3x02, "In Birth and Death"

[beatriceeagle]

Spoilery reactions below the cut.



There was good and there was bad. I think the good overshadowed the bad.

There was just so much in this episode. Every character had a moment; most characters had several moments. On the other hand, that meant that a lot of the paralleling got spread thin. (The unsub was an obvious parallel to Hotch; he was also an obvious parallel to Reid. And then Haley leaving paralleled Gideon leaving, and Gideon leaving paralleled Reid's father leaving, and in the end, there really only is one character n Criminal Minds.)

But the Prentiss love! It made me happy.

Also, apparently Chris Mundy doesn't want us to forget about Reid and his phantom drugs. Couldn't be because he wrote the script where it all started, could it? (On the other hand...with everything they're doing to Reid...)

And Hotch. Was so in character. So. Very. In. Character. "Why would I ever want to leave the BAU?"

YES! THANK YOU! HOTCH IS NOT AN AMBITIOUS STRAIGHT-LACED FBI GUY! He just pretends to be one. And he really doesn't want to run the FBI someday. (Because then he'd have to play politics. And that's just icky.)

And no, Haley, it isn't enough for Hotch to just have a happy life. I think that's pretty clear. I don't so much mind that she left him. I think that she's actually put a lot of effort into being supportive, and this was just...too much. But the leaving without telling him while he's on a case? Not cool. (On the other hand, I think he expected it a little bit.) Also, my sister thinks (and I agree) that she's cheating on him. Go and rewatch the phone call scene. You'll see.

Also, Prentiss is not a cold-hearted bitch, she's a woman who wants very much to fit in and also very much to make it on her own. And the world doesn't seem to want that for her. And dammit, she's still managing to do it anyway. (And she hates politics just as much as Hotch does. Note the image of her over the image of D.C.)

(And, to put it in matociquala's words, "Emily's idea of 'in town' involves a doorman." Gi-freaking-gantic apartment.)

And Reid. Reid and his Saying Too Much. "Forget it, it's off the standard profile." "What if he's just trying to be perfect?" *pats*

And Gideon should have killed himself. It wouldn't have been out of character (he's a fighter, but he is beyond screwed up by this), and it would have spared us the, "They're bringing Gideon back in a few episodes! I'm sure of it!" that we're bound to get.

On the other hand...they've done enough to Reid. *glares at the teaser for next week*

Oh! And Prentiss got a little bit of Reid in her this week. What with the running into the serial killer's home. And the concussion.

Have I left anything out?

Oh. Yes. That.

Reid! Drove! A car!

*finishes drinks forevermore*



Well. That was longer than I expected...

Comments

[matociquala.livejournal.com]

Haley's cheating or pregnant.

coffeeem pointed out that Gideon left the same way Mandy did. And Our Guys dealt with it with class.

Hotch = unsub.

Reid = unsub's kid.

Haley = unsub's wife.

Get it? Got it. Good.

[saltedpork.livejournal.com]

awwwwwww Graciaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!

I cant believe this, but my mom realized that Haley was cheating like 10 or 15 minutes into the episode. I probably should have noticed it at the hung up phone call moment too, but I think I'm just to socially unaware.
I'm pretty sure that she's cheating at least, but you know that show, it so unpredicatble.

I'm so glad that they brought up the serious drug probelm thing. Especially Hotch. I don't know why, but I think I perfer him saying it over Gideon.

not only did Reid drive a cra, but it was like the coolest car ever. seriously, I want that car. He should name it. It can be Esther's boyfriend.

I totally adore the way they ended it. It was like ray of hope kind of thing. I think traveling the world looking for answers is a more Gideon-esque thing to do. And, horrah, less trauma for Reid, I love it.


although they left it open for Mandy Patinkin to pull another Chicago Hope, which sucks ass.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

I had not twigged to the significance of Reid's appearance at Gideon's cabin! Although I did kind of swoon over the car's cool vintage nature. How good to know that he is, in fact, capable of driving.