingredients for 'Criminal Minds' there. Prentiss tapping Reid on the shoulder and saying "he's so lifelike" is a refreshingly funny moment and considering how dark the episode is it is timed remarkably well.
As one would hope, the story is rich in tension and suspense, with a nail-biting creepiness, throughout the telling of it is absorbing. Hotch's subplot with his hearing is handled sensitively and in a way that makes one feel sorry for and admire him. The climax and the unsub's identity are true shockers.
Lastly, there's the acting which is excellent all round. In conclusion, great episode and the start of Season 4's high quality, that generally had a few bumps along the way, but generally to me it's the best 'Criminal Minds' season. 9/10 Bethany Cox
