Image taken from the Criminal Minds official Twitter.
Apologies for taking an extra day to myself, I was very busy writing a Throwback Thursday article this week. Overall, this episode was very well presented. Félix EnrÃquez Alcalá did a fantastic job directing this, and Sharon Lee Watson wrote it pretty well. Hotch in casual clothing needs to happen more. And Reid found a love interest! This episode really had it all. Let's get right to the review!
The episode opens with a creepy, ominous, dark setting and there's a woman going home. If I had to guess, she probably won't make it home. She's the wife of a congresswoman, ooh! I'm not a fan of politics, but I admire when the BAU has to get involved with situations like these. Transition to the roundtable, and Garcia informs us that was the last known sighting of this woman. See, what did I tell you? Anyone shown in the first few minutes of an episode of Criminal Minds will most likely not arrive at their destination. Out walks Hotch, and OH, he's not wearing a suit! That's a rare, but lovely sight! Now they're wondering who the real target was: the wife or the husband. On another note, Reid's hair is in a weird place right now. It's getting shorter, but at the same time it's still messy and thick. Interesting. Rossi says that they have to assume it's a kidnapping until proven otherwise; yikes.
The congressman, who I seem to recognize...from somewhere, goes to meet with Hotch is his office. Hotch tries to reassure him that there might not have been foul play. The husband tells him that she is a lovely woman, but him, on the other hand, is not well liked in this city. Well, then. The husband suggests that they have an "equal opportunity offender". Wow, he could be a profiler! Hotch tells him that they're on an information lockdown, that they're not informing the media about this and it is better that way. This is a cool episode so far. Oh, just as I said that a news station is reporting about the case. Uh oh. JJ comes over to Hotch, and I must say I enjoy the work that these two do, and shows him the voicemail the wife left before she was taken. Oh dear, it doesn't sound good. Theme song, play us out!
Opening Quote:
Spoken by Spencer Reid - "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." - Oscar Wilde
Aw, I love it when Garcia analyzes video feeds! And hey, was that Anderson? Yes, it was. Anyway, this congressman has a bunch a committees he sits on. There could be a political influence based on his opinions on certain bills that caused this. Interesting, but again, I don't really get politics. The team notes that nothing was strange or off about the husband's behaviour, so they might rule him out. That's a relief. Oh, Organized Crime thinks it could be the work of a Russian mob. Honour Among Thieves 2.0, anyone? I didn't really like that episode, though. We get a hilarious comment from Rossi, talking to the head from the Organized Crime unit, who just so happened to be the same agent from Penelope (3x09). "You need somebody for an unsavoury job, this is who you call." "1-800-THUG." "Yeah, pretty much." Amazing! "You're welcome to join us as long as you don't jeopardize our case." I'm pretty sure that's the last thing the BAU will do. I really like the feel of this episode so far. The captions that appear on screen, giving you the time of day and how much time has passed since the kidnapping. It really makes you feel like you're watching a classic episode of the show.
Now, Reid is entering some building. He's looking for someone named "Loker". She goes to shake his hand, but Reid doesn't really shake hands. Haha. Whoa, this agent has her work under her Murphy bed. That's pretty neat! And they're speaking Russian together, aw. "There's a lot of down time in surveillance, so I hope you brought something to read." Oh honey, you bet your bottom dollar Spencer Reid has reading material with him. Ouch, Reid spoiled the book for her! She doesn't seem like the nicest woman, but she could be a good fit for Reid, who knows! Aw, the husband is crying, and of course Rossi is here to console him. "Well, try not to beat yourself up too much." What a darling Rossi is. Jeez, A.J. Cook is pregnant here, but she hardly looks it! Of course I have to mention that I love her spending time with the families. The husband father, Paul, also looks very familiar...Hm. I am not okay with Reid looking out windows, ever since Demons (9x24). But there was a very nice shot of him holding up the headphones. They're observing the mob's cleaning woman. Strange. The members come home and start yelling at her, aw. Reid "This is really good coffee, by the way. Coffee's a language in itself." "Who said that, Dickens?" "Jackie Chan." I agree. And it's nice to see that this woman isn't a crazy super genius. Some intelligence would definitely be necessary for a viable partner for Reid, but someone overly confident about it would be a no-no.
Back at the BAU, they're trying to figure out more details about this case. Garcia, though she apologizes, interrupts, and exclaims that there's a reporter in the lobby who says she has important information about the case. She comes "bearing gifts", ooh. She's interfering with the investigation, but she wants an exclusive interview with the husband. The video of the wife that the reporter brought is quite frightening. Although, this reminds a bit of the episode Broken Mirror (1x05). I really enjoyed that one. It's a ransom demand, so of course it's an intense matter here. Now the congressman and his family watch the video. This is disconcerting. Now the husband is starting to lose it. Things aren't adding up. The husband doesn't know what to do, but fear not, Hotch does. A press conference! A genius plan, Hotch. Morgan and JJ are the faces of the conference, excellent. You all already know my opinion of JJ as a liaison, and there has not been enough screen time of Morgan in recent episodes. This is very good. Now the husband is having his interview with the reporter. Something seems very fishy about her. Back with Loker and Reid, Garcia lets him know that Taras is a "very horrible meanie". They then realize that Ivan, the bartender of a strip club, is pulling some strings. Icky.
Meanwhile, Morgan and Hotch are prepping the husband in case a phone call is made from the kidnappers. The caller's name is Victor. The wife gets on the phone, but they have to make sure it's her. He asks her a personal question, i.e. what park did they talk a walk in after their first date. They went to Rock Creek Park, oh. Morgan suggests that they've been played? I certainly hope not! Morgan tries to call Garcia, but he can't reach her. So, he goes into her office. This is adorable! I just want to see them get together, so badly. And now he's alone in her office. In walks Garcia, aw, they're so cute. HE GIVES HER A CUTE KISS ON THE CHEEK! Man, I can't take it. Now they're interrogating Paul, he's too sketchy to be involved, right? And the mother is refusing to speak ill of him. Alright, then. JJ and Morgan are really trying to provoke Paul. He finally tells them that his brother bailed him out, but he's not the man they think he is. Interesting. A family so tight-knit one minute, but ready to throw them under the bus the next minute. Alas, Garcia has found an address. The place seems quiet...almost too quiet. Hotch opens the gift left for them. First it's an earring, then it's an ear. Gross!
The congressman's intern shows up. Former intern, that is. Oh, this suddenly turned into a romance-gone-wrong. I wasn't really expecting that. It kind of puts a damper on this episode. And we were doing so well. Reid and Loker are hearing more about the mob next door (haha, the title of this review). Reid is envisioning the entire thing. And it's getting abusive now, so this is not easy to watch. Reid wants to stop this, but Loker is adamant that it will ruin the case. Morgan, JJ, and Kate are discussing what they were told from the intern and congressman. "I found a smoking gun, or at least the stuff that goes into the gun to make it smoke." Very cute, Garcia. The BAU thinks the congressman pulled off this whole thing. He claims he's just scared of the intern. "I love him, but I also know his weaknesses.", said the intern. See what I mean about their raunchy romance putting a damper in the case? This kind of stuff takes away from the hard-hitting profiling we were getting just a few minutes ago. Hey, at least the congressman is profiling himself. He's a depute narcissist. He just wants his wife back at this point. I don't blame him; this whole thing is getting out of hand. It looks as though they're about to hurt the cleaning woman. Reid has finally had enough, so he starts running after her.
It turns out that the cleaning woman and the mob guy are a couple. And the unsub is a woman. Oh wow. That was a plot twist. They think it could be the mother, who trained her son to be an assassin. Hotch and Rossi go to interrogate her, all the while smiling and smirking at each other watching her unfold. I really love when these two men work together. This is without a doubt the best scene of the episode. They're smiling so cutely while asking her these tough questions. I'm really liking this. They make sure the mother puts an end to this. Thank goodness the wife is okay. "Call me a softie, but this whole thing is turning me into mush." Garcia is just the cutest. Rossi reminds us that this guy could end being the president some day. Oh man. Moreover, Reid and Loker are packing things up. Reid asks her for coffee in Russian, and then he shakes her hand, AWWWW! It's a date! She is pretty great. Transition to the mother in jail and her son meeting her. OH MY WORD, it turns out he was in on it the whole time! Yikes, this guy is sleazy to the max.
Final Thoughts:
If I had to rate this episode, I'd give it a solid B-. It did feel like an old episode, with the pacing of events to follow the unsubs instead of Garcia practically solving it for them. The captions on screen were a nice touch as well. However, the whole storyline with the intern didn't even need to be there. In fact, I think the episode would've been significantly better without it. But they needed us to think she was involved somehow. It was still a decent enough episode, and I'm glad Reid found a companion for this time being. It's too bad that one day she'll be killed, unless she's forgotten about first.
What did YOU think of Rock Creek Park? Are you annoyed that we have yet another week off until we get to see Beyond Borders, the first episode of the possible spinoff? Please be sure to leave a comment down below!
And you are certain the husband was in on it the whole time? I just took it to mean he realized and accepted his mother had done it to further his career and wanted her advice on what his next moves should be.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent episode ! The storyline was great . Like you I really appreciate Hotch in casual clothes and I was so happy for Reid, the poor guy deserves happiness for once ...all the cast got its fair amount of screentime . As long as I have scenes between Morgan/Garcia and Rossi/Hotch, I'll always give an awesome vote even if the episode is awful lol
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't wait for Beyond Borders because I do like Gary Sinise . I miss CSI: NY : )
Thanks for your review .
He said she took it a bit too far (i.e. the ear), but he definitely planned the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteGlad we agree! Thank you :D
ReplyDeleteI actually hadn't considered that idea until it was pointed out on another site, but that's an interesting take on it. Certainly would be good to think he wouldn't actively organize his wife's kidnapping (plus, if his tears were indeed genuine throughout, that would explain that, too).
ReplyDeleteThat said, even if your theory is correct, and he accepted that his mom did it and still chose to work with her anyway, though, that's still unsettling regardless. Any husband in his right mind and worth his salt would immediately distance himself from a mother who would put his own wife in life-threatening danger like that. But politics does weird things to people, I guess. Ultimately, I just hope Sophie gets herself the hell away from that family in general. And the whole thing with the ear...ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
As for the intern, maybe that was a setup by the mom, too, to help hopefully throw the team off in terms of suspecting her? Sure, the congressman had a relationship with her, but I could see his mom finding out about said relationship, thinking that woman was "better" for her son or whatever, and using her in her little schemes. I think that would make that part of the story a little more interesting than just the mere idea of an intern seeking her own revenge. Heck, I can't remember now if they said the reporter was part of the mom's scheme or not-I'd need to go back and rewatch-but if they didn't, it wouldn't surprise me if his mom had a hand in that, too. Making sure one reporter gets "exclusive" access to her son means she can control what gets revealed on television as a result, after all. And any reporter willing to sell their journalistic integrity in the hopes of getting their own name out there on a big story would jump at such an opportunity.
I'm glad you liked the episode overall! I tend to like the episodes written by Sharon Lee Watson, and this is no exception. I agree that the time ticker in the corner really added a sense of urgency to the story, and made us feel like we were right there in the thick of the action. And I loved your callback references to other episodes-I too thought of "Honor Among Thieves" right away when the whole Russian mob angle came up (actually, that part of the story I personally could've done without, simply 'cause I've never been much for mob stories in general. But it gave Reid a reason to speak another language throughout, so that made it worthwhile :D). That's not a top episode of mine, either, but still, always neat to be reminded of old episodes in some form or another from time to time. And I liked the twist at the end, too, even if it was creepy as hell and made me feel even more for poor Sophie.
ReplyDeleteI agree that watching Hotch and Rossi tag team interrogate the mom was fantastic-Hotch is all serious, no-nonsense, giving them the "I'm on to you" glare and making them uncomfortable, while Rossi is smirking and cocky and having great fun with figuring out the unsub's plans. It's a great contrast. And yes to seeing JJ dealing with the media side of things again, and I too liked Morgan going to check on Garcia when she didn't answer the call right away. Those two and their connection to each other...you gotta love it :).
But I was very excited about all the Reid-related aspects of this episode after seeing all the photos and promo and clips and whatnot, and that part of it all was definitely enjoyable for me and my favorite thing about the whole episode. I LOVED seeing Reid's language skills being put to use-if the show ever wants to have Reid speaking other languages again, I am more than fine with that. And I loved seeing him in rescue mode when he thought that lady was in serious danger, too. I quite like it when Reid gets to have his action moments :D.
As for him and Dorian, I agree that their interaction was cute! It kind of makes me sad when I read comments from others elsewhere commenting on her looks and whatnot-first off, have those people forgotten the fact that Reid doesn't really get hung up on a girl's looks? He even said as much when he was talking to Blake about the idea of meeting Maeve in person. And second, he asked her out for coffee, it's not like he asked her to marry him, for goodness' sake. If this is just a one-off thing, then people getting bugged is going to seem even more silly and ridiculous. But if it's not, well, why not see where it goes? As I said elsewhere, personally, I'm just happy to see him regaining that confidence and getting out there again and meeting people. And him asking her out in Russian was utterly adorable, so hey.
If this does turn into something, though, I too desperately hope the show just leaves her alone and doesn't put her in harm's way. I'd like to think they wouldn't be THAT cruel to do that to Reid twice, though. But hey, Rossi lost both Carolyn and Strauss, so...who knows? Still, though, yes, whatever happens, leave Dorian alone, show!
Anyway, great review, as always :). I too am irked there's another week's break...but at least after that we've got new episodes straight through to the end, so woo (plus, I have to work next Wednesday night, so better there's a break anyway :p)! Very interested in the spinoff one in a couple weeks-here's hoping this go-round turns out much better for the show.
I agree because I thought it was not a kidnapping it was supposed to be a murder disguised as a kidnapping gone wrong.
ReplyDeleteOoooo, yuck.
ReplyDeleteI just got the feeling that Moma had always told him what to do so even though he had found out she had done this to move his career along, it was OK and he still needed her help. But LauraLoo77 seems certain he planned it. Just not quite as certain as she is.
ReplyDeleteThat 's terrible that people were commenting on her looks. I had not heard that. They need to give Reid more credit than I give their remarks.
ReplyDeleteYeah, unfortunately there's been a few comments of that sort elsewhere. I agree with you. Part of Reid's appeal is the fact that he's a very deep, thoughtful, non-shallow guy.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention, what fans would think of her is kind of irrelevant, 'cause, you know, they're not the ones going out with her. He is. So...yeah. This fandom does seem very...involved...sometimes when it comes to who the team members date, which is kind of amusing. Personally speaking, whether anyone on the team dated each other or someone outside the group entirely, all I'd care about is that they're happy and that the person they're with treats them well.
And if someone isn't a fan of a significant other someone on the team is dating-they don't see the chemistry or whatever, or they have an in-team pairing they prefer instead, or whatever, okay, that's fine and understandable. But the nasty remarks some people feel the need to make about who the team members are dating can get really ridiculous and annoying. The team's romantic interests over the years have always been portrayed as good, decent people in their own right, and none of the team members have ever gotten all jealous over someone else's significant other (much to the show's credit), and those facts should be acknowledged and respected.
I wouldn't be surprised to learn the truth was somewhere in the middle. I do feel he genuinely didn't expect his mom would take the plan as far as she did, with the ear and everything. But considering the fact that he didn't do what most normal, rational people would do upon finding out their mom put their wife's life at such dramatic risk, which would be to distance himself from her altogether, that seems to signal he had at least SOME role in organizing this whole setup. Even if all his mom told him was that she had an idea involving his wife being in danger or something and he simply said, "Okay" and didn't want any further details (so as to appear as innocent and believable as possible), and she was the one who actively got her hands dirty, so to speak, that would still make him complicit on some level.
ReplyDeleteI for one was delighted that she was unique and not a standard issue . This was a better match for the specialness that is Reid. I would not be surprised if the actor himself had had a say in whom was cast for the role.
ReplyDeleteThat, too, yeah :). I wonder about that sometimes, just how much input the cast has in who their romantic interests will be. In Matthew's case especially, it wouldn't surprise me if he had a say. Which, if that's the case, is rather cool.
ReplyDeleteI still don't know if he knew about it. CM sure did pick a pretty boy to be the scumbag. And, I thought Tess did a marvelous job as "mommy dearest." The bit about the affair could have been edited out. No one, and I mean no one thought that bimbo of a girlfriend would be smart enough to be part of the charade.
ReplyDeleteThe ending was creepy, so creepy. Yes, Rossi, we could be looking at our next president. Kind of scary.
I wonder how long it took MGG to sound that proficient in Russian? I read another reviewer mentioned that they thought Reid wouldn't know that minor other language. Hey, this is Reid we're talking about. Let's hope CM uses his ability to speak again.
Thomas Gibson looked ever so good in causal wear. That's the first thing i noticed in the preview.
I, too, cannot wait for "Beyond Borders," with Gary Sinise. I hope it does better than "Suspect Behavior." I know NCIS does cross-overs with the other two every so often.
Hey, it just seems that way because of the ending. He wanted to boost his credibility and reputation and get the sympathy votes, and since he's a momma's boy, and she would do anything for him, it was a match made in heaven. He even kept up with his brother, who probably could've been on to him (because of his good behaviour and release from rehab) by paying him off. He said "You took it too far" because he probably didn't plan on Sophie's ear being cut off. But he was in on it somehow. That's just how it was laid out for me, based on what was written in the script.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm glad we agree about most things.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Reid is definitely a man not concerned about looks. Although most people he's been after (Lila, Austin, Maeve) have been beautiful, I'd say this could be the right one for him after all. Like I said, she's not a super genius like Maeve was, and she's not completely clueless like Lila was, she's somewhere in the middle like Austin was. And I really like Austin, but where this woman is different is she is not /as/ pretty. And I like that a lot. And she still is /very/ intelligent, she's just not overly confident about it, and I think Reid NEEDS someone like that. Their Russian talk and coffee love was amazing.
ReplyDeleteWell put :). There's enough differences between them that can make their interaction interesting, and yet, she can still keep up with him in certain respects, too. I liked their Russian talk, and the idea of him summarizing books for her :D.
ReplyDeleteI know they referenced Lila in "The Performer", when JJ asked if Reid had ever kept up with her after that case (and I kinda wish he'd answered that question :p!), but it's a shame we never did find out what happened between him and Austin. Sending a card back with your lipstick on it is a rather notable "Hey, let's get together again sometime" gesture, after all! LOL.
Just FYI: according to the writer of the episode, Sharon Lee Watson, the son was NOT on it
ReplyDeleteSource: https://twitter.com/sleewatson/status/581293171746865153
After the creepy end scene I also did not consider other options. But turns out my suspicion was right, and the mother did it (I went from thinking it is her, to the son, to the wife herself...until I decided to believe it is her). And the son was just another creepy, horrible politician, who took advantage of the situation. This might have been the mothers plan and wish all along, and she might have steered him to certain things, but according to the writer he did not now about the kidnapping plan and all that. He just liked the positive ratings and success he got after the event, and turned to his mum to now make up a plan how to "stay popular" and take advantage of the "tragedy".
It is still super creepy to me.
Certainly on some shows with longevity cast members might have more say than with newer ones. In Gubler's case, he crafted and defined Reid ,plus he has directed multiple episodes, so if anyone gets a say it would have to be him. I suspect she was his choice. And by this morning you have probably seen the info from the writer of the episode saying the husband was not an accomplice, but in the end, decided to take advantage of the results. PS Did you see that M.G. Gubler officiated at Paget Brewster's wedding in November
ReplyDeleteCertainly on some shows with longevity cast members might have more say than with newer ones. In Gubler's case, he crafted and defined Reid ,plus he has directed multiple episodes, so if anyone gets a say it would have to be him. I suspect she was his choice.
ReplyDeleteVery true, all of this! Good point. I like that this show allows the cast members to have some input on things regarding their characters and storylines as they do.
I hadn't seen that information, no, but thanks for sharing it! There we go, question officially answered :).
I did see that about Gubler officiating Paget's wedding last year, though, yes-that's so cute and sweet :D. I've heard about how good of friends MGG and Paget are off set, so that just further proves that. Congrats to Paget-I hope married life is treating her well!
(And speaking of Paget Brewster, I don't know if you've ever seen "Community", but she's a regular cast member on that show now and I've been watching the episodes from the new season involving her. She's great on there, and very funny. I love seeing somebody from one show I like being part of another show I like :D.)
Paget Brewster had always said in interviews that she wanted to do comedy.
ReplyDeleteHm, interesting. I still believe he had some prior knowledge of his mother's actions. But thank you for posting this!
ReplyDelete"You took it too far", i can't find it in subtitle, are you sure benjy does said it?
ReplyDelete