5 reviews
As with most shows 'Criminal Minds' has episodes and seasons that are better than others, and to me "Omnivore" is one of the standouts of the fourth season and one of the better episodes of the show as well.
Flaws are very few and they will seem like very small nit-picks. This reviewer does agree about the accents not being great and that there are a couple of suspension-of-disbelief-that-are-not-so-easy-to-swallow moments. However, it serves as a great introduction to the Boston Reaper, perhaps the most notorious serial killer on 'Criminal Minds' (Billy Flynn and Frank Breitkopf are up there though too) and one of the most chilling, and paved the way for one of the show's better on-going story arcs.
"Omnivore" as always has strong production values, with slick and stylish photography, crisp editing, good locations and some of the most effective use of darkness in the show's history, giving an appropriately ominous feel. The music is sparingly used, but utilised when used in a way that's fitting with the mood and not being intrusive, jaunty or pedestrian. It doesn't enhance as such, but it never distracts either. The theme tune still haunts and hypnotises.
The writing is some of the most taut and thought-provoking of the show, this reviewer appreciated that the comedy relief was kept at minimum seeing as it is a dark story and any more would have spoilt it. The story is tightly paced and absorbing, and one of the darkest and grittiest of 'Criminal Minds' up to this point. While not on screen, the murders and are shocking and the build ups to them suspenseful. The ending also had me floored, having seen many episodes on the show where you know who it is quite early on to find out about three quarters of a way in and find out that it's not who you suspected initially was somewhat refreshing and it's executed really well. The beginning also sets things up excellently, with a sense of dread being evoked even when the Reaper is only being talked about.
All the BAU team are written well, with Hotch (who tended in the early series to be in the shadow of more compelling characters like Reid) being more interesting than usual, while the Reaper is every bit the terrifying criminal mastermind. Directing is always solid and never lets the tension, suspense or the group dynamic dip in impact, and the acting from all the regulars and C. Thomas Howell (whose later appearances were even better than this one) is top-drawer.
In conclusion, great episode and one season 4's standouts. Also does a great job introducing a serial killer and foe that's one of the most notorious and formidable. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Flaws are very few and they will seem like very small nit-picks. This reviewer does agree about the accents not being great and that there are a couple of suspension-of-disbelief-that-are-not-so-easy-to-swallow moments. However, it serves as a great introduction to the Boston Reaper, perhaps the most notorious serial killer on 'Criminal Minds' (Billy Flynn and Frank Breitkopf are up there though too) and one of the most chilling, and paved the way for one of the show's better on-going story arcs.
"Omnivore" as always has strong production values, with slick and stylish photography, crisp editing, good locations and some of the most effective use of darkness in the show's history, giving an appropriately ominous feel. The music is sparingly used, but utilised when used in a way that's fitting with the mood and not being intrusive, jaunty or pedestrian. It doesn't enhance as such, but it never distracts either. The theme tune still haunts and hypnotises.
The writing is some of the most taut and thought-provoking of the show, this reviewer appreciated that the comedy relief was kept at minimum seeing as it is a dark story and any more would have spoilt it. The story is tightly paced and absorbing, and one of the darkest and grittiest of 'Criminal Minds' up to this point. While not on screen, the murders and are shocking and the build ups to them suspenseful. The ending also had me floored, having seen many episodes on the show where you know who it is quite early on to find out about three quarters of a way in and find out that it's not who you suspected initially was somewhat refreshing and it's executed really well. The beginning also sets things up excellently, with a sense of dread being evoked even when the Reaper is only being talked about.
All the BAU team are written well, with Hotch (who tended in the early series to be in the shadow of more compelling characters like Reid) being more interesting than usual, while the Reaper is every bit the terrifying criminal mastermind. Directing is always solid and never lets the tension, suspense or the group dynamic dip in impact, and the acting from all the regulars and C. Thomas Howell (whose later appearances were even better than this one) is top-drawer.
In conclusion, great episode and one season 4's standouts. Also does a great job introducing a serial killer and foe that's one of the most notorious and formidable. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 29, 2016
- Permalink
Finally an episode that is everything Masterpiece (#4.8) aspired to be, yet failed in its we-didn't-really-think-this-through cleverness. In a series that is mainly episodic, this one also contains several nods to long-time viewers and establishes what probably is as close to mythology (in TV trope sense, not cultural sense) as Criminal Minds will ever get. Kudos! Finally we have an episode that measures up to the standards set by "L.D.S.K." (#1.6), "The Fisher King: Part 1" (#1.22), "Revelations" (#2.15), "3rd Life" (#3.12), and "Lo-Fi" (#3.20).
With an episode like this, it's excellence cannot be thoroughly analyzed without spoilers. Since this seems to be universally a highly regarded episode, there is no need to explain in detail why it is good. Suffice to say, the script is amazing, surprising both plot and character-wise: Hotch is finally made interesting! The BAU is up against a true Chessmaster, not a wannabe like the clown in Masterpiece. Brutal, tense and inventive, this is a must-see. The only reason it's "only" a 9/10? It would be a spoiler...
With an episode like this, it's excellence cannot be thoroughly analyzed without spoilers. Since this seems to be universally a highly regarded episode, there is no need to explain in detail why it is good. Suffice to say, the script is amazing, surprising both plot and character-wise: Hotch is finally made interesting! The BAU is up against a true Chessmaster, not a wannabe like the clown in Masterpiece. Brutal, tense and inventive, this is a must-see. The only reason it's "only" a 9/10? It would be a spoiler...
I think that Omnivore is still one Of the better Criminal Minds episodes, serial killers.
- azboomersooner
- Jan 30, 2019
- Permalink