In its prime (Seasons 1-5, with Season 4 to me being the best and most consistent season with a lot of classic episodes and even the weakest episodes being far from awful) 'Criminal Minds' was one of my favourite shows. From Season 6 it did become hit and miss, with the odd gem, but a lot of average episodes and some stinkers.
Season 12 so far has been nowhere near as bad as feared, all things considered with its significant changes and troubled behind the scenes. Nothing exceptional yet but no low-points either. While better than "Taboo" and "The Anti-Terror Squad", "Surface Tension" is one of the weaker episodes of the season so far. Not a low-point (none of the Season 12 episodes have reached that level yet), but "Surface Tension" is a long way from classic 'Criminal Minds' and as far as Season 12 goes thus far it's no "Elliot's Pond" or "Mirror Image".
One thing that immediately stands out is that Reid is back after being sorely missed in the previous two episodes. He is utilised brilliantly, even if his subplot with his mother takes up a little too much time of the episode. 'Criminal Minds' has always worked far better when there is an ideal balance of case and personal life, there is too much somewhat too much personal life and not enough case. With that being said, Reid's subplot is far more memorable than the case and is really quite wonderfully done, it was often very moving and tackled a very difficult subject with sensitivity and tact. Matthew Gray Gubler and Jane Lynch's (once again proving that she is as good in drama as she is in comedy) tour-De-force acting helps enormously.
Visually, the episode is very well shot and lit and is overall stylish, gritty, classy and atmospheric. The music is moody in the haunting and melancholic sense and fits well, without either enhancing or distracting from it. Direction is also good.
Acting across the board ranges from very good to great, Gubler and Lynch taking the acting honours. Eric Henry impresses too as Bryce.
Sadly, the case itself does bring "Surface Tension" down. It has far too much of an odd atmosphere and has a tendency to be very confused, raising a lot of questions that could have been much better answered. There is a complete lack of tension and suspense as well, and creepiness is sacrificed by too much weirdness going on. The unsub's motive is incredibly flimsy and one of the most confusing things about the episode.
While the team work cohesively and solve the case without baseless conclusion jumping or Garcia providing too conveniently the answers, one can't help thinking that they take too much of a back-seat. Rossi has the most screen time but some of the rest seem underused. Alvez this said has settled in nicely. This cannot be said for Walker who is still rather bland and doesn't gel yet. The script is good in Reid's subplot but patchy with the case.
In conclusion, loved Reid's subplot but the case left me underwhelmed. 6/10 Bethany Cox