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.
After being absolutely blown away by the previous episode "Spencer", easily the best of Season 12 so far, "Collision Course" wasn't quite as good but still a well done episode with many strengths. Not one of the very best episodes of Season 12 so far ("Spencer", "Elliot's Pond" and "Mirror Image") but not the weakest ("Taboo" and "The Anti-Terror Squad", "Seek and Destroy" also could have been stronger). Season 12 so far has been better than expected, much better than the underwhelming Season 11 and did quite well considering the troubled circumstances behind the scenes and the significant changes.
The case itself is not always memorable and is a little rushed in places. Walker is mostly pretty bland in an underwritten role and Garcia often is a ray of sunshine but too much of a caricature who annoys rather than amuses.
On the other hand, visually "Collision Course" looks great. 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. The direction is alert, tense and accommodating.
Much of the script is tense and thought-provoking and while not perfect the case does intrigue, has an interesting unsub and the motivation is believable rather than flimsy or bizarrely convoluted. It's also easy to follow and never takes too much of an odd tone.
Reid's story is a revelation, every bit as shocking, horrifying and moving as it was in "Spencer". The character of Fiona is a good addition. The acting is very good, and most of the team interaction is great especially with Prentiss and thank goodness Rossi is back to his usual self (one of my only complaints with "Spencer" was how out of sorts Rossi was). Matthew Gray Gubler's acting is earth-shattering and sheer perfection.
In summary, not as good as "Spencer" but a good episode and one of the better ones generally of the season. 7/10 Bethany Cox
After being absolutely blown away by the previous episode "Spencer", easily the best of Season 12 so far, "Collision Course" wasn't quite as good but still a well done episode with many strengths. Not one of the very best episodes of Season 12 so far ("Spencer", "Elliot's Pond" and "Mirror Image") but not the weakest ("Taboo" and "The Anti-Terror Squad", "Seek and Destroy" also could have been stronger). Season 12 so far has been better than expected, much better than the underwhelming Season 11 and did quite well considering the troubled circumstances behind the scenes and the significant changes.
The case itself is not always memorable and is a little rushed in places. Walker is mostly pretty bland in an underwritten role and Garcia often is a ray of sunshine but too much of a caricature who annoys rather than amuses.
On the other hand, visually "Collision Course" looks great. 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. The direction is alert, tense and accommodating.
Much of the script is tense and thought-provoking and while not perfect the case does intrigue, has an interesting unsub and the motivation is believable rather than flimsy or bizarrely convoluted. It's also easy to follow and never takes too much of an odd tone.
Reid's story is a revelation, every bit as shocking, horrifying and moving as it was in "Spencer". The character of Fiona is a good addition. The acting is very good, and most of the team interaction is great especially with Prentiss and thank goodness Rossi is back to his usual self (one of my only complaints with "Spencer" was how out of sorts Rossi was). Matthew Gray Gubler's acting is earth-shattering and sheer perfection.
In summary, not as good as "Spencer" but a good episode and one of the better ones generally of the season. 7/10 Bethany Cox