As a big fan of 'Criminal Minds', the show was at its best in Seasons 1-4 (a contender for the best season being 4), though a good deal of Season 5 was also solid, though with a higher number of average-or-less episodes than before.
Season 5 saw outstanding episodes such as "100", "...A Thousand Words", "The Uncanny Valley" and "Mosley Lane", while also seeing underwhelming episodes like "The Fight" (didn't feel like 'Criminal Minds' at all), "Hopeless", "The Performer" and "Parasite". Most range from decent to great.
"Public Enemy" is one of Season 5's very good episodes. Wouldn't have said no to more Hotch and Reid, though what they have is strong and hardly wastes them but it's just the matter of more screen time. Also didn't completely buy seeing father and son in the same prison, probably fitted with the unsub's motives for his crimes but it was just a situation that seemed very unlikely to me.
However, "Public Enemy" is stylishly and atmospherically made, solidly directed and hauntingly and melancholically scored. It is a very well written episode too, provoking a lot of thought and being written in a smart and intelligent manner. A standout line was Hotch's "there's lots of ways that sons defeat their fathers", a line that hit me hard and like a nod to Hotch's own harsh childhoods. Reid's response was somewhat amusing too, despite Hotch saying something very serious.
The story draws one right in with a lot of tension and suspense, as well as some unexpected twists and red herrings. Notable examples being the red-herring right at the beginning which suggested mass poisoning was going to happen but turned out to be much more sinister and the hardcore but not-so-traditional profiling where the unsub is profiled like an arsonist. The killings are random but increasingly daring, the motives are pretty twisted and also loved the large and enthusiastic role the BAU played here.
Most enjoyable was Rossi, his sassy and direct personality shining like a ray of sunshine, being the one to come up with some of the answers (correctly) and his re-enacting in the church being one of the most creepiest scenes and it was a shock to see Rossi like that. JJ's role gave the episode heart as well, and Prentiss having a good deal of screen time is always welcome. The acting is great, especially from Joe Mantegna.
In conclusion, a very good episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Season 5 saw outstanding episodes such as "100", "...A Thousand Words", "The Uncanny Valley" and "Mosley Lane", while also seeing underwhelming episodes like "The Fight" (didn't feel like 'Criminal Minds' at all), "Hopeless", "The Performer" and "Parasite". Most range from decent to great.
"Public Enemy" is one of Season 5's very good episodes. Wouldn't have said no to more Hotch and Reid, though what they have is strong and hardly wastes them but it's just the matter of more screen time. Also didn't completely buy seeing father and son in the same prison, probably fitted with the unsub's motives for his crimes but it was just a situation that seemed very unlikely to me.
However, "Public Enemy" is stylishly and atmospherically made, solidly directed and hauntingly and melancholically scored. It is a very well written episode too, provoking a lot of thought and being written in a smart and intelligent manner. A standout line was Hotch's "there's lots of ways that sons defeat their fathers", a line that hit me hard and like a nod to Hotch's own harsh childhoods. Reid's response was somewhat amusing too, despite Hotch saying something very serious.
The story draws one right in with a lot of tension and suspense, as well as some unexpected twists and red herrings. Notable examples being the red-herring right at the beginning which suggested mass poisoning was going to happen but turned out to be much more sinister and the hardcore but not-so-traditional profiling where the unsub is profiled like an arsonist. The killings are random but increasingly daring, the motives are pretty twisted and also loved the large and enthusiastic role the BAU played here.
Most enjoyable was Rossi, his sassy and direct personality shining like a ray of sunshine, being the one to come up with some of the answers (correctly) and his re-enacting in the church being one of the most creepiest scenes and it was a shock to see Rossi like that. JJ's role gave the episode heart as well, and Prentiss having a good deal of screen time is always welcome. The acting is great, especially from Joe Mantegna.
In conclusion, a very good episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox
