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.
Season 6 was when 'Criminal Minds' became wildly hit and miss, and generally is one of the show's weakest seasons. This said, while there are far better episodes of 'Criminal Minds' in general (as well as worse), "JJ" is not a bad episode at all and serves as an affecting farewell to JJ. Not as good as Middle Man", "Remembrance of Things Past", "The Longest Night", "Into the Woods" and "Hanley Waters", and much better than "Today I Do", "With Friends Like These", "25 to Life" and particularly "The Thirteenth Step".
Not that it was flawless. While the ending itself was very poignant, it came through loud and clear that AJ Cook's firing was abrupt and the writers had to accommodate that and unfortunately the motivation for leaving to me didn't ring true and felt like it was sprung upon too suddenly, it wasn't quite the out with a bang that JJ deserved. The victim seemed underwritten, Strauss is cold and manipulative as ever and the parents were annoying.
As for the case itself, it was intriguing enough with very well written and acted unsubs, but parts like the twist with the submissive and the fate of the victim seemed too obvious early on.
On the other hand, the production values as always are very high in quality, being atmospheric and stylish, while the music has the right amount of the ominous touch and the pathos. The direction is alert and sympathetic and most of the script is thought-provoking with a good balance of mystery, bonding and humour.
"JJ's" unsubs were very interesting and wonderfully acted by Chris Marquette and particularly a creepy Michael Welch. All the regulars are spot on with AJ Cook doing a fantastic job.
Best thing about "JJ" was the team interaction, which was both delightful and touching, particularly JJ and Garcia.
In summary, a pretty good episode and a worthy send off. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Season 6 was when 'Criminal Minds' became wildly hit and miss, and generally is one of the show's weakest seasons. This said, while there are far better episodes of 'Criminal Minds' in general (as well as worse), "JJ" is not a bad episode at all and serves as an affecting farewell to JJ. Not as good as Middle Man", "Remembrance of Things Past", "The Longest Night", "Into the Woods" and "Hanley Waters", and much better than "Today I Do", "With Friends Like These", "25 to Life" and particularly "The Thirteenth Step".
Not that it was flawless. While the ending itself was very poignant, it came through loud and clear that AJ Cook's firing was abrupt and the writers had to accommodate that and unfortunately the motivation for leaving to me didn't ring true and felt like it was sprung upon too suddenly, it wasn't quite the out with a bang that JJ deserved. The victim seemed underwritten, Strauss is cold and manipulative as ever and the parents were annoying.
As for the case itself, it was intriguing enough with very well written and acted unsubs, but parts like the twist with the submissive and the fate of the victim seemed too obvious early on.
On the other hand, the production values as always are very high in quality, being atmospheric and stylish, while the music has the right amount of the ominous touch and the pathos. The direction is alert and sympathetic and most of the script is thought-provoking with a good balance of mystery, bonding and humour.
"JJ's" unsubs were very interesting and wonderfully acted by Chris Marquette and particularly a creepy Michael Welch. All the regulars are spot on with AJ Cook doing a fantastic job.
Best thing about "JJ" was the team interaction, which was both delightful and touching, particularly JJ and Garcia.
In summary, a pretty good episode and a worthy send off. 7/10 Bethany Cox
