Criminal Minds: The Big Game

(S02E14) I remember reading an article about a month ago (I forget where) about how CBS had chosen Criminal Minds as the follow-up to last night's Super Bowl. The reason I mention it, is that in the article Edward Allen Bernero (the show's EP) said something along the lines of how they weren't planning on making this episode any different from a normal installment.

Well, I have to disagree. This was episode was spectacular and easily exceeded any expectations I had going in. If this didn't "wow" you, then you haven't been watching Criminal Minds enough. Not only was the case one of the most gruesome things the BAU team has ever tackled, but it's only the third time the series has left us with a "To Be Continued" cliffhanger. All that sounds like a bit more than the average episode to me.

First off, great touch having Jim Nantz and Phil Simms open the episode. Sure it was pre-recorded and beyond generic, but it helped create the atmosphere that what we were seeing was happening at that very moment.

Secondly, kudos to James Van Der Beek as Tobias (aka Raphael). He's been off the radar recently it seems, but this was one hell of a way to make a return to television. He was downright creepy (and totally believable) as the Bible obsessed killer. I wonder if we'll find out what happened to his abusive father in Wednesday night's conclusion? I'm guessing Tobias probably killed his old man using his own teachings against him as justification.

Overall, just a really well done episode that definitely should have jolted you awake if you found yourself nodding off during the fourth quarter of the game. The cliffhanger was well done too. I certainly didn't see it coming because I had no idea this was a two-parter. Reid being abducted is an interesting twist though. He's the weakest one on the team physically, but mentally I think he'll be able to stand up to Tobias. It actually reminds me a lot of that Alias episode when Marshall was abducted after going on a mission with Sydney.

Other random thoughts:

• Glad to see that Hotch and his wife are doing better. It's been a while since we saw her last.
• Anyone else find it odd that Gideon gets a special tour of the Smithsonian every Super Bowl Sunday? That's kind of a weird tradition, even for Gideon.
• When is Garcia finally going to make a move with Morgan? The writers really have to explore that.

The conclusion, "Revelations," airs on Wednesday night at 9:00PM.