Have to respectfully disagree with the previous reviewer about "The Witness" being the worst 'Criminal Minds' episode ever. From personal opinion it's not even close, and is not even the worst or even one of the worst of Season 11.
To me, actually, it is one of the better episodes of the season and one of about only three or four episodes that are good in a season that has been largely average at best and poor at worst. It's not as good as "The Job" and especially "Entropy", two of the better episodes of the latter seasons.
But it is a third best with the better-than-given-credit-for "Beautiful Disaster" (though Morgan's exit arc generally could have been better handled) coming in fourth. Sure it's not flawless, Charlie going to the FBI building was a truly stupid decision and realistically the last thing he should have done (am well aware he wasn't thinking straight but still). Mitchell foreseeing he would do that isn't explained really and doesn't make sense.
Much has also been said in general to Season 11 that the character of Tara Lewis is a disconnected and dull character that doesn't gel with the team, and Aisha Tyler's acting has also been criticised, both criticisms this reviewer shares. However, she is not as big problem here in "The Witness", she doesn't add an awful lot but she doesn't bring things down anywhere near as much as she has often done. She also has some lovely chemistry with Reid here.
On the whole "The Witness" does a great job with two seemingly disconnected stories, tied together tautly and with great suspense and tension. Luckily it doesn't feel disjointed, and does not suffer from the "too many cooks spoiling the broth" that doomed the rushed, too over-cluttered and underdeveloped "Target Rich" (very much a lesser episode of the show. It also is one of the few episodes of Season 11 that doesn't lose sight of what makes 'Criminal Minds' so great.
Charlie and Mitchell are two of the season's most interesting and memorable supporting characters, particularly the wonderful showpiece that is the character of Charlie. Tim Kang is a revelation in the role, giving a performance of great intensity and touching vulnerability, his desperation apparent every step of the way. Mitchell is portrayed with magnificent malevolence also.
As ever, it is a beautifully made episode and well-directed. It also has haunting use of music without being melodramatic and the end song provides suitable melancholy. The script is thought-provoking and tightly structured, with nice moments with Reid and Rossi. The acting is very good, the performances of Charlie and Mitchell have already been mentioned but Matthew Gray Gubler and Joe Mantegna stand out of the regulars. The team dynamic is still pleasing and well-used.
Overall, the third best episode of Season 11 and one of the few good episodes of the season. 8/10 Bethany Cox
To me, actually, it is one of the better episodes of the season and one of about only three or four episodes that are good in a season that has been largely average at best and poor at worst. It's not as good as "The Job" and especially "Entropy", two of the better episodes of the latter seasons.
But it is a third best with the better-than-given-credit-for "Beautiful Disaster" (though Morgan's exit arc generally could have been better handled) coming in fourth. Sure it's not flawless, Charlie going to the FBI building was a truly stupid decision and realistically the last thing he should have done (am well aware he wasn't thinking straight but still). Mitchell foreseeing he would do that isn't explained really and doesn't make sense.
Much has also been said in general to Season 11 that the character of Tara Lewis is a disconnected and dull character that doesn't gel with the team, and Aisha Tyler's acting has also been criticised, both criticisms this reviewer shares. However, she is not as big problem here in "The Witness", she doesn't add an awful lot but she doesn't bring things down anywhere near as much as she has often done. She also has some lovely chemistry with Reid here.
On the whole "The Witness" does a great job with two seemingly disconnected stories, tied together tautly and with great suspense and tension. Luckily it doesn't feel disjointed, and does not suffer from the "too many cooks spoiling the broth" that doomed the rushed, too over-cluttered and underdeveloped "Target Rich" (very much a lesser episode of the show. It also is one of the few episodes of Season 11 that doesn't lose sight of what makes 'Criminal Minds' so great.
Charlie and Mitchell are two of the season's most interesting and memorable supporting characters, particularly the wonderful showpiece that is the character of Charlie. Tim Kang is a revelation in the role, giving a performance of great intensity and touching vulnerability, his desperation apparent every step of the way. Mitchell is portrayed with magnificent malevolence also.
As ever, it is a beautifully made episode and well-directed. It also has haunting use of music without being melodramatic and the end song provides suitable melancholy. The script is thought-provoking and tightly structured, with nice moments with Reid and Rossi. The acting is very good, the performances of Charlie and Mitchell have already been mentioned but Matthew Gray Gubler and Joe Mantegna stand out of the regulars. The team dynamic is still pleasing and well-used.
Overall, the third best episode of Season 11 and one of the few good episodes of the season. 8/10 Bethany Cox
