Season 10 has been an inconsistent season. There have been some outstanding episodes such as the poignant "Nelson's Sparrow", the terrifying "Mr Scratch" and this affecting and creepy episode "The Forever People".
At the same time there have also been a few mediocre at best episodes, including the very strange in a bad way "If the Shoe Fits", "Hashtag" that has an intriguing premise executed in an underwhelming fashion and "The Boys of Sudworth Place", another example of an episode with a good idea not particularly well executed with a lack of suspense and surprises.
The only thing about "The Forever People" that didn't quite work was Kate, who is dully acted by Jennifer Love Hewitt and just feels too out of place. However, visually it is one of the season's most interesting, looking stark, brutal and with real intensity. The music is haunting without being overbearing and melancholic without being sappy.
Dialogue has the right balance of tension, suspense and poignancy. JJ'S trauma aftermath is beautifully and sympathetically handled, when it could have easily have been overwrought, and also loved the upbeat and very empathetic Reid. The case itself had potential to be incredibly strange, but was extremely creepy and perfectly balanced with the emotional elements.
While "The Forever People" is JJ oriented, it doesn't feel too much of the JJ show and she is written with real empathy. The rest of the team are hardly underused or neglected, with Reid particularly shining especially in his touching rapport with JJ. The unsub is very chillingly realised.
Meanwhile the acting is truly impressive, with AJ Cook doing an outstanding job and Matthew Gray Gubler matching her every step of the way.
Overall, excellent episode and one of the season's best. 9/10 Bethany Cox
At the same time there have also been a few mediocre at best episodes, including the very strange in a bad way "If the Shoe Fits", "Hashtag" that has an intriguing premise executed in an underwhelming fashion and "The Boys of Sudworth Place", another example of an episode with a good idea not particularly well executed with a lack of suspense and surprises.
The only thing about "The Forever People" that didn't quite work was Kate, who is dully acted by Jennifer Love Hewitt and just feels too out of place. However, visually it is one of the season's most interesting, looking stark, brutal and with real intensity. The music is haunting without being overbearing and melancholic without being sappy.
Dialogue has the right balance of tension, suspense and poignancy. JJ'S trauma aftermath is beautifully and sympathetically handled, when it could have easily have been overwrought, and also loved the upbeat and very empathetic Reid. The case itself had potential to be incredibly strange, but was extremely creepy and perfectly balanced with the emotional elements.
While "The Forever People" is JJ oriented, it doesn't feel too much of the JJ show and she is written with real empathy. The rest of the team are hardly underused or neglected, with Reid particularly shining especially in his touching rapport with JJ. The unsub is very chillingly realised.
Meanwhile the acting is truly impressive, with AJ Cook doing an outstanding job and Matthew Gray Gubler matching her every step of the way.
Overall, excellent episode and one of the season's best. 9/10 Bethany Cox