As said a few times, 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.
"Brothers in Arms" was an excellent episode, and while just falling shy of being a classic of Season 4 it came very, very close and in the better half of the season. If it had slowed down slightly, with a couple of the latter scenes as more is unravelled feeling slightly rushed (agree about a two-parter working equally well and even better perhaps) and if the ending didn't feel sprung upon quite as suddenly, "Brothers in Arms" would have been one of the season's very best episodes.
Visually, "Brothers in Arms" looks great, being stylishly photographed and that it's one of the darker and grittier looking episodes of the season was necessary for the story and adds a lot to the atmosphere. The music is haunting and melancholic as ever, the direction solid and the pacing taut.
The script provokes a lot of thought and clearly written with a lot of heart and intensity. The story is rich in tension and suspense, where it is clear how such a personal case affects the team (especially Morgan), as well as emotion, and is gripping throughout. The climax is a nail-biter, even if not the most surprising, and the very final moments are heart-warming and moving. Good back-story for the unsub too, and the conflict between the BAU and the police regarding the unsub based on the profile is well done.
Regarding the acting, that is great across the board. Shemar Moore and Thomas Gibson especially, and the unsub is also played with the right amount of intensity.
In conclusion, excellent episode and very nearly one of the very best episodes of Season 4. 9/10 Bethany Cox
"Brothers in Arms" was an excellent episode, and while just falling shy of being a classic of Season 4 it came very, very close and in the better half of the season. If it had slowed down slightly, with a couple of the latter scenes as more is unravelled feeling slightly rushed (agree about a two-parter working equally well and even better perhaps) and if the ending didn't feel sprung upon quite as suddenly, "Brothers in Arms" would have been one of the season's very best episodes.
Visually, "Brothers in Arms" looks great, being stylishly photographed and that it's one of the darker and grittier looking episodes of the season was necessary for the story and adds a lot to the atmosphere. The music is haunting and melancholic as ever, the direction solid and the pacing taut.
The script provokes a lot of thought and clearly written with a lot of heart and intensity. The story is rich in tension and suspense, where it is clear how such a personal case affects the team (especially Morgan), as well as emotion, and is gripping throughout. The climax is a nail-biter, even if not the most surprising, and the very final moments are heart-warming and moving. Good back-story for the unsub too, and the conflict between the BAU and the police regarding the unsub based on the profile is well done.
Regarding the acting, that is great across the board. Shemar Moore and Thomas Gibson especially, and the unsub is also played with the right amount of intensity.
In conclusion, excellent episode and very nearly one of the very best episodes of Season 4. 9/10 Bethany Cox