This episode, once again, had potential, but suffered from a wide range of issues. It felt like it should have been a two-part case but was condensed into one. It seems like Criminal Minds for the past couple of seasons continue to keep pulling from past cases either as copycats or comebacks, which isn't by itself a bad thing but it is when it isn't executed very well.
"Ghost" was not a very tightly knit episode, with many plotholes, shallow dialogue, and rushed directing. There was no tension, not even during Alvez and Simmons' abduction. This felt reminiscent of Derek Morgan's abduction and torture in "Derek," but with less torture. Alvez and Simmons, the "tough guys" of the team after the OG "tough guy" left, are able to conveniently save themselves, save for when the team comes in to hit a perfect shot to make sure we know this isn't completely the Alvez-Simmons show.
The directing here feels oddly choppy, with changing shots that are noticeably rough in transition and just not well done. The script here is really lacking for me. Much of the dialogue isn't very good, either too cringey or melodramatic. The acting was also poorer than usual for this show, especially with the victims. Alvez was uncharacteristically unlikeable here from the beginning scene about Simmons' busy newborn schedule. It felt as if he's been pushed into a typical role of an ignorant "mansplainer." Garcia was not very interesting or likeable in this episode either and the most unbelievable part here was her "tattoo" database search with such a poor drawing. Tara's acting was not convincing after the abduction and it felt very melodramatic. A positive side to this episode was Rossi and his relationship to the boys. It was touching hearing him refer to them as his own sons.
Overall, the episode was not very good or memorable. It had the potential makings of something interesting but lacked the suspense, tension, and tightknit writing that would have made it great. Sorely disappointing for one of the few episodes of our last season.
"Ghost" was not a very tightly knit episode, with many plotholes, shallow dialogue, and rushed directing. There was no tension, not even during Alvez and Simmons' abduction. This felt reminiscent of Derek Morgan's abduction and torture in "Derek," but with less torture. Alvez and Simmons, the "tough guys" of the team after the OG "tough guy" left, are able to conveniently save themselves, save for when the team comes in to hit a perfect shot to make sure we know this isn't completely the Alvez-Simmons show.
The directing here feels oddly choppy, with changing shots that are noticeably rough in transition and just not well done. The script here is really lacking for me. Much of the dialogue isn't very good, either too cringey or melodramatic. The acting was also poorer than usual for this show, especially with the victims. Alvez was uncharacteristically unlikeable here from the beginning scene about Simmons' busy newborn schedule. It felt as if he's been pushed into a typical role of an ignorant "mansplainer." Garcia was not very interesting or likeable in this episode either and the most unbelievable part here was her "tattoo" database search with such a poor drawing. Tara's acting was not convincing after the abduction and it felt very melodramatic. A positive side to this episode was Rossi and his relationship to the boys. It was touching hearing him refer to them as his own sons.
Overall, the episode was not very good or memorable. It had the potential makings of something interesting but lacked the suspense, tension, and tightknit writing that would have made it great. Sorely disappointing for one of the few episodes of our last season.