So just finished episode. And I must say I liked it for the most part. The opening with the annoying teenagers... Yep I can relate having raised 3... Morgan/Savannah was ok... Not too over the top but I do question the chemistry between them at times. I liked how Garcia presented the case and the interaction between all of the team in the Roundtable room. I didn't like Kate's snarky comment when they finished. Is that now standard from the writer's? Garcia was very good in this episode and not too flamboyant. Kudo's to Rick for that. Reid and Morgan together at the first crime scene worked.. and I liked for the most part the pairs. Hotch wasn't 'invisible' in this episode as I was thinking he might be as Thomas was busy finalizing his episode Boxed In when this was filmed. What I didn't like was 'again' JJ/Morgan along with Kate now did the take down of the kid. I didn't like Morgan stressing over shooting a kid... Like Hotch said, He didn't shot a kid, he shot a serial killer. That kids was just 'creepy'... a real whackadoodle... I liked the irony of both Morgan and Savannah getting called into work again after agreeing to live together... So over all I would give this episode a B to B-....
agree the opening was good, I enjoyed the interaction between all of the team in the round table, finally we see Garcia working with the team, no in a isolated athmosphera, agree she was great. and i liked the fact that we don't see the unsurb so soon. But i din't enjoy Morgan and savannah storyline. and again: morgan/jj/Callahan.... please more Reid Hotch Garcia and Rossi...
i enjoy this episode, except for morgan and Savannah relation, i'm waiting so long for Morgan and Garcia to be a couple...i don't need to see bed scenes etc,this isn't a soap opera but it would be nice to see Morgan and Garcia to become a couple, and still be best friends. It wouldn't change that much the beautiful relation they alreday have... maybe another CM wedding
They do make some space for Kate, But she was there with the JJ and Morgan(again) when taking down the unsub, then got angry at the press, but when they came back from the commercial, JJ/Morgan were in the ambulance, and she disappeared, just like everyone else because you know it's JJ and Morgan's show! Sarcasm :/
In this instance the answer is an easy one: an scene after a shooting can't be abandoned by all the agents present, at least one must remain in the premises to keep it uncompromised for the investigation is going to follow.
Morgan couldn't be, he was the one who had discharged his weapon. And of the other two, Callahan has seniority over JJ (not in the BAU, but in the FBI), thus making her the one who had to be left behind.
And even if you don't accept that, with Morgan obviously shaken up for having to shot a teen, JJ being the one that goes with him makes sense because he's more likely to feel comfortable with her than Kate, who's still the new agent.
Sir Elyan, Thank you so much for that explanation. It has helped me to put things more into perspectives. ITA with you saying it had to be JJ and your reasons why.Unfortunately due to what many of us fans feel has been a blatant over use of this character,while other characters keep disappearing, it is sometimes easy for us to lose that perspective. Which sometimes can make it very difficult to be objective when it comes to JJ.
Sir Elyan, I get your explanation, but I think they should have switched JJ with Kate, I mean, as much as they are trying to make it as if JJ is and was always "the best agent in the world" wasn't she a press liason first? She should have stayed behind at the parking lot and with the press instead. And Morgan has not had any problems being comfortable with newbies so far.
I'm too someone who loved JJ pre-season 6, was my favorite female character because she managed to be smart and witty and a great professional without hiding her humanity, and she was a different kind of agent, period. So I understand where you are coming from more than you can imagine, and I rarely comment so I don't make it easy to know what I think in many issues.
Last season was such a complete disaster for the JJ character from any angle you try to analyze what was done to her and with her, that I too have to force myself to be objective when studying any given situation where she's involved this season.
Tammi Laura
Tammi, if they had used JJ to deal with the press, then they should have had someone else from the team to help Morgan; flirting or being friendly with someone new is one thing, but that was not the time and certainly his head couldn't be further from those kinds of thoughts.
And to be even clearer, it was obvious since nearly the beginning of the episode that nobody was going to "deal" with the madhouse the press was creating, so doing it then wouldn't have made one iota sense.
You've made yourself painfully clear since last season what you think of JJ, and that's your right, but don't expect the writers to not use JJ, specially in those situations where using that character makes the most sense. Myself, I'm only thankful that they're using her much better this season than they did the last ones, even if I too would be thankful if they used her less than they're.
