(S02E01) I really like this show and I think CBS was smart to give it a second season. It's nothing special, just remarkably consistent in the sense that at the end of the episode I always feel satisfied. Like I didn't waste my time by watching the whole hour. Unlike say any of the three Law and Order series. I've always found those shows to be a crap shoot. Sometimes they're good (really good), but more often than not... they're crap. With Criminal Minds, I dunno... it's like Won-Ton soup. You just can't go wrong.
The episode picked up right where last season's finale left off, so if you missed it, the first ten minutes probably made no sense. The main thing to draw from it was the cliffhanger: last season ended with Agent Elle Greenaway being shot and now her condition is critical. She's alive though, so the whole thing is a moot point. Her "I'm lying on the operating table and talking to my dead father" delusions, while informative, really served no purpose other than breaking up the episode. That was the only thing I didn't like, or I should say I didn't see the point. Why not just leave her out of the episode (keep us wondering for one more week) and give the main story some more plot points?
Regardless, the main story was very good. I loved how they tied it all together through Reid's estranged mother. At first it seemed far fetched to me but as it unfolded and her relation to The Fisher King became clear, I was impressed. On a sidenote, while I think Jane Lynch is a wonderful actress, I always laugh when I see her because all I can think about is her role as Laurie Bohner in A Mighty Wind.
Kudos to the people who went ahead and cracked the code over the summer. I know I read numerous blogs over the past few months and they had all pegged The Collector by John Fowles as the book Reid would need. I didn't realize how it would tie into the episode though. You can see the cover of a 1963 edition of the book to the left and it has all the elements that The Fisher King weaved into his game: the yellow butterfly, the skeleton key, and the locket of blonde hair. Kind of cool. If anything, it just goes to show you the amount of detail that went into writing this two-part episode.
Oh, another random side note. I'm very glad they've added Kirsten Vangsness (she plays Garcia) into the main title sequence. She's a big part of the show and deserves to be part of the credited cast.
Overall though, a very good premiere. As I mentioned before, if you're looking for an alternative to Law and Order or The Closer or any of those other cop procedurals, Criminal Minds might be worth checking out this season. Nothing too wild, just what you expect... am I the only one who thinks that's a good thing?
Six Mad Men characters who are in limbo after the finale
Fact or Fiction: Big Bang, Brothers & Sisters and CSI
The TV Squad Podcast: Linda Purl talks about The Office, we talk spoilers, and more
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-21-2006 @ 12:06AM
RedPen said...
I thought this was one of the tightest pieces of writing I have ever seen. I kept looking at the clock during commercial breaks and finding that far less time had passed than I'd thought.
The stuff with Elle was okay; I'll admit it was the weakest part of the show. But it was a nice break from the tension AND a "character insight"-- not an easy thing to really have time for on this show.
I was afraid that they'd have so much to cover that the episode would be jumpy, but it wasn't. It was seamless and gripping from the get-go, and I am thoroughly settled in now to enjoy a new season.
MEGA-KUDOS!!
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:46AM
imdennycrane said...
Nice return episode. I could have done without the Elle visions but no big deal. It was nice to see Reid take more of a center stage - he's a well-written character. I have to admit - I was looking forward to this more than L&O:SVU's return.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:46AM
kdog said...
Hey--anyone know what the song was that was at the end of the Crim. Minds Fisher King episode????
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:46AM
udaman1k said...
The Riddle by Five for Fighting
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:46AM
Zoots Mom said...
I love that show and last night was great. It's slowly becoming popular here. I'm convincing people, one by one, to give it a chance.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:47AM
Kendra said...
Hey everyone i just got done watching the Criminal Minds show (the 1st one for this season) Im looking to find the quote i know who they said the quote was from but i got on here and ive went through about a hundred sites and i cant find it does anyone happen to have that quote, I want to use it for my work. I would thank you so much. (it was right as it was ending)
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:47AM
E. Robinson said...
I watched the series premiere last night. It was excellent. I think this is the best cast. I loved the way it showed them all at the end. Garcia and Morgan together and Hotch cleaning Elle's home. It was so good the way they brought Reid's mother into it and learned more about him.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:47AM
E. Robinson said...
excellent season premiere
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:47AM
Michael said...
I totally agree with your synopsis of this episode. This show just keeps drawing me in each week more and more. I was a casual viewer in the beginning but now I'm definitely hooked. I guess I realized that when I had to make the choice on which show I would Tivo and which I would watch live and CM made the cut easily for last night (sorry, Justice).
One of the things I was most concerned about last season was that this show would turn into a Mandy Patinkin vehicle. Surprisingly, they have balanced out the characters quite nicely right down to minimal screen time for Mandy in this ep. Give us more of everyone and this universe is one we will care deeply for. Kudos!
Your comment about Jane Lynch made me laugh. Having just rewatched The 40 Year Old Virgin again last week all I could see was her as the store manager trying to have sex with Steve Carrell. On a similar note, last year when the series began it took me several weeks to identify where I knew Elle from. Another nice surprise once I figured out I had seen her lure Adriana in on The Sopranos.
I just love this show!
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 8:47AM
E. Robinson said...
I can't confirm my email. I have clicked on my email address and nothing happens
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 9:54AM
ferley said...
I wished the Elle was written off the show!! Her character is just annoying, but whatever. What was up with Reed?? I mean he was talking in loops. Everything he said was connected in some way. Like a tv show detective which he is but come on!! I like this show sometimes. I think it should have not been picked up for a second season. And that is all i have to say about that.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 9:55AM
Ben Woocher said...
I think that's the whole point of Reed's (sp?) personality. He's a double Ph.D genius, who thinks in terms of codes and riddles. There was the thing last season about Hotch not wanting to give him a gun, because that would go against who he is, (and he wasn't good with it in the begining).
All in all, great episode. Next week looks goods too.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 9:58AM
Dani said...
I have liked this show from the beginning and was glad to see it was renewed. I think it is more character driven than the procedurals out there (any flavor of L&O and CSI). Don't get me wrong I like the L&O and used to watch CSI but this has a different spin much like Cold Case has a diffrent spin.
I agree that the Elle scenes semed to even out the pacing with the tension driven scenes.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 5:54PM
Mitch said...
Good show, but I couldn't help saying that Elle was turning into Kevin Finnerty.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 11:51AM
Bcush1 said...
Hey ferly, looks like you're going to get your wish. According to TV GUIDE. Elle's character is being written out after this season's 6th episode. Lola Glaudini is apparently leaving to pursue other interests. They are currently courting Portia De Rossi from Arrested Development as a new character that will replace Elle. Apparently De Rossi has yet to accept.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 12:39PM
Greg said...
Brilliant episode. I love this show and the characters.
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 2:45PM
Jason said...
Great episode love the show and I am looking forwars to a full season. There two things I am looking for am also looking for the song at the end of the episode of "The Fisher King part II". There was also a quote mentioned at the by that was supposedly by Rose Kennedy but I can locate it on any website if anyone could help out there I would be very grateful. Thanks and enjoy watching.
Reply
9-23-2006 @ 2:31PM
Curtis Abrahamson said...
lyrics/song for Criminal Minds 9-20. Thanks!
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 9:06PM
Kendra said...
Jason im like you Im wanting that quote I have been every where looking for that quote by Rose Kennedy and i cant find it, If you do will you please let me know and I will do the same thing Thanks :)
Reply
9-21-2006 @ 11:13PM
Kendra said...
Ok this is what i have found so far its not the whole quote but its something
It was about time doesn't heal all wounds, that our brains - in order to retain their sanity - cover them up with scar tissue? Something like that.....I *think* he said it was by Rose Kennedy
This is what i came up with but something is missing from it... maybe we can fill in the rest cause it just dont sound right to me something is off
People say that time heals all wounds, But I think time doesnt heal the wounds, I think that in fact our brains in order to retain their sanity, it just covers up the memories with scar tissue.
Reply