'Criminal Minds' has always been one of my most-watched shows and was a personal favourite for a while. Seasons 1-5 was its best period, Season 4 was especially great. It did get hit and miss from Season 6 onwards, with a mix of good and more episodes and disappointing and less episodes. Season 11 was, apart from about 5 episodes, pretty weak. Season 12 was inconsistent but generally an improvement, its weakest episodes nowhere near as bad as the low-points of Seasons 6, 9 and especially 11.
Season 13 so far has not been too bad, in fact it's been quite good. It is already so much better than Season 11, which started off well actually but quickly went downhill, and has generally settled quicker than Season 12. As far as the previous Season 13 episodes go, "Wheels Up", "Killer App", "Dust and Bones" and "False Flag" were particularly good, with, although "To a Better Place" and "Neon Terror" could have been better, only "Submerged" underwhelming.
"Full-Tilt Boogie" is a better episode than "Submerged" and a decent episode in its own right. There was though scope for improvement that would have made it an even better episode.
Did feel that elements of the case could have gone into more depth, especially the unsub's motives which got lost amidst the story's theme, and while the case is actually a very interesting one there could have been a little more tension and suspense and it could have been more focused (parts do distractingly side-track). There was more scope for more development for the unsub, one of those competent ones without being exceptional.
The climax seemed a bit rushed and would have liked more profiling from the team, the way their role is written here at times it's like the assignment could have gone to anybody.
However, really admired how "Full-Tilt Boogie" tackled its heavy and very relevant theme, which did allow for some truly heartfelt and heart-wrenching moments (like the character of Dana). There are plenty of delightful little moments with the team, especially with Reid and JJ (both awesome) and their interplay and how they work together is done beautifully.
All the acting is strong, especially from Matthew Gray Gubler, AJ Cook and Marcelle LaBlanc. The case is compelling and there are enough suspects and twists to keep one guessing.
Visually, it's stylish and atmospheric. The music is neither over-bearing or too low-key. The writing is thought-provoking and the direction suitably controlled.
Overall, decent well-done episode but could have been even more. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Season 13 so far has not been too bad, in fact it's been quite good. It is already so much better than Season 11, which started off well actually but quickly went downhill, and has generally settled quicker than Season 12. As far as the previous Season 13 episodes go, "Wheels Up", "Killer App", "Dust and Bones" and "False Flag" were particularly good, with, although "To a Better Place" and "Neon Terror" could have been better, only "Submerged" underwhelming.
"Full-Tilt Boogie" is a better episode than "Submerged" and a decent episode in its own right. There was though scope for improvement that would have made it an even better episode.
Did feel that elements of the case could have gone into more depth, especially the unsub's motives which got lost amidst the story's theme, and while the case is actually a very interesting one there could have been a little more tension and suspense and it could have been more focused (parts do distractingly side-track). There was more scope for more development for the unsub, one of those competent ones without being exceptional.
The climax seemed a bit rushed and would have liked more profiling from the team, the way their role is written here at times it's like the assignment could have gone to anybody.
However, really admired how "Full-Tilt Boogie" tackled its heavy and very relevant theme, which did allow for some truly heartfelt and heart-wrenching moments (like the character of Dana). There are plenty of delightful little moments with the team, especially with Reid and JJ (both awesome) and their interplay and how they work together is done beautifully.
All the acting is strong, especially from Matthew Gray Gubler, AJ Cook and Marcelle LaBlanc. The case is compelling and there are enough suspects and twists to keep one guessing.
Visually, it's stylish and atmospheric. The music is neither over-bearing or too low-key. The writing is thought-provoking and the direction suitably controlled.
Overall, decent well-done episode but could have been even more. 6/10 Bethany Cox
