Season 4 is a strong contender for the best season of 'Criminal Minds'. One where the lesser episodes, such as "Demonology" and "Catching Out", are still better than the worst episodes of particularly Seasons 9 and 11, and where there are so many classic episodes that picking a favourite is like trying to say what your favourite ice cream flavour is.
"Bloodline" is not quite one of the season's best episodes in the way "The Big Wheel", "Zoe's Reprise", "Conflicted", "Minimal Loss", "The Instincts" and "Memoriam", but it's close. It has been criticised strongly for its stereotypical and negative portrayal of Romanis, and for understandable reasons, it is far from an accurate and flatting portrayal and some may even find it demeaning. However, "Bloodline" shouldn't be dismissed solely because of it, as it has a lot of things that makes it an impressive episode.
Other than the above criticism, my only other complaint for "Bloodline" is the rather bland character of Todd, and Meta Golding both overdoes it as the character and doesn't bring much distinctive personality.
However, the episode does look great as usual, being made with the usual stylishness, class, grit and atmosphere. The music is suitably haunting and moody, the direction keeps the momentum taut but allows breathing space and the pacing is taut and never rushed or dull.
Scripting is thought-provoking and maintains interest throughout, while the team's family-like bond is adorable. The story is an extremely compelling one, often disturbing in the sinister portrayal of the family, very suspenseful in the race against time and its numerous surprising twists and turns and with a lot of poignancy, the final moments are emotional. Love the role of Prentiss, such as her sympathetic bond with Cate and the firm and sympathetic leadership of Hotch.
Acting is strong as it typically is, Thomas Gibson and Paget Brewster particularly so, Adair Tishler is touching as Cate and the family are a sinister and sick lot especially the truly abhorrent father. Cynthia Gibb is excellent especially in the latter half.
In conclusion, very good episode and almost one of the best of the season. Can understand the controversy and the criticisms, but there are so many well done elements in "Bloodline" that it would be a shame to dismiss it entirely just for one thing no matter how major it is. 8/10 Bethany Cox
"Bloodline" is not quite one of the season's best episodes in the way "The Big Wheel", "Zoe's Reprise", "Conflicted", "Minimal Loss", "The Instincts" and "Memoriam", but it's close. It has been criticised strongly for its stereotypical and negative portrayal of Romanis, and for understandable reasons, it is far from an accurate and flatting portrayal and some may even find it demeaning. However, "Bloodline" shouldn't be dismissed solely because of it, as it has a lot of things that makes it an impressive episode.
Other than the above criticism, my only other complaint for "Bloodline" is the rather bland character of Todd, and Meta Golding both overdoes it as the character and doesn't bring much distinctive personality.
However, the episode does look great as usual, being made with the usual stylishness, class, grit and atmosphere. The music is suitably haunting and moody, the direction keeps the momentum taut but allows breathing space and the pacing is taut and never rushed or dull.
Scripting is thought-provoking and maintains interest throughout, while the team's family-like bond is adorable. The story is an extremely compelling one, often disturbing in the sinister portrayal of the family, very suspenseful in the race against time and its numerous surprising twists and turns and with a lot of poignancy, the final moments are emotional. Love the role of Prentiss, such as her sympathetic bond with Cate and the firm and sympathetic leadership of Hotch.
Acting is strong as it typically is, Thomas Gibson and Paget Brewster particularly so, Adair Tishler is touching as Cate and the family are a sinister and sick lot especially the truly abhorrent father. Cynthia Gibb is excellent especially in the latter half.
In conclusion, very good episode and almost one of the best of the season. Can understand the controversy and the criticisms, but there are so many well done elements in "Bloodline" that it would be a shame to dismiss it entirely just for one thing no matter how major it is. 8/10 Bethany Cox