"Sick and Evil" opens with Gubler absent from the cast once again.
Despite the case being set in a town "that could be the setting for any horror movie ever made", the creep factor is underwhelming and almost cheesy in places. When compared to the much better direction in "Night Lights" or "Hamelin", "Sick and Evil" consistently ruins how the thrill of anticipation/fear builds in scenes where the UnSub strikes.
The UnSub's motivation for the crimes feels weak and underdeveloped. As a result, the plot seems to rely on convenience more than actual deduction. Rossi's trauma from the previous episode is peppered through the sub-plot without any real purpose, and the feeling that this episode is interim in the lead up to the season finale doesn't go away.
All in all, an interesting premise that could have met far better execution.
Despite the case being set in a town "that could be the setting for any horror movie ever made", the creep factor is underwhelming and almost cheesy in places. When compared to the much better direction in "Night Lights" or "Hamelin", "Sick and Evil" consistently ruins how the thrill of anticipation/fear builds in scenes where the UnSub strikes.
The UnSub's motivation for the crimes feels weak and underdeveloped. As a result, the plot seems to rely on convenience more than actual deduction. Rossi's trauma from the previous episode is peppered through the sub-plot without any real purpose, and the feeling that this episode is interim in the lead up to the season finale doesn't go away.
All in all, an interesting premise that could have met far better execution.