When on form, and even better at its best, 'Criminal Minds' is one of my most watched and most re-watched shows and is a personal favourite. It is nowhere near as good now, but there are still good to great episodes made every now and then when the show doesn't forget what it's about, but Seasons 1-5 was its prime period.
"Snake Eyes" sits somewhere around comfortable middle as far as Season 7, without belonging in either extreme of best or worst. much better than "Closing Time", "Divining Rod" (and especially), "I Love You Tommy Brown" and "There's No Place Like Home", but at the same time is not among the best episodes of the season like "True Genius", "The Foundation", "Dorado Falls", "The Company" and "Self Fulfilling Prophecy".
It's one of those episodes that starts off somewhat unimpressively and may make some fans uncertain as to whether to stick with it, stuck with it as a loyal 'Criminal Minds' fan and as someone who is always fair on a film/show/production/episode, never judging before seeing the whole thing. The first half is too unsub heavy to the point of almost being the unsub show, and because the unsub was one that got significantly more interesting by the halfway mark such an emphasis didn't quite feel justified yet.
Also in the first half, the case is a little dull, predictable and slightly repetitive, and some of the team are underused, almost like they were secondary characters in their own show. There is perhaps also a little too much emphasis on the red rimmed eyes, and perhaps a little more explanation as to the significance couldn't have gone amiss.
However, "Snake Eyes" is worth sticking with as it does get significantly better at the halfway mark. The case is more tense and suspenseful, the unsub becomes more interesting and creepier and the team play a far bigger role in the story and their role is intriguing and cohesive with good team-work and procedural aspects.
Visually, the production values are without complaint. It's very well shot and lit and is overall stylish, gritty, classy and atmospheric. Kudos also to the unique (for 'Criminal Minds') casino setting. 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. Some of the script is thought-provoking, tautly written and tightly structured.
The highlights of "Snake Eyes" are the undercover operation, in which Reid plays a delightful large role, and the hugely entertaining exchange where Rossi is persuaded to fund it. The Garcia/Morgan/Kevin subplot also fares well, having an adorable charm and fun and very little annoying immaturity, and doesn't take over too much. The sight of Morgan shirtless is now infamous and understandably, even if he looks like he was doused in glossy oil rather than having come out of the shower.
As to be expected, the acting is very good from all the leads and Dean Cain registers strongly as the unsub.
Overall, wasn't sure about the episode at first but it was worth sticking with due to the much better faring second half. 6/10 Bethany Cox
"Snake Eyes" sits somewhere around comfortable middle as far as Season 7, without belonging in either extreme of best or worst. much better than "Closing Time", "Divining Rod" (and especially), "I Love You Tommy Brown" and "There's No Place Like Home", but at the same time is not among the best episodes of the season like "True Genius", "The Foundation", "Dorado Falls", "The Company" and "Self Fulfilling Prophecy".
It's one of those episodes that starts off somewhat unimpressively and may make some fans uncertain as to whether to stick with it, stuck with it as a loyal 'Criminal Minds' fan and as someone who is always fair on a film/show/production/episode, never judging before seeing the whole thing. The first half is too unsub heavy to the point of almost being the unsub show, and because the unsub was one that got significantly more interesting by the halfway mark such an emphasis didn't quite feel justified yet.
Also in the first half, the case is a little dull, predictable and slightly repetitive, and some of the team are underused, almost like they were secondary characters in their own show. There is perhaps also a little too much emphasis on the red rimmed eyes, and perhaps a little more explanation as to the significance couldn't have gone amiss.
However, "Snake Eyes" is worth sticking with as it does get significantly better at the halfway mark. The case is more tense and suspenseful, the unsub becomes more interesting and creepier and the team play a far bigger role in the story and their role is intriguing and cohesive with good team-work and procedural aspects.
Visually, the production values are without complaint. It's very well shot and lit and is overall stylish, gritty, classy and atmospheric. Kudos also to the unique (for 'Criminal Minds') casino setting. 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. Some of the script is thought-provoking, tautly written and tightly structured.
The highlights of "Snake Eyes" are the undercover operation, in which Reid plays a delightful large role, and the hugely entertaining exchange where Rossi is persuaded to fund it. The Garcia/Morgan/Kevin subplot also fares well, having an adorable charm and fun and very little annoying immaturity, and doesn't take over too much. The sight of Morgan shirtless is now infamous and understandably, even if he looks like he was doused in glossy oil rather than having come out of the shower.
As to be expected, the acting is very good from all the leads and Dean Cain registers strongly as the unsub.
Overall, wasn't sure about the episode at first but it was worth sticking with due to the much better faring second half. 6/10 Bethany Cox
