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.
"Green Light" to me was the one of the best episodes (perhaps so far second best) of an inconsistent but better than anticipated Season 12. Almost as good as "Spencer", on the same level as "Elliot's Pond" and "Mirror Image" and much better than "True North", "Anti-Terror Squad" and "Taboo". "Green Light" may not be a classic 'Criminal Minds' episode, but is a long way from a stinker, very easy to see why as of now it's one of the higher rated episodes of the season.
Wouldn't have said no to more Rossi, who is somewhat underused here. More so of an issue was, to me, Reid's treatment in prison generally has been portrayed in a way that goes too far in the cruelty factor (this episode included), with the character of Wilkins somewhat of a cartoonish prison cliché too far, while one really feels sorry for Reid and roots for him how and what he's thinking has been explored a little too heavy-handedly that has indicated more unhappiness (not a good thing if your favourite 'Criminal Minds' character is Reid).
However, visually, the episode looks great as to be expected. Very well shot and lit and is overall stylish, gritty, classy and atmospheric, with at times a film noir look and feel. 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.
All the acting is very good, especially from Paget Brewster and Matthew Gray Gubler. The team interaction is absolutely brilliant here, where one truly sees everybody's genuine concern for Reid and desire to help him through a seemingly helpless situation and how close they are as a team. Here Reid's importance to the team is acknowledged, especially by Prentiss and Garcia, and Prentiss' concern and pulls no punches approach in proving Reid's innocence confirms that bringing her back was one of the best decisions the show has made in a while. A hugely satisfying scene too was the scene between Alvez and Shaw, certainly the most satisfying Alvez moment all season and may possibly convert non-fans.
On top of that, the writing is thought-provoking and tautly structured. A lot happens in the story, the main revelation is a huge shock when the viewer was made to think otherwise in the previous episodes when the arc was covered and the twists and turns keep coming without putting one's brain into overload. It was great to have an initially promising but got heavily dragged out subplot put to bed and unanswered questions starting to get answered.
In conclusion, not a 'Criminal Minds' classic but a nail-biter. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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