Despite some seasons being better than others, and every season having a mix of great episodes, not so good ones and ones in between, 'Criminal Minds' when on form or at its best was a personal favourite. Even when nowhere near as good now, it is still one of my most watched and most re-watched shows.
As far as Season 7 goes, "From Childhood's Hour" is up there among the better ones, on par with "Self Fulfilling Prophecy" "Proof" and "Unknown Subject" and almost as good as "True Genius", "The Foundation", "Dorado Falls" and "The Company". Elsewhere Season 7 was very much mixed, though the only disappointments to me were "Closing Time", "Divining Rod" (and especially), "I Love You Tommy Brown" and "There's No Place Like Home".
"From Childhood's Hour" has a huge amount to recommend. Maybe Rossi's story line took up a little too much of the episode (though this didn't feel like a major criticism compared to some episodes because a great job is done with the case and the unsub) and the writing occasionally could have been tighter. The unsub's story could have ended a little later than it did, it felt like it was resolved too early. They were pretty much the only things that weren't quite right however.
Visually, the production values are without complaint. It's very well shot and lit and is overall stylish, gritty, classy and atmospheric. The music is moody in the haunting and melancholic sense and fits well, without either enhancing or distracting from it. The direction keeps the momentum going but lets the case breathe. There are some humorous moments, courtesy of Garcia and especially Reid, who can't help love "Frankly I'm not too eager to see the perishable food version of this room", and some thought-provoking and emotional ones.
Rossi's story line with his first ex wife is beautifully done and struck an emotional chord with me. It was strongly suspected that it was going to be bad news that Rossi was going to be told, but this particular bit of bad news was a real shock and makes one feel really sorry for Rossi and Carolyn.
In no way is the case neglected or any less memorable. There is a touch of sadness but it is also very disturbing in that danger comes from an unexpected place, a painful reminder that people that seem trust-worthy can not always be as much as they seem. The unsub is one of the more interestingly developed ones of the season.
To be expected, the team dynamic is delightful, family-like in bond, with some great character moments and interaction. Standing out in particular is the Rossi story line, which sees a poignant emotional side to Rossi after seeing him as the sassy, old-school and tough-talking character. Garcia and Reid's humour and Prentiss' genuine warmth and sympathy stand out too.
Acting is very good all round, Joe Mantegna being particularly strong of the regulars, with great supporting turns from a moving Isabella Hoffmann, Mason Cook in a remarkably emotionally complex child performance, a subtly chilling Patrick Stafford and a conflicted Heather Tom.
In conclusion, disturbing, sad and very well done episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox
As far as Season 7 goes, "From Childhood's Hour" is up there among the better ones, on par with "Self Fulfilling Prophecy" "Proof" and "Unknown Subject" and almost as good as "True Genius", "The Foundation", "Dorado Falls" and "The Company". Elsewhere Season 7 was very much mixed, though the only disappointments to me were "Closing Time", "Divining Rod" (and especially), "I Love You Tommy Brown" and "There's No Place Like Home".
"From Childhood's Hour" has a huge amount to recommend. Maybe Rossi's story line took up a little too much of the episode (though this didn't feel like a major criticism compared to some episodes because a great job is done with the case and the unsub) and the writing occasionally could have been tighter. The unsub's story could have ended a little later than it did, it felt like it was resolved too early. They were pretty much the only things that weren't quite right however.
Visually, the production values are without complaint. It's very well shot and lit and is overall stylish, gritty, classy and atmospheric. The music is moody in the haunting and melancholic sense and fits well, without either enhancing or distracting from it. The direction keeps the momentum going but lets the case breathe. There are some humorous moments, courtesy of Garcia and especially Reid, who can't help love "Frankly I'm not too eager to see the perishable food version of this room", and some thought-provoking and emotional ones.
Rossi's story line with his first ex wife is beautifully done and struck an emotional chord with me. It was strongly suspected that it was going to be bad news that Rossi was going to be told, but this particular bit of bad news was a real shock and makes one feel really sorry for Rossi and Carolyn.
In no way is the case neglected or any less memorable. There is a touch of sadness but it is also very disturbing in that danger comes from an unexpected place, a painful reminder that people that seem trust-worthy can not always be as much as they seem. The unsub is one of the more interestingly developed ones of the season.
To be expected, the team dynamic is delightful, family-like in bond, with some great character moments and interaction. Standing out in particular is the Rossi story line, which sees a poignant emotional side to Rossi after seeing him as the sassy, old-school and tough-talking character. Garcia and Reid's humour and Prentiss' genuine warmth and sympathy stand out too.
Acting is very good all round, Joe Mantegna being particularly strong of the regulars, with great supporting turns from a moving Isabella Hoffmann, Mason Cook in a remarkably emotionally complex child performance, a subtly chilling Patrick Stafford and a conflicted Heather Tom.
In conclusion, disturbing, sad and very well done episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox
