For the past few seasons, the Criminal Minds stories seemed extremely rushed and slapped-together. The intentions behind each script felt more like "we gotta hit this deadline" instead of "we're telling entertaining stories." However, Season 15 shattered that idea (for the most part). The pacing was slower, characters were developed more fully, and there was tension and atmosphere in most of the episodes. Heck, there was even time to mess around with the narratives to create episodes that were genuinely unique (Saturday and Date Night). Not something you'd expect from a show going for 15 years, and not something I've been able to say about "Criminal Minds" for a long time. However, this finale faltered quite heavily. Going back to the frustrating breakneck pacing and underdeveloped plot lines. Right at the end, the show devolved, reminiscent of the it's weaker moments.
Let's talk story: It was messy. Reid embarks on an introspective guided tour through past plot points. With older actors reprising their roles to lead him. It's a storyline that feels so utterly disconnected from the rest of the episode that one could call it pointless. Like it was just there to make people feel nostalgic. It serves no story purpose, and suddenly just stops. Halfway through the story Reid (for absolutely no reason), wakes up and is 100% back to his old self with no repercussions whatsoever... Um, what? It felt like there was a different, better finale that got scrapped at the last minute. Which, is exactly what Criminal Minds continually felt like for the previous 5 seasons.
Then, there's Rossi's side. His wife gets kidnapped and there's a hostage swap. Rossi battles Lynch for one final time to end it all. Which, was honestly fantastic!
Despite how negative I'm being, there is a reason this episode is given nothing lower than a 5. The conclusion to Lynch's storyline was highly entertaining, and the private jet sequence was outstanding. It was a lot of fun seeing the old location used in bold, creative ways. It blowing up at the end was a striking visual that conveys just how final this episode is supposed to be. The after party was great, and watching Penelope shut down her office was an emotional end. I do agree it was weird only saying goodbye to her and Reid when the groundwork was laid for almost all the main cast to go their separate ways. It breaks down a bit of the finality of the constantly publicized "final season." However, that's not a huge bugbear. And now that the show has come back again, it doesn't really matter now.
All in all, this was certainly a finale. It had its moments, but ultimately dropped the ball. It's unclear why it turned out the way it did, but it still had some sparks & scenes that showcase just how good the show is.
Let's talk story: It was messy. Reid embarks on an introspective guided tour through past plot points. With older actors reprising their roles to lead him. It's a storyline that feels so utterly disconnected from the rest of the episode that one could call it pointless. Like it was just there to make people feel nostalgic. It serves no story purpose, and suddenly just stops. Halfway through the story Reid (for absolutely no reason), wakes up and is 100% back to his old self with no repercussions whatsoever... Um, what? It felt like there was a different, better finale that got scrapped at the last minute. Which, is exactly what Criminal Minds continually felt like for the previous 5 seasons.
Then, there's Rossi's side. His wife gets kidnapped and there's a hostage swap. Rossi battles Lynch for one final time to end it all. Which, was honestly fantastic!
Despite how negative I'm being, there is a reason this episode is given nothing lower than a 5. The conclusion to Lynch's storyline was highly entertaining, and the private jet sequence was outstanding. It was a lot of fun seeing the old location used in bold, creative ways. It blowing up at the end was a striking visual that conveys just how final this episode is supposed to be. The after party was great, and watching Penelope shut down her office was an emotional end. I do agree it was weird only saying goodbye to her and Reid when the groundwork was laid for almost all the main cast to go their separate ways. It breaks down a bit of the finality of the constantly publicized "final season." However, that's not a huge bugbear. And now that the show has come back again, it doesn't really matter now.
All in all, this was certainly a finale. It had its moments, but ultimately dropped the ball. It's unclear why it turned out the way it did, but it still had some sparks & scenes that showcase just how good the show is.