Season 10 was very much mixed in quality, very like much of the period from Season 6 onward, but although there were less than good episodes there were also good and more ones. "X" was a promising season opener, one of the best 'Criminal Minds' season openers like "The Fisher King Part II" and "Extreme Aggressor", but it's not one of the worst like "The Inspiration" (the worst one easily and the only less than average one).
It is not quite as good as the terrifying "Mr Scratch", the poignant and harrowing "Nelson's Sparrow", the creepy and powerful "The Forever People", the tense "Rock Creek Park" and the unconventional but extremely well done "A Thousand Suns", also remember "A Place at the Table" being good. On the other hand, it's significantly better than the likes of the strange and not in a good way "If the Shoe Fits", the poor "Breath Play", the very unbalanced in writing "Protection", the wastes of good ideas "Hashtag", "Beyond Borders" and "The Boys of Sudworth Place" and the similarly unbalanced in writing "Scream".
"X" has things that could have been done better. While most of the writing is fine, there were a couple of parts that rang false. The reference to Prentiss was rather snarky and the episode really could have done without the unnecessary and artificial talk about scars on the plane (especially if one wants to forget "200" and if a non-fan of post-Season 6 JJ). There could have been more profiling, what there was also could have been more cohesive and answers not found so conveniently.
The climax similarly falls flat, it lacks tension and rather non-event feeling, the team's involvement was pretty pointless and the victim considering what had just happened to her was far too unrealistically alert. Was mixed on the introduction of Kate, "X" is one of the episodes where she does just about fit, isn't as dull or out of place and Jennifer Love Hewitt does what she can. Do think however that she could have been much better used, here much of her appearance was spouting generic lines that could be given to pretty much anyone.
Visually, however, the production values are without complaint. It's very well shot and lit and is overall stylish, gritty, classy and atmospheric. The music is moody in the haunting and melancholic sense and fits well, without either enhancing or distracting from it. The direction keeps the momentum going but lets the case breathe and the pacing is taut enough.
Writing is mostly thought-provoking and intriguing, with some nice references to Blake and to Reid's trauma in the Season 9 finale two parter "Angels"/"Demons". The story is very high in the creepy factor with some very nicely done twists and turns, the prime suspect for the first part of the episode was a bit too obvious a red herring but is just as creepy and repellent as the actual unsub. The victim is an interesting one and instead of being defenceless she fights and stands up for herself.
Acting all round is very good and the team interaction is delightful.
Overall, imperfect but promising season opener to Season 10. 7/10 Bethany Cox
11 out of 18 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
