Riding the Lightning
- Episode aired Jan 25, 2006
- TV-PG
- 42m
IMDb RATING
8.6/10
4.3K
YOUR RATING
The team of investigators interview husband and wife serial killers with their execution date set for two days time.The team of investigators interview husband and wife serial killers with their execution date set for two days time.The team of investigators interview husband and wife serial killers with their execution date set for two days time.
Valerie Anastasias
- BAU Special Agent Harrison
- (uncredited)
Jon Barton
- SWAT Leader
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJacob (Michael Massee) has a tattoo on his right arm, a heart with Sarah Jean's (Jeannetta Arnette) name, beneath it are the words: "Til Death Do Us Part."
- GoofsThis show is based at a state prison in Bradford County, Florida just outside of Starke. This area of Florida is about 138 feet above sea level; however as the team is driving to the prison in the opening scenes, a very large mountain range can be seen in the distance through the windows of the SUV. The Bradford County area is rather lush and green due to the abundance of fresh spring waters, the area around the prison has cattle fields, wooded areas as well; however as the SUV is driving into the prison, not only is the mountain range in clear view, but tumbleweeds are blowing across the road from a field with dead, brown grass.
- Quotes
Jason Gideon: Albert Pine said "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains, and is, immortal."
Featured review
The only episode from Season 1 to reduce me to tears
Season 1 was regarded a few years ago by a number of people as one of the weaker seasons of 'Criminal Minds', though a few years on with a fair few episodes of the later seasons not being that great that's likely not to be so much the case.
For me while there is a finding-its-feet and occasional lack of momentum, there are some strong episodes in the season. To this reviewer too, "Riding the Lightning" is one of them.
It is one of the more visually striking episodes of the show, there is a starkness but also a melancholic look to the photography and the way it is lit that suits the nature of the story perfectly. When used, the music is very fitting with the mood and is not intrusive, inappropriately jaunty or pedestrian. It doesn't enhance as such, but it never distracts either. The theme tune fits the tone of the entire show too.
"Riding the Lightning" is one of the episodes of 'Criminal Minds' that really made me think hard and also there is a stark and creepy ambiance, like the interrogation with Jacob Dawes which saw a chilling lecherousness to the character. It is notable too for being the only episode from Season 1 to reduce me to tears, as well as being one of the emotional episodes of the entire show. Sarah Jean's final speech is along with Hotch and Haley's final exchange in "100" and JJ's appeal speech over the radio in "The Longest Night" one of the show's genuinely poignant moments.
The story is not the most original, but is beautifully paced and told that it doesn't matter. The characters and direction are solidly done, the BAU team were stronger developed in later seasons and their team dynamic more settled, but both the characters and their rapport still more than convinces, the most interesting being Gideon and Reid. Sarah Jean is a quite fascinating and sympathetically written character, that one empathises with somewhat and you are convinced just as strongly as the team that she's innocent.
While all the regulars have done better in the show with meatier material, the acting is still very good with a particularly commanding turn from Mandy Patinkin. Michael Massee is chillingly creepy as Jacob, though his guilt is obvious from the get go which is not a problem as it was the intent all along and there was never a doubt. The episode belongs however to the movingly compassionate and quietly dignified Jeanetta Arnette, her delivery of the speech bringing a real lump to the throat.
In conclusion, a standout Season 1 and 'Criminal Minds' (in general) episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox
For me while there is a finding-its-feet and occasional lack of momentum, there are some strong episodes in the season. To this reviewer too, "Riding the Lightning" is one of them.
It is one of the more visually striking episodes of the show, there is a starkness but also a melancholic look to the photography and the way it is lit that suits the nature of the story perfectly. When used, the music is very fitting with the mood and is not intrusive, inappropriately jaunty or pedestrian. It doesn't enhance as such, but it never distracts either. The theme tune fits the tone of the entire show too.
"Riding the Lightning" is one of the episodes of 'Criminal Minds' that really made me think hard and also there is a stark and creepy ambiance, like the interrogation with Jacob Dawes which saw a chilling lecherousness to the character. It is notable too for being the only episode from Season 1 to reduce me to tears, as well as being one of the emotional episodes of the entire show. Sarah Jean's final speech is along with Hotch and Haley's final exchange in "100" and JJ's appeal speech over the radio in "The Longest Night" one of the show's genuinely poignant moments.
The story is not the most original, but is beautifully paced and told that it doesn't matter. The characters and direction are solidly done, the BAU team were stronger developed in later seasons and their team dynamic more settled, but both the characters and their rapport still more than convinces, the most interesting being Gideon and Reid. Sarah Jean is a quite fascinating and sympathetically written character, that one empathises with somewhat and you are convinced just as strongly as the team that she's innocent.
While all the regulars have done better in the show with meatier material, the acting is still very good with a particularly commanding turn from Mandy Patinkin. Michael Massee is chillingly creepy as Jacob, though his guilt is obvious from the get go which is not a problem as it was the intent all along and there was never a doubt. The episode belongs however to the movingly compassionate and quietly dignified Jeanetta Arnette, her delivery of the speech bringing a real lump to the throat.
In conclusion, a standout Season 1 and 'Criminal Minds' (in general) episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 30, 2016
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- Runtime42 minutes
- Color
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- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
- 16:9 HD
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