"About Face" is chiefly remembered for being the first episode featuring Jason Gideon's replacement David Rossi. The episode is a pretty good one, even if one doesn't warm to him just yet.
Understandably, the character of Rossi is what keeps "About Face" being even better than it was. It was always going to be a tough call replacing Gideon after the character's and Mandy Patinkin's abrupt departure and in such a short space of time, less than five episodes worth in fact.
Again, understandably as it's his first episode and they did have to rush to write a replacement character and find a replacement actor, Rossