After being disappointed by "Catching Out" (though it will be re-watched again to see if the opinion remains the same or not, it is unlikely as it has been seen twice already and the reaction has been the same), both "The Instincts" and "Memoriam" were returns to form.
While "The Big Wheel" (a rare perfection episode), "Zoe's Reprise" and "Conflicted" are Season 4's best episodes, "The Instincts" and "Memoriam" are up there too. "The Instincts" is a Reid-centric episode, and while Reid has always been one of the most interesting, well-developed and entertaining 'Criminal Minds' characters the development to him here is simply brilliant. Of the Reid-centric episodes, "The Instincts" is up there with the best of them, being both harrowing and poignant.
Matthew Gray Gubler's superlative acting has a lot to do with it, and he is more than ably supported by the rest of the lead actors, the chemistry and bond within the team still shines brilliantly. As well as a hard-hitting and quite moving Jane Lynch, in perhaps the most serious role she's ever done and what a performance she gives, and Kari Matchett, whose character is so easily rootable.
Immediately impressive also is the atmosphere. "The Instincts" has to be one of the most atmospherically creepy, hard-hitting and suspenseful Season 4 episodes, both the calls from the unsub and the nightmares are incredibly eerie. There are also a couple of entertaining moments, such as Rossi and JJ's exchange in the desert, and some insightful ones, such as the profiling and Morgan's analysis of Reid's nightmare. "The Instincts" is superbly written, Diana's lines really made me feel something, like shock and tears.
Storytelling is compelling, exciting and suspenseful, with a twist regarding the unsub's real identity that one does not see coming. While there is no way that one can condone the unsub's actions, due to their trauma and what triggered their crimes one can't help feeling a tinge of sympathy. The episode is very well made visually, and one cannot complain about the way it's scored and directed too.
To conclude, a wonderful episode, much better than given credit for from the previous reviews (respectfully) and a return to form for the season and the show. 10/10 Bethany Cox
While "The Big Wheel" (a rare perfection episode), "Zoe's Reprise" and "Conflicted" are Season 4's best episodes, "The Instincts" and "Memoriam" are up there too. "The Instincts" is a Reid-centric episode, and while Reid has always been one of the most interesting, well-developed and entertaining 'Criminal Minds' characters the development to him here is simply brilliant. Of the Reid-centric episodes, "The Instincts" is up there with the best of them, being both harrowing and poignant.
Matthew Gray Gubler's superlative acting has a lot to do with it, and he is more than ably supported by the rest of the lead actors, the chemistry and bond within the team still shines brilliantly. As well as a hard-hitting and quite moving Jane Lynch, in perhaps the most serious role she's ever done and what a performance she gives, and Kari Matchett, whose character is so easily rootable.
Immediately impressive also is the atmosphere. "The Instincts" has to be one of the most atmospherically creepy, hard-hitting and suspenseful Season 4 episodes, both the calls from the unsub and the nightmares are incredibly eerie. There are also a couple of entertaining moments, such as Rossi and JJ's exchange in the desert, and some insightful ones, such as the profiling and Morgan's analysis of Reid's nightmare. "The Instincts" is superbly written, Diana's lines really made me feel something, like shock and tears.
Storytelling is compelling, exciting and suspenseful, with a twist regarding the unsub's real identity that one does not see coming. While there is no way that one can condone the unsub's actions, due to their trauma and what triggered their crimes one can't help feeling a tinge of sympathy. The episode is very well made visually, and one cannot complain about the way it's scored and directed too.
To conclude, a wonderful episode, much better than given credit for from the previous reviews (respectfully) and a return to form for the season and the show. 10/10 Bethany Cox