Sex, Birth, Death
- Episode aired Nov 29, 2006
- TV-PG
- 42m
A young man seeks out Reid for help regarding his fantasies of killing prostitutes, just as a serial killer starts brutalizing prostitutes near the capitol.A young man seeks out Reid for help regarding his fantasies of killing prostitutes, just as a serial killer starts brutalizing prostitutes near the capitol.A young man seeks out Reid for help regarding his fantasies of killing prostitutes, just as a serial killer starts brutalizing prostitutes near the capitol.
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- (as Marco Antonio Martinez)
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAt the very beginning, Dr. Spencer Reid sketches the portrait of Nathan Harris (Anton Yelchin) in an attempt to identify him as a potential serial killer. This sketch was actually made by Matthew Gray Gubler in real life.
- GoofsTowards the end when the unsub is in search of his next victim, one of the extras seen walking down the street is in fact the girl who was killed at the beginning.
- Quotes
Special Agent Derek Morgan: Reid, you know this is not your responsibility?
Dr. Spencer Reid: It is. I can't explain.
Special Agent Derek Morgan: Well try me.
Dr. Spencer Reid: He knows I understand him.
Special Agent Derek Morgan: Of course you do. You're a profiler.
Dr. Spencer Reid: It's more than that.
Special Agent Derek Morgan: How?
Dr. Spencer Reid: I know what it's like to be afraid of your own mind.
What immediately drew me in with "Sex, Birth, "Death" were the story and the performances of and chemistry between Matthew Gray Gubler's Reid and Anton Yelchin's Nathan Harris. The story is one of the season's most disturbing (along with "Revelations" and "North Mammon"), but it is also one of the most thought-provoking and most emotional, also one that is not as obvious as one would think. A wonderful job is done exploring Harris' inner struggles and Reid's insights and instincts to help him, and it is easy for the viewer to empathise.
The chemistry between Gubler and Yelchin was crucial in making the episode work and that their chemistry is so riveting, so empathetic and tense is one of "Sex, Birth, Death's" many allures. The character of Reid and Gubler's acting were always one of the high points of the show, and helped make underwhelming episodes watchable, Reid is a sympathetic and likable character here and Gubler's acting is fantastically nuanced. Yelchin's performance is indeed gut-wrenchingly superb, being scary and heart-wrenching.
Despite the strong emphasis on these two, the rest of the characters are by no means neglected. The chemistry and dynamic within the team is adorable and charming and Garcia and Hotch are interesting too.
Visually, there is much style, class and atmosphere, while the direction is taut and accommodating and the music haunting and melancholic. The script is thought-provoking and beautifully balanced and the story compelling in its suspense and emotion. The acting is very good, with Gubler and Yelchin dominating.
Concluding this review, classic 'Criminal Minds' and one of the best episodes of Season 2. 10/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 5, 2017
Details
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- Runtime42 minutes
- Color
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- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
- 16:9 HD