Criminal Minds (TV Series) Hamelin (2019) User Reviews

Hamelin

[bobcobb301 · 6/10 · 18 January 2019]

It wasn't a bad episode here, but they really went off the rails with what it was that was driving the kids to make this decision.

That is often the case with Criminal Minds. A good premise when we first see it, but the explanation rarely lives up to the hype.

Creepy and intriguing premise, disappointing conclusion

[organicoreo · 8/10 · 12 November 2020]

Like another reviewer has said, the case itself was interesting and scary, but led to a disappointing end. It was creepy and unique, but the explanation for the unsub's actions and the children's was extremely lackluster, much like most of the episodes have felt. Also agree that it was a little weird hearing ASMR pronounced as "az-mer" by Reid, to where I did not even realize that that was what he was talking about.

I thought Rossi (as usual) held some great moments with his sass during the interrogation and Tara had her badass moment as well. Penelope, on the other hand, wasn't a stand out for me. Her long winded tangents were not well welcomed in this case for me, most of it fell very flat and she really needed to just get to the point here.

JJ's subplot with her mother wasn't the most interesting thing and her conflict with her felt like drawn out teenage angst. However, the conclusion was moving and nicely done--it didn't feel too soapy but wasn't necessarily a fantastic ending, because the conflict wasn't interesting either.

Overall, disappointed in the ending, but the case itself was intriguing, unique, and pleasantly disturbing.

The Piper walks past the pond: Good direction undermined by subpar writing.

[Washi_Washi · 6/10 · 26 January 2021]

With a nod to creepy child-based horror tropes, "Hamelin" starts off thrillingly. Even with the urgency usually felt in episodes involving child abductions, this particular one manages to up the creep factor unexpectedly, and for the direction I give props.

Unfortunately, the writing doesn't quite do the case justice. The premise behind the method used by the UnSub is an interesting one, but it is underdeveloped. You don't quite get a clear picture of the How and the episode skates past that connection to finding the UnSub. Too much information about the UnSub's motives and trigger is revealed in too short a frame, and the pieces don't fit together as organically as the show has proven to be capable of. The direction is undermined by the shoddiness of the story, and you're left feeling quite unsatisfied at the end of the case.

An element of Criminal Minds that I greatly enjoy is the look into the team's lives beyond their work. It has driven some of the best episodes of the show overall, and provides a much needed regular dose of levity through the seasons. While the subplots that revolve around either the team as a whole or members individually/in sub-units are a welcome window into their personal lives, a common criticism of the later seasons remains that far too much focus is given on a particular member. "Hamelin" thankfully, stays truer to form. It's an emotional look at JJ's personal trauma and how that impacts her relationship with her mother, and AJ Cook puts thought into her work: the attention paid to body language is clever. The sub-plot doesn't overwhelm but that might be more because it is the only well written portion of the episode.

Given that this season has been pretty Reid-starved, I liked that he got to show off a little physical skill for once. It tips a hat to his character development over the course of the show, and is a nice touch for a traditionally nerdy character!

"There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in"

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 8 December 2020]

As has been said quite a number of times, Season 14's twelfth episode (of fifteen) "Hamelin" is heavily influenced by a story made famous by the Brothers Grimm. Won't name it now, it's been mentioned already, as it will give away too much of the plot line. Actually read the story again recently in preparation for the episode after reading up what to expect, and actually forgot and didn't realise when younger how under the surface creepy it is.

"Hamelin" was for me a very well done episode and a big improvement over the disappointing previous outing "Night Lights", which was a case of a lot of good ideas not fully formed or coming together as an overall whole. Also found it one of the better episodes of a mixed bag of a season, made better by its atmosphere and one of the stronger cases of the season. Even if a couple of ideas weren't followed all the way through and "Hamelin" does begin a lot stronger than it finishes.

Once again, the production values don't disappoint. Especially in the early stages where the photography really adds to how unsettlingly the story begins. The music is ominous enough and the theme tune hasn't lost its memorability fourteen seasons on. Actually had no problem with the acting, the regulars are on point as usual (apart from a slightly bland Adam Rodriguez, though his material is to blame). Matthew Gray Gubler and Paget Brewster coming off best. The supporting cast aren't as strong but are solid enough. The side subplot doesn't distract and is suitably bittersweet, while Rossi is a joy as usual. Am so glad that "Hamelin" didn't underuse Reid, which was something that annoyed me about "Night Lights".

The script is again thought-provoking, entertaining and tight. Really enjoyed the story up until the climactic moments. The opening sequence is the single creepiest opening of Season 14, being the only one to actually freak me out. There is genuine tension and one really roots for the outcome to be successful. It was a good move to not reveal the unsub too early or overuse them, which would have taken away from the suspense, and there are some interesting and plausible turns in the plot (including having a character that one is convinced that they are responsible until proven wrong) and a creepy atmosphere throughout. Not just early on but the lead up to the climax unsettles too. The modus operandi is a unique one for Season 14 and in 'Criminal Minds' for a while and very clever and elaborate (risky though too). The motive is not so unique, actually guessed it not too far in but because of the who and how aspects not being obvious.

With all of that being said, "Hamelin" could have been even better than it was. The climax did feel very rushed in pace and how it is staged, it did need a few minutes more to be explained more and it would have helped make the unsub's behaviour more believable and less sudden.

For me too, Alvez is bland and too in the background with little to do. He may as well not been in the episode at all and his absence wouldn't be noticed. Do agree that some of Garcia's writing was too long winded.

Summing up, very impressed. 8/10

Dumbest Episode

[olantern1 · 1/10 · 14 September 2021]

This one was the most ridiculous, dumbest episode of an otherwise great show. The kids are being lured away by ASMR videos? Seriously? What genius came up with that idea? The whole thing was just a mess.

How stupid and illogical

[loveestokiohotel · 2/10 · 13 October 2021]

Using ASMR to cause euphoria and kidnap children? WOW this is so far-reaching, it's incredible this was even green lit. My only + was seeing Reid doing his prison thing.

A Great Plot But Poor Acting In This Episode.

[coti-09553 · 10 January 2019]

A Great Plot But Poor Acting In This Episode.

Hamelin:

The BAU team investigates apparent child abductions.

Video shows danger recurring.

They soon find a cause of what is happening. (Not Much Of A Stressor Though)

Soon one town is in panic at this incident of children (supposedly) disappearing.

This episode could have been better in some parts.

The plot is probably the best part of this specific episode.