The previous episode "Lucky" was one of Season 3's (not a perfect season with some bumpy moments but when it was great it was brilliant) high-points, and not just the most disturbing 'Criminal Minds' episode up to that point but one of the most disturbing full-stop. Its successor "Penelope", which continues where "Lucky" left off, is every bit as good.
Like what was said with "Lucky", 'Criminal Minds' nearly always had top notch production values, apart from a few lesser episodes suffering from editing problems on top of everything else wrong with them. "Lucky" is no exception. Visually, it is dark and stylish stuff, reminiscent of what you'd find for a moody thriller or a truly creepy horror and actually a combination of both. The music is full of haunting atmosphere and never feels over-the-top.
Script is thought-provoking, taut and intelligent, with a lot of emotive ones from Garcia, and the direction is solid. The story is hugely compelling from start to finish, you really care what happens to Garcia right from the start and JJ's line at the end couldn't have been a more apt summation of the team dynamic.
The tension, urgency, emotion and suspense levels are pushed to the maximum in the most thrilling, frightening and poignant of ways. Garcia and Morgan's relationship sees some really touching moments and Rossi's forceful tough love attitude did see a lot of taut tension and was essential to the BAU getting the information they needed. The climax was immensely satisfying, and "Penelope" is rich in character development and does it in a way where Garcia and the insight into her past are fascinating without slowing down the episode or bloating it. This is something that has been done wrong more times than one can count, but "Penelope" excels brilliantly at this.
All the acting is great, Kirsten Vangsness and Shemar Moore are simply terrific while Joe Mantegna gives much intensity to Rossi. A post-'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Nicholas Brendan is a strong presence and fits very well. Bailey Chase poses a good threat.
Criticisms in "Penelope" are very few, the only ones for me being that the team could have shown more concern for Garcia post-surgery and Garcia being discharged from hospital far too quickly.
In summary, riveting episode that has one on the edge of their seat. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Like what was said with "Lucky", 'Criminal Minds' nearly always had top notch production values, apart from a few lesser episodes suffering from editing problems on top of everything else wrong with them. "Lucky" is no exception. Visually, it is dark and stylish stuff, reminiscent of what you'd find for a moody thriller or a truly creepy horror and actually a combination of both. The music is full of haunting atmosphere and never feels over-the-top.
Script is thought-provoking, taut and intelligent, with a lot of emotive ones from Garcia, and the direction is solid. The story is hugely compelling from start to finish, you really care what happens to Garcia right from the start and JJ's line at the end couldn't have been a more apt summation of the team dynamic.
The tension, urgency, emotion and suspense levels are pushed to the maximum in the most thrilling, frightening and poignant of ways. Garcia and Morgan's relationship sees some really touching moments and Rossi's forceful tough love attitude did see a lot of taut tension and was essential to the BAU getting the information they needed. The climax was immensely satisfying, and "Penelope" is rich in character development and does it in a way where Garcia and the insight into her past are fascinating without slowing down the episode or bloating it. This is something that has been done wrong more times than one can count, but "Penelope" excels brilliantly at this.
All the acting is great, Kirsten Vangsness and Shemar Moore are simply terrific while Joe Mantegna gives much intensity to Rossi. A post-'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Nicholas Brendan is a strong presence and fits very well. Bailey Chase poses a good threat.
Criticisms in "Penelope" are very few, the only ones for me being that the team could have shown more concern for Garcia post-surgery and Garcia being discharged from hospital far too quickly.
In summary, riveting episode that has one on the edge of their seat. 9/10 Bethany Cox