Sir Elyan; If I understand you correctly, you're saying that CM doesn't participate in the blog? If that is (or isn't) true, do they at least read what's posted? I look forward to your input. It 's insightful and on point. RTF
I am not Sir Elyan but will still answer since I am one of the admin here. No this blog or its twitter account is not associated with CM, its cast or crew. We are a fans blog, we were lucky enough to visit the set in season 8 (episode 8.02) and sat on the table read. We posted here about this visit. Since we got to visit the set, we feel safe in saying people on CM read this blog and I am sure other blogs/sites etc...just like CBS does too. In the days of social media anyone on CM can, if they so desire, read what fans think of the show can do so easily, we are one of the many outlets out in cyberspace where people can read about CM.
I really liked that the unsub wasn't revealed. It brought to mind earlier seasons. Kudos for that. And lol, I knew there was a reason I don't like selfies.
I skipped last week to avoid another JJ fest. I tuned in one last time... to catch another JJ fest. Reid actually had two or three lines before disappearing. Another EPIC FAIL... and my last one. I'm totally done.
I feel your pain Heartbroken, believe me I do. I am so fed up with JJ. I feel like giving up on this show myself. But I will probably hold out a little longer for Reid's sake. This show use to be must see tv for me.Now I don't even watch it in real time anymore. Instead I now watch it On Demand whenever I get around to it.
Liked the episode. The case was very good and interesting. Good look at those teens today who are posting selfie all the time and are so self involed.
We had some twisst and I liked that the team had to adjust the profile as they learn more about the killer. Thanks god we saw the killer only at the end! I love to guess who is doing it and watch the team work the case and this was well done tonight.
The murders were pretty gruesome, nails gun? yick!
Was weird not to see the team fly out somewhere! but love how they worked from the roundtable room. I really liked Garcia in this one, not over the top and her scene with Morgan in his office was good. btw I love her bunker, have fun looking at the figurines she does have all over the place.
Excellent scene at the end with the kid , the one who created the Mirror Man character, who visited his friend who turned out to be the unsub in the hospital. The unsub was so unsettling. he had no remorse for what he did, was just into the whole fame thing. No doubt he was one sick puppy.
Glad Hotch did set Morgan's right about his guilt for shooting the kid, yes he didn't shoot a kid but a serial killer. Speaking of Hotch, loved the interrogation scene of the creepy fan. I love how he looks at suspects and just show no emotions, never gives anything away, he observe people for signs that will tell him what he needs to know about those he interrogate.
The Morgan and Savanah relationship is not doing much for me. Morgan was always a player for me and seeing him settle down is just ...wrong!
there wasn't much I didn't like, except not much Reid and where did Rossi go? JJ was good BUT must she be on every take down of the unsub?
Anyway, Rick did well with this one, enjoyed it and for me this one gets a 8.5 out of a 10!
disagree about the team flying out, it's nice to see them working out but also at the office. and i agree. morgan an savannah storyline, isn't doing much for me either
The opening scene for me was bit distracting with the Christmas decorations. Thank you Rick for the line about Christmas after the Thanksgiving stuffing. My sentiments exactly. Sorry, holiday rant over.
I really enjoyed seeing the team together in the Round Table room more. That was great to have them all together. But a question: when does Hotch eat?? Just a thought. And I loved the team broke down into three sub-teams instead of the usual partner pairing. That was a great touch.
As I die hard Hotch fan, I could complain about he not being around. However, I know TG had just finished his directing stint, so I understand. And kudos to Rick for using TG in just the right spots, with Hotch being the Unit Chief that he is. I really, really enjoyed the scene at the hospital with him and Morgan.
Like I told Rick on Twitter, this episode had a Red Sea of red herring suspects. I had hoped the first guy in the opening scene wasn't our unsub; sure enough, he wasn't.
To the take down scene of the unsub: I thought it perfectly fit. Morgan, with his background is obviously the lead; his primary target is the unsub. Callahan in the middle of the three agent approach, has the angle to cover the scene. That leaves JJ on the other side to do the talking. It fit perfectly for me. What I did miss was the tongue lashing that feisty Agent Callahan (whom I like more and more) gave to the TV crew. I'd have loved to seen that!
The Morgan/Savannah story line? Meh...I'm not totally into it but I can live with it. I felt it showed they both have demanding careers in the real world of helping people and they're trying to balance that. The end scene proved that for me.
Yet, in my final analysis, there was just something off with this episode that I can't put my finger on. It just didn't have the gripping "I gotta watch" feel to it for me. But it was solid episode and I didn't see the unsub early.
Haha. I agree especially about the Christmas thing and I work retail as a supervisor. We had Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise right next to each other. We christianed it "happy hallow-thanks-mas"
Anyway, I'm not sold on Morgan and Savannah. I Liked Kate's part in the takedown but missed Reid, Hotch and Rossi.
Rockie, I agree with you, The Christmas decorations were distracting, and confusing. With Morgan and Savannah, I think we've seen Morgan go in so many different directions with women, most of us aren't used to seeing him with only one. I like, and also agree, that the apparent hide tearing rant Kate gave the news crew would have made for a really good scene. I don't think CBS would have allowed it though, way too close to home. I also agree that the "need " to watch Criminal Minds in recent weeks has softened. Could it be the infusion of the several tension packed episodes that have over loaded our senses? To answer the others here who feel there is too much JJ time, I have a question. Given how much time it took for TG to prepare for his Halloween episode, and that most everyone else has directed, Would AJC sitting in the directing chair help you overcome your obsession with the amount of screen time she seems to be getting? Too me, it seems like the best of both worlds. You would have limited exposure to AJC, and the rest of us would see an episode through her eyes. Just thinking out loud. All in all, I thought it was a good episode. Good plot, Great twist, The original briefing was way off the mark. And the closing was well portrayed by the unsub, showing just how turned inside out he really was. Reminds me of something Gideon said in one of the early episodes. Teenagers all test out as psychopaths before the age of 18. RTF
It was just about OK but I wasn't really engaged with it. It just felt RD was trying way too hard to bring in as many teen and social media references as he could. And I find Morgan and Savannah unconvincing and boring. It's a C and Could Do Better from me.
The teenagers in this episode was right on the spot! I had to laugh, its just so true. I liked Garcia and Morgan in his office, it was so natural and familiar. Cool that they didn't fly away somewhere, that was kind of new! Like last time the action was reduced, and it gave the episode this sort of calming effect and it was nice to watch. It felt like the team was in control. It was great that we didn't get so see the unsub until the end, just like old times :)
I don't know why I even bother coming here to read the comments. As usual everyone wants to hate on JJ. She is the same compassionate loving character that she always has been. She is a FBI profiler now....she deserves the right to be a part of taking down the unsub as any of the others do. I am done coming here just to see everyone act like she is getting more screen time than any of the othbers. That being said, I like Morgan having a relationship with Savannah. Morgan are Garcia are friends and I am glad they haven't put them in a relationship.
Then by all means do not come here if all you want is for people to agree with you. This thread is about the episode and what people think. you do not agree then say WHY you do not, post WHY you think JJ is still the same character. People are not asking her NOT to be on the take down of the unsubs but not to be one NEARLY every take down of the unsubs. As for JJ getting more screentime, some have actually timed how much screentime she gets and yes she gets a lot more than some other characters.
On the Garcia and Morgan relationship I agree with you, they are friends only.
I have posted on this blog for a long time now. And ONE THING is consistant here verses anywhere else in the CM fandom.... CMRT respects 'all' opinions....Everyone is allowed their voice good or bad and are answered with respect also.
To come here and blast the Blog and it's posters for voicing opinions is a bit disingenuous of you. If you don't agree with a posters views, state so and 'why'.... And it's been said many fans have actually calculated the screen time JJ's had last year and this year and while this year she has been characterized in a much better light she has also gotten an above average amount of screen time. Grant it 7 episodes in and it's not as much as last year but there is still alot of episodes to go.
JJ now will have 2 dominant episodes before the xmas break where Reid has had 'none'... Also, many fans find the 'disappearing' of characters for seemingly no reason annoying. If you truly have seen all the past episodes you would see clearly a better balance between cast in S1-5... I hope you would stay if only to be a differing voice. But if your goal is to get people to only agree with your vision of any of the characters, then maybe CMRT isn't the place you should be posting.
I am curious about what brings people onto these forums. I come to state my opinion on each episode and to read what others think, Of course not everyone agrees with me and I like to try to understand how they view the cases and characters so differently than I do. I have very strong views about certain characters and love to debate in depth. But both here and on other forums I see posters leaving because there is what appears a strong slant of criticism against certain characters - notably JJ and Garcia. Surely it is better to stay and argue your viewpoint than just leave in a huff because people don't think as you do. Are there forums where all the JJ fans gather to say only nice things? I like this forum because I feel safe in expressing how I feel about a show I love even when others may think the opposite to me. I love it when we roar off into a long debate like we did for the previous episode. Surely it is much more fun and interesting to debate opposing views than just to denounce people with a different viewpoint as "haters" and leave? I wish the JJ fans would come back and try to change how I feel.
We have said often, this blog is a place to discuss and yes ARGUE about the good and the not so good about CM. All voices and opinions are welcomed as long as people are polite and respectful when stating their opinions or arguing. And NO arguing or posting a negative opinion about a character doesn't equal being hateful. For some reason some think if someone disagree with others opinion and yes they state their diverging opinion then they are haters.
You are right Mary, those who like the new JJ or want more of her would be better posting about it and arguing why they think so and want more of her. Going away only gives all the space to those who do not like the new JJ and want less of her.
Last, Mary your opinions like anyone else are welcomed as long as you explain why new JJ is not cutting it for you. We will never shut you up, or anyone else, because we do not agree with you, all we will do is argue with you or anyone else :) This is why this blog exist, to discuss and yes argue about the tv show Criminal Minds.
I couldn't agree more with you.... My feeling is that if 'everyone' felt and said the same "Rah Rah... ohhh it's always excellent" sentiments then 1. This world would be pretty vanilla and 2. Nothing would evolve. Constructive critisim even if spoken with zeal is always that constructive.
Stating ones opinion and why in detail can and often does open up new insights for others. We all don't think the same, react the same or feel the same about any aspect of the show. It's nice to see and try to understand the different viewpoints.
This is my favorite show-or was. I really feel JLH doesn't fit in with the cast. I cry at the end of every show because it is not as good now. I really hope JLH leaves this show soon!!!
Can you expand on how JLH doesn't fit. Personally I believe the writers have done a much much better job on integrating her into the show then they did for Jeanne T. or Rachel Nichols. When RN joined the cast as Seaver it was completely unbelievable and unrealistic. Yes, she did manage to have lighter more easy going storylines with the rest of the team however, all that was overshadowed by her 'look'... She was a 20 something version of JJ only taller... And with all the hoopla over AJC/PB being fired she nor any other actress stood a chance at gaining acceptance back then. Jeanne on the other had simply had 'nothing' decent written for her on the whole. Sadly it took her leaving to get a very good very emotional revelation about her son Ethan.
While I don't mind Kate Callahan or JLH I do wish they would tone down the snarky/sarcastic comments she makes more often then not. Other then that she's hasn't been overpowering on the screen and I enjoy seeing her with Rossi and Hotch. Those scenes come off as both of them mentoring her into the role of profiler on the team. As long as JLH is happy AND if there is a S11 there is a good chance the JLH will remain on the cast for the rest of the shows run.
After watching this show for 10 yrs and 208 episodes I've seen characters come and go. Some I missed some not at all. And while I rewatch episodes on DVD I do not want to see any one of them 'come back'.... I understand alot of fans who have a problem with JLH is that they are upset that Prentiss isn't back. At the end of last season Paget's fans were very vocal about how JT's leaving opened the door for Paget to return. Thing is Paget's fans didnt' take into consideration that she doesn't want to return. That was made clear in the first episode this season where Rossi says "Hotch called her and asked her to come back she said she doesn't want to". That said I will always give a new cast member a chance for their first season to see if they grow into the role and fit well.
I think the fact that CM is "not as good now" has nothing to do with JLH and more to do with the writing and the direction the show has taken over recent seasons. I feared that JLH would be the main focus this season and would dominate the show but so far they have introduced her reasonably slowly and believably. It is too early after only 6 episodes to assess what she brings to the table but so far, so good IMO. I also have some reservations about the hardline comments she makes to and about criminals but I can accept that as maybe her trying to present a strong image in a new job. I'd like to see if Hotch pulls her up on that. I miss Blake and still feel they missed a chance to write her properly but JLH is doing OK so far.
I like Kate, like her snarkiness but then again I was Prentiss fan and loved how funny and snarky she could get. Her 'm'am' to Strauss in episode '100' is a classic!
Agreed with Mary, so far the writers have not overloaded the viewers with Kate in every situation. Her introduction and incorporation to the BAU is well done. As for the actress who play the character, have very little to say, beside CM never seen her in anything else, and I think she is doing a good work on CM.
LovedCriminalMinds40, can you define why you do not like her? Is it the character? The actress? The storylines written for the character?
Respectful opinions, and constructive disagreement is welcomed, but insulting/foul-mouthed, malicious, or just plain disrespectful comments towards anyone are not, and will be removed.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.
So just finished episode. And I must say I liked it for the most part. The opening with the annoying teenagers... Yep I can relate having raised 3... Morgan/Savannah was ok... Not too over the top but I do question the chemistry between them at times.
ReplyDeleteI liked how Garcia presented the case and the interaction between all of the team in the Roundtable room. I didn't like Kate's snarky comment when they finished. Is that now standard from the writer's?
Garcia was very good in this episode and not too flamboyant. Kudo's to Rick for that.
Reid and Morgan together at the first crime scene worked.. and I liked for the most part the pairs. Hotch wasn't 'invisible' in this episode as I was thinking he might be as Thomas was busy finalizing his episode Boxed In when this was filmed.
What I didn't like was 'again' JJ/Morgan along with Kate now did the take down of the kid. I didn't like Morgan stressing over shooting a kid... Like Hotch said, He didn't shot a kid, he shot a serial killer. That kids was just 'creepy'... a real whackadoodle...
I liked the irony of both Morgan and Savannah getting called into work again after agreeing to live together...
So over all I would give this episode a B to B-....
agree the opening was good, I enjoyed the interaction between all of the team in the round table, finally we see Garcia working with the team, no in a isolated athmosphera, agree she was great. and i liked the fact that we don't see the unsurb so soon. But i din't enjoy Morgan and savannah storyline. and again: morgan/jj/Callahan.... please more Reid Hotch Garcia and Rossi...
Deletei enjoy this episode, except for morgan and Savannah relation, i'm waiting so long for Morgan and Garcia to be a couple...i don't need to see bed scenes etc,this isn't a soap opera but it would be nice to see Morgan and Garcia to become a couple, and still be best friends. It wouldn't change that much the beautiful relation they alreday have... maybe another CM wedding
DeleteYes! totally agree about Morgan and Garcia.
DeleteWHY do Reid and Kate, (and this episode Rossi) keep DISAPPEARING?? WTF?
ReplyDeleteKate disappearing? i agree about Reid and Rossi, but enought of Kate, they make a lot of space for her
DeleteThey do make some space for Kate, But she was there with the JJ and Morgan(again) when taking down the unsub, then got angry at the press, but when they came back from the commercial, JJ/Morgan were in the ambulance, and she disappeared, just like everyone else because you know it's JJ and Morgan's show! Sarcasm :/
DeleteIn this instance the answer is an easy one: an scene after a shooting can't be abandoned by all the agents present, at least one must remain in the premises to keep it uncompromised for the investigation is going to follow.
DeleteMorgan couldn't be, he was the one who had discharged his weapon. And of the other two, Callahan has seniority over JJ (not in the BAU, but in the FBI), thus making her the one who had to be left behind.
And even if you don't accept that, with Morgan obviously shaken up for having to shot a teen, JJ being the one that goes with him makes sense because he's more likely to feel comfortable with her than Kate, who's still the new agent.
Sir Elyan,
DeleteThank you so much for that explanation. It has helped me to put things more into perspectives. ITA with you saying it had to be JJ and your reasons why.Unfortunately due to what many of us fans feel has been a blatant over use of this character,while other characters keep disappearing, it is sometimes easy for us to lose that perspective.
Which sometimes can make it very difficult to be objective when it comes to JJ.
Sir Elyan, I get your explanation, but I think they should have switched JJ with Kate, I mean, as much as they are trying to make it as if JJ is and was always "the best agent in the world" wasn't she a press liason first? She should have stayed behind at the parking lot and with the press instead. And Morgan has not had any problems being comfortable with newbies so far.
DeleteDebra
DeleteI'm too someone who loved JJ pre-season 6, was my favorite female character because she managed to be smart and witty and a great professional without hiding her humanity, and she was a different kind of agent, period. So I understand where you are coming from more than you can imagine, and I rarely comment so I don't make it easy to know what I think in many issues.
Last season was such a complete disaster for the JJ character from any angle you try to analyze what was done to her and with her, that I too have to force myself to be objective when studying any given situation where she's involved this season.
Tammi Laura
Tammi, if they had used JJ to deal with the press, then they should have had someone else from the team to help Morgan; flirting or being friendly with someone new is one thing, but that was not the time and certainly his head couldn't be further from those kinds of thoughts.
And to be even clearer, it was obvious since nearly the beginning of the episode that nobody was going to "deal" with the madhouse the press was creating, so doing it then wouldn't have made one iota sense.
You've made yourself painfully clear since last season what you think of JJ, and that's your right, but don't expect the writers to not use JJ, specially in those situations where using that character makes the most sense. Myself, I'm only thankful that they're using her much better this season than they did the last ones, even if I too would be thankful if they used her less than they're.
Sir Elyan; If I understand you correctly, you're saying that CM doesn't participate in the blog? If that is (or isn't) true, do they at least read what's posted? I look forward to your input. It 's insightful and on point. RTF
DeleteRobert,
DeleteI am not Sir Elyan but will still answer since I am one of the admin here. No this blog or its twitter account is not associated with CM, its cast or crew. We are a fans blog, we were lucky enough to visit the set in season 8 (episode 8.02) and sat on the table read. We posted here about this visit. Since we got to visit the set, we feel safe in saying people on CM read this blog and I am sure other blogs/sites etc...just like CBS does too. In the days of social media anyone on CM can, if they so desire, read what fans think of the show can do so easily, we are one of the many outlets out in cyberspace where people can read about CM.
CMRT; Thank You again for a clear answer. I look forward to further comments from you RTF
DeleteI really liked that the unsub wasn't revealed. It brought to mind earlier seasons. Kudos for that. And lol, I knew there was a reason I don't like selfies.
ReplyDelete^wasn't revealed EARLY! sorry about that.
DeleteI skipped last week to avoid another JJ fest. I tuned in one last time... to catch another JJ fest. Reid actually had two or three lines before disappearing. Another EPIC FAIL... and my last one. I'm totally done.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain Heartbroken, believe me I do. I am so fed up with JJ. I feel like giving up on this show myself. But I will probably hold out a little longer for Reid's sake. This show use to be must see tv for me.Now I don't even watch it in real time anymore. Instead I now watch it On Demand whenever I get around to it.
Deletesorry i may too, i try but just can't enjoy Callahan or JJ that much,
DeleteLiked the episode. The case was very good and interesting. Good look at those teens today who are posting selfie all the time and are so self involed.
ReplyDeleteWe had some twisst and I liked that the team had to adjust the profile as they learn more about the killer. Thanks god we saw the killer only at the end! I love to guess who is doing it and watch the team work the case and this was well done tonight.
The murders were pretty gruesome, nails gun? yick!
Was weird not to see the team fly out somewhere! but love how they worked from the roundtable room. I really liked Garcia in this one, not over the top and her scene with Morgan in his office was good. btw I love her bunker, have fun looking at the figurines she does have all over the place.
Excellent scene at the end with the kid , the one who created the Mirror Man character, who visited his friend who turned out to be the unsub in the hospital. The unsub was so unsettling. he had no remorse for what he did, was just into the whole fame thing. No doubt he was one sick puppy.
Glad Hotch did set Morgan's right about his guilt for shooting the kid, yes he didn't shoot a kid but a serial killer. Speaking of Hotch, loved the interrogation scene of the creepy fan. I love how he looks at suspects and just show no emotions, never gives anything away, he observe people for signs that will tell him what he needs to know about those he interrogate.
The Morgan and Savanah relationship is not doing much for me. Morgan was always a player for me and seeing him settle down is just ...wrong!
there wasn't much I didn't like, except not much Reid and where did Rossi go? JJ was good BUT must she be on every take down of the unsub?
Anyway, Rick did well with this one, enjoyed it and for me this one gets a 8.5 out of a 10!
disagree about the team flying out, it's nice to see them working out but also at the office. and i agree. morgan an savannah storyline, isn't doing much for me either
DeleteThe opening scene for me was bit distracting with the Christmas decorations. Thank you Rick for the line about Christmas after the Thanksgiving stuffing. My sentiments exactly. Sorry, holiday rant over.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed seeing the team together in the Round Table room more. That was great to have them all together. But a question: when does Hotch eat?? Just a thought. And I loved the team broke down into three sub-teams instead of the usual partner pairing. That was a great touch.
As I die hard Hotch fan, I could complain about he not being around. However, I know TG had just finished his directing stint, so I understand. And kudos to Rick for using TG in just the right spots, with Hotch being the Unit Chief that he is. I really, really enjoyed the scene at the hospital with him and Morgan.
Like I told Rick on Twitter, this episode had a Red Sea of red herring suspects. I had hoped the first guy in the opening scene wasn't our unsub; sure enough, he wasn't.
To the take down scene of the unsub: I thought it perfectly fit. Morgan, with his background is obviously the lead; his primary target is the unsub. Callahan in the middle of the three agent approach, has the angle to cover the scene. That leaves JJ on the other side to do the talking. It fit perfectly for me. What I did miss was the tongue lashing that feisty Agent Callahan (whom I like more and more) gave to the TV crew. I'd have loved to seen that!
The Morgan/Savannah story line? Meh...I'm not totally into it but I can live with it. I felt it showed they both have demanding careers in the real world of helping people and they're trying to balance that. The end scene proved that for me.
Yet, in my final analysis, there was just something off with this episode that I can't put my finger on. It just didn't have the gripping "I gotta watch" feel to it for me. But it was solid episode and I didn't see the unsub early.
Rockie grades this a B.
Haha. I agree especially about the Christmas thing and I work retail as a supervisor. We had Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise right next to each other. We christianed it "happy hallow-thanks-mas"
DeleteAnyway, I'm not sold on Morgan and Savannah. I Liked Kate's part in the takedown but missed Reid, Hotch and Rossi.
Rockie, I agree with you, The Christmas decorations were distracting, and confusing.
DeleteWith Morgan and Savannah, I think we've seen Morgan go in so many different directions with women, most of us aren't used to seeing him with only one.
I like, and also agree, that the apparent hide tearing rant Kate gave the news crew would have made for a really good scene. I don't think CBS would have allowed it though, way too close to home.
I also agree that the "need " to watch Criminal Minds in recent weeks has softened. Could it be the infusion of the several tension packed episodes that have over loaded our senses?
To answer the others here who feel there is too much JJ time, I have a question. Given how much time it took for TG to prepare for his Halloween episode, and that most everyone else has directed, Would AJC sitting in the directing chair help you overcome your obsession with the amount of screen time she seems to be getting? Too me, it seems like the best of both worlds. You would have limited exposure to AJC, and the rest of us would see an episode through her eyes. Just thinking out loud.
All in all, I thought it was a good episode. Good plot, Great twist, The original briefing was way off the mark. And the closing was well portrayed by the unsub, showing just how turned inside out he really was. Reminds me of something Gideon said in one of the early episodes. Teenagers all test out as psychopaths before the age of 18. RTF
It was just about OK but I wasn't really engaged with it. It just felt RD was trying way too hard to bring in as many teen and social media references as he could. And I find Morgan and Savannah unconvincing and boring. It's a C and Could Do Better from me.
ReplyDeleteThe teenagers in this episode was right on the spot! I had to laugh, its just so true.
ReplyDeleteI liked Garcia and Morgan in his office, it was so natural and familiar.
Cool that they didn't fly away somewhere, that was kind of new!
Like last time the action was reduced, and it gave the episode this sort of calming effect and it was nice to watch. It felt like the team was in control. It was great that we didn't get so see the unsub until the end, just like old times :)
totall agree Liv,
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I even bother coming here to read the comments. As usual everyone wants to hate on JJ. She is the same compassionate loving character that she always has been. She is a FBI profiler now....she deserves the right to be a part of taking down the unsub as any of the others do. I am done coming here just to see everyone act like she is getting more screen time than any of the othbers. That being said, I like Morgan having a relationship with Savannah. Morgan are Garcia are friends and I am glad they haven't put them in a relationship.
ReplyDeleteThen by all means do not come here if all you want is for people to agree with you. This thread is about the episode and what people think. you do not agree then say WHY you do not, post WHY you think JJ is still the same character. People are not asking her NOT to be on the take down of the unsubs but not to be one NEARLY every take down of the unsubs. As for JJ getting more screentime, some have actually timed how much screentime she gets and yes she gets a lot more than some other characters.
DeleteOn the Garcia and Morgan relationship I agree with you, they are friends only.
I meant 'not to be on NEARLY...'
DeleteYou know Susie
ReplyDeleteI have posted on this blog for a long time now. And ONE THING is consistant here verses anywhere else in the CM fandom.... CMRT respects 'all' opinions....Everyone is allowed their voice good or bad and are answered with respect also.
To come here and blast the Blog and it's posters for voicing opinions is a bit disingenuous of you. If you don't agree with a posters views, state so and 'why'.... And it's been said many fans have actually calculated the screen time JJ's had last year and this year and while this year she has been characterized in a much better light she has also gotten an above average amount of screen time. Grant it 7 episodes in and it's not as much as last year but there is still alot of episodes to go.
JJ now will have 2 dominant episodes before the xmas break where Reid has had 'none'...
Also, many fans find the 'disappearing' of characters for seemingly no reason annoying. If you truly have seen all the past episodes you would see clearly a better balance between cast in S1-5... I hope you would stay if only to be a differing voice. But if your goal is to get people to only agree with your vision of any of the characters, then maybe CMRT isn't the place you should be posting.
I am curious about what brings people onto these forums. I come to state my opinion on each episode and to read what others think, Of course not everyone agrees with me and I like to try to understand how they view the cases and characters so differently than I do. I have very strong views about certain characters and love to debate in depth. But both here and on other forums I see posters leaving because there is what appears a strong slant of criticism against certain characters - notably JJ and Garcia. Surely it is better to stay and argue your viewpoint than just leave in a huff because people don't think as you do. Are there forums where all the JJ fans gather to say only nice things? I like this forum because I feel safe in expressing how I feel about a show I love even when others may think the opposite to me. I love it when we roar off into a long debate like we did for the previous episode. Surely it is much more fun and interesting to debate opposing views than just to denounce people with a different viewpoint as "haters" and leave? I wish the JJ fans would come back and try to change how I feel.
ReplyDeleteMary,
DeleteWe have said often, this blog is a place to discuss and yes ARGUE about the good and the not so good about CM. All voices and opinions are welcomed as long as people are polite and respectful when stating their opinions or arguing. And NO arguing or posting a negative opinion about a character doesn't equal being hateful. For some reason some think if someone disagree with others opinion and yes they state their diverging opinion then they are haters.
You are right Mary, those who like the new JJ or want more of her would be better posting about it and arguing why they think so and want more of her. Going away only gives all the space to those who do not like the new JJ and want less of her.
Last, Mary your opinions like anyone else are welcomed as long as you explain why new JJ is not cutting it for you. We will never shut you up, or anyone else, because we do not agree with you, all we will do is argue with you or anyone else :) This is why this blog exist, to discuss and yes argue about the tv show Criminal Minds.
CMRT admin
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with you.... My feeling is that if 'everyone' felt and said the same "Rah Rah... ohhh it's always excellent" sentiments then 1. This world would be pretty vanilla and 2. Nothing would evolve. Constructive critisim even if spoken with zeal is always that constructive.
Stating ones opinion and why in detail can and often does open up new insights for others. We all don't think the same, react the same or feel the same about any aspect of the show. It's nice to see and try to understand the different viewpoints.
This is my favorite show-or was. I really feel JLH doesn't fit in with the cast. I cry at the end of every show because it is not as good now. I really hope JLH leaves this show soon!!!
ReplyDeleteLovedCriminalMinds40,
DeleteCan you expand on how JLH doesn't fit. Personally I believe the writers have done a much much better job on integrating her into the show then they did for Jeanne T. or Rachel Nichols. When RN joined the cast as Seaver it was completely unbelievable and unrealistic. Yes, she did manage to have lighter more easy going storylines with the rest of the team however, all that was overshadowed by her 'look'... She was a 20 something version of JJ only taller... And with all the hoopla over AJC/PB being fired she nor any other actress stood a chance at gaining acceptance back then. Jeanne on the other had simply had 'nothing' decent written for her on the whole. Sadly it took her leaving to get a very good very emotional revelation about her son Ethan.
While I don't mind Kate Callahan or JLH I do wish they would tone down the snarky/sarcastic comments she makes more often then not. Other then that she's hasn't been overpowering on the screen and I enjoy seeing her with Rossi and Hotch. Those scenes come off as both of them mentoring her into the role of profiler on the team. As long as JLH is happy AND if there is a S11 there is a good chance the JLH will remain on the cast for the rest of the shows run.
After watching this show for 10 yrs and 208 episodes I've seen characters come and go. Some I missed some not at all. And while I rewatch episodes on DVD I do not want to see any one of them 'come back'.... I understand alot of fans who have a problem with JLH is that they are upset that Prentiss isn't back. At the end of last season Paget's fans were very vocal about how JT's leaving opened the door for Paget to return. Thing is Paget's fans didnt' take into consideration that she doesn't want to return. That was made clear in the first episode this season where Rossi says "Hotch called her and asked her to come back she said she doesn't want to". That said I will always give a new cast member a chance for their first season to see if they grow into the role and fit well.
I think the fact that CM is "not as good now" has nothing to do with JLH and more to do with the writing and the direction the show has taken over recent seasons. I feared that JLH would be the main focus this season and would dominate the show but so far they have introduced her reasonably slowly and believably. It is too early after only 6 episodes to assess what she brings to the table but so far, so good IMO. I also have some reservations about the hardline comments she makes to and about criminals but I can accept that as maybe her trying to present a strong image in a new job. I'd like to see if Hotch pulls her up on that.
DeleteI miss Blake and still feel they missed a chance to write her properly but JLH is doing OK so far.
I like Kate, like her snarkiness but then again I was Prentiss fan and loved how funny and snarky she could get. Her 'm'am' to Strauss in episode '100' is a classic!
ReplyDeleteAgreed with Mary, so far the writers have not overloaded the viewers with Kate in every situation. Her introduction and incorporation to the BAU is well done. As for the actress who play the character, have very little to say, beside CM never seen her in anything else, and I think she is doing a good work on CM.
LovedCriminalMinds40, can you define why you do not like her? Is it the character? The actress? The storylines written for the character?