A very good episode on the whole, that is neither among the best or worst of the show. "North Mammon" and "The Boogeyman" for examples are better Season 2 episodes, but really Season 2 is mostly a strong one (one of the show's strongest), where only "Honor Among Thieves" underwhelmed.
"Psychodrama" does have occasional lapses in logic and credibility, as detailed in the previous review. And occasionally due to so many twists and turns not all of the story is as easy to follow as it could have been.
On the other hand, "Psychodrama" as always with 'Criminal Minds' looks great, very stylish, atmospheric and classy. The music is suitably moody and fits very well, never coming over as distracting. The script is tight, humorous and emotional, though a few parts could have had more development which would have made the unsub's initially rather strange motivations a little easier to swallow at first.
The story here is very interesting, with a case that is very weird at times, and at times uncomfortably so, but also very disturbing, especially the every-parent-and-child's-worst-nightmare climax. The twists and turns ensure that the episode does not get predictable at all, with things not being what they seem, and the tension and suspense factors are high particularly in the latter scenes.
Love the bond between Gideon and Hotch, and the subplot with Hotch's family life is done with such truth and genuine heart that it is difficult not to be moved by it. The unsub is a different kind of unsub, and it was refreshing, this is one creepy and twisted unsub with his lack of remorse chilling, even if his motivations are a bit strange. His actions and what the hostages go through are terrifying.
Acting is strong with standouts being Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson and Matthew Gray Gubler. Support is solid.
Overall, a weird episode but also a very disturbing one. 8/10 Bethany Cox