Both of "The Fisher King" episodes are classic examples of why this reviewer loves 'Criminal Minds' as much as she does. At its best (like in this season this, "The Fox" and "Riding the Lightning"), it was riveting television and even the weakest episodes (and admittedly there are some weak ones) have redeeming values.
The only real criticism of "The Fisher King Part I" for me is the slow-moving first fifteen minutes, which does feel like filler. However, this reviewer is actually willing to overlook that because the rest of the episode is so brilliant. And as well as having a general indifference to Elle (usually this reviewer finds her annoying and coldly played), she is actually tolerable here, this is an example of where her vulnerability is relatable. Even if you're indifferent or dislike someone, nobody deserves to go through what she goes through here.
As always with 'Criminal Minds', "The Fisher King Part I" looks great. Stylish, atmospheric and never cheap-looking, as well as beautifully and cleverly shot. The music is suitably haunting and hypnotic, while never being over-the-top, melodramatic, intrusive or ill-fitting. As with the best of 'Criminal Minds', the writing is incredibly thought-provoking, structurally tight, smart and achieves a perfect balance of moods.
It's tautly paced, strongly directed and the tension and suspense keeps piling until it rises to fever pitch. The cliff-hanger is quite easily one of the best in the series, 'Criminal Minds' has been a mixed bag when it comes to cliff-hangers, but the one in "The Fisher King Part I" is suspenseful, nail-biting and overall brilliantly executed, and leaves one hungry and thirsty for more.
Here the characters are very well written as always and love the chemistry and support for each other once again, even when apart for a good deal of the episode. Really loved how strong and independent characters show a more vulnerable side in this episode. The acting is typically very good all round, even with the unsub spending much of his fairly limited screen-time almost unseen he still evokes chills from his voice alone.
In summary, a cracker of a season finale. One of the best 'Criminal Minds' season finales without a doubt as well. 10/10 Bethany Cox
The only real criticism of "The Fisher King Part I" for me is the slow-moving first fifteen minutes, which does feel like filler. However, this reviewer is actually willing to overlook that because the rest of the episode is so brilliant. And as well as having a general indifference to Elle (usually this reviewer finds her annoying and coldly played), she is actually tolerable here, this is an example of where her vulnerability is relatable. Even if you're indifferent or dislike someone, nobody deserves to go through what she goes through here.
As always with 'Criminal Minds', "The Fisher King Part I" looks great. Stylish, atmospheric and never cheap-looking, as well as beautifully and cleverly shot. The music is suitably haunting and hypnotic, while never being over-the-top, melodramatic, intrusive or ill-fitting. As with the best of 'Criminal Minds', the writing is incredibly thought-provoking, structurally tight, smart and achieves a perfect balance of moods.
It's tautly paced, strongly directed and the tension and suspense keeps piling until it rises to fever pitch. The cliff-hanger is quite easily one of the best in the series, 'Criminal Minds' has been a mixed bag when it comes to cliff-hangers, but the one in "The Fisher King Part I" is suspenseful, nail-biting and overall brilliantly executed, and leaves one hungry and thirsty for more.
Here the characters are very well written as always and love the chemistry and support for each other once again, even when apart for a good deal of the episode. Really loved how strong and independent characters show a more vulnerable side in this episode. The acting is typically very good all round, even with the unsub spending much of his fairly limited screen-time almost unseen he still evokes chills from his voice alone.
In summary, a cracker of a season finale. One of the best 'Criminal Minds' season finales without a doubt as well. 10/10 Bethany Cox