Again, not a 'Criminal Minds' classic, also not a low-point. "Proof" however is a good episode, and although to me "It Takes a Village" was a solid start to Season 7 this was the better episode.
It is definitely creepy and unsettlingly disturbing, definitely the creepiest Season 7 ever got. At the same time, the torture/murders were disturbing to the maximum there are worse examples of unnecessarily gratuitous scenes in 'Criminal Minds', the nature of the torture and murders added to the atmosphere and may have made even more of an impact if the episode provided a reason for that particular method.
In a way, the reputation somewhat that "Proof" has for being uncomfortable to watch by some has to me been exaggerated. "Proof" is definitely creepy, the creepiest Season 7 ever got and the scariest episode of 'Criminal Minds' since perhaps "The Longest Night", but there are also more frightening episodes ("Mr Scratch", anyone, that terrified me but in a good way).
"Proof" as ever is very well made visually and hauntingly and melancholically scored, as well as directed with solidity and atmosphere. The script is tight and thought-provoking, with Reid's dialogue being both heartfelt and rays of sunshine. The repercussions of Prentiss' return and the deception generally is developed more and more believable, with the only fault being Morgan being too implausibly forgiving too quickly, considering his tough guy attitude and considering the events in "Lauren" it would have been perfectly natural that he was the one most angry and most affected.
Reid's hurt and anger here is absolutely understandable and justified, especially when one considers how big the lie was that is not at all easy to forgive in a hurry. Can not be a fan of the team unwinding/"happy families" endings, but it was very sweet and not too sappily overdone and said a lot about the team dynamic. The case/story itself is incredibly high on the creepy and suspense factor, which more than made up for the occasional predictability and lack of surprises.
With a killer that's interesting, deceptively disarming and harmless but actually frighteningly dangerous, one's scared of him but considering his condition and why he killed there is a pang of sympathy. The unsub is developed well, and the story develops and evolves very well if rather too quickly too soon. The last scene with the watching of the video was not necessary though, we were told it was going to happen earlier we didn't need to be shown it too, especially one that jarred with what happened before.
Acting is strong, Matthew Gray Gubler is particularly brilliant of the typically great work from all the regulars. Andy Milder excels with a character incredibly difficult to pull off, portraying somebody with a developmental disorder/condition is one of the hardest tasks to get pitch perfect in acting (on the same level as portraying a blind person), Milder does so valiantly and although the speech awkwardness is occasionally forced he very nearly nails what the role demanded.
Overall, good and hugely atmospheric episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox
It is definitely creepy and unsettlingly disturbing, definitely the creepiest Season 7 ever got. At the same time, the torture/murders were disturbing to the maximum there are worse examples of unnecessarily gratuitous scenes in 'Criminal Minds', the nature of the torture and murders added to the atmosphere and may have made even more of an impact if the episode provided a reason for that particular method.
In a way, the reputation somewhat that "Proof" has for being uncomfortable to watch by some has to me been exaggerated. "Proof" is definitely creepy, the creepiest Season 7 ever got and the scariest episode of 'Criminal Minds' since perhaps "The Longest Night", but there are also more frightening episodes ("Mr Scratch", anyone, that terrified me but in a good way).
"Proof" as ever is very well made visually and hauntingly and melancholically scored, as well as directed with solidity and atmosphere. The script is tight and thought-provoking, with Reid's dialogue being both heartfelt and rays of sunshine. The repercussions of Prentiss' return and the deception generally is developed more and more believable, with the only fault being Morgan being too implausibly forgiving too quickly, considering his tough guy attitude and considering the events in "Lauren" it would have been perfectly natural that he was the one most angry and most affected.
Reid's hurt and anger here is absolutely understandable and justified, especially when one considers how big the lie was that is not at all easy to forgive in a hurry. Can not be a fan of the team unwinding/"happy families" endings, but it was very sweet and not too sappily overdone and said a lot about the team dynamic. The case/story itself is incredibly high on the creepy and suspense factor, which more than made up for the occasional predictability and lack of surprises.
With a killer that's interesting, deceptively disarming and harmless but actually frighteningly dangerous, one's scared of him but considering his condition and why he killed there is a pang of sympathy. The unsub is developed well, and the story develops and evolves very well if rather too quickly too soon. The last scene with the watching of the video was not necessary though, we were told it was going to happen earlier we didn't need to be shown it too, especially one that jarred with what happened before.
Acting is strong, Matthew Gray Gubler is particularly brilliant of the typically great work from all the regulars. Andy Milder excels with a character incredibly difficult to pull off, portraying somebody with a developmental disorder/condition is one of the hardest tasks to get pitch perfect in acting (on the same level as portraying a blind person), Milder does so valiantly and although the speech awkwardness is occasionally forced he very nearly nails what the role demanded.
Overall, good and hugely atmospheric episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox
