I so enjoyed the easy transitions Thomas Gibson gave us from reality to Derek’s mind sequences. Throughout the whole episode it just seemed to flow naturally.
I’ve read around the internet that some folks didn’t quite believe Derek’s reactions to his own kids when meeting them in that first dream sequence. I myself thought it was spot on. Real Derek has no idea what his mind is going to conjure up to protect itself in advance, therefore we got the timid, hesitant and confused Derek as he enters his home. I really enjoyed the "Twilight Zone" look Derek had through those sequences in his house. I think if I had been having those hallucinations, especially of Hotch telling me to do the right thing regarding my job or my family, I would have thought I was in the "Twilight Zone" myself.
There were some continuity issues that gave me pause. I did very much like that Derek was able to ‘remember’ things Reid and even the others had said to him in ‘real time’ that helped him survive. I got a chuckle out of Dream Derek’s version of Garcia walking into that field. It was just the right amount of levity to lighten the darkness of the episode. I also, liked how again Penelope was able to instill in Derek that “The Team” was working with him in a sense. That his mind was extended into her realm (computers), so use it.
While personally I would have preferred more of the rest of the team I am very content with their roles as each member was written correct to their characterization. I know lots of people loved the fact that Reid ‘made the kill shot’ to save Derek, reaffirming the so called Derek/Spencer bromance, however for me it felt a bit off for Reid. I’m not a big fan of Reid using a gun, period. I always held to what Gideon told him about “You don’t have to use a gun to kill someone” when I think of Spencer in those situations. I would have much rather have seen Hotch storm through the door to Derek and maybe have a line from Hotch about “trusting Hotch with his life” in reference to the Derek/Hotch conversation at the end of Mayhem. But that is a personal preference and takes nothing away from the overall excellence of this episode.
While I’m sure there are a lot of fans/viewers wanting explanations about why Derek? Why do these people want to do this? What’s the cause, the reason for all this? I’m positive that the reason we didn’t get answers is because this episode wasn’t the end of the situation by a long stretch. I’m looking forward to Criminal Minds 250th episode that should provide us with more answers as to the remaining unanswered questions from this episode. I’m also looking forward to Episode 18 which seems like it will be the wrap up for this whole arc.
Mordred’s overall grade – A+ (9.625-10)
- Script – A- (8.5-10)
- Directing - A+ (9.5-10)
- Casting – A+ (10-10)
- Acting – A+ (9.5-10)
- Production (set-design, make-up, special effects, etc.) – A (9-10)
Thank you!
~~~~Mordred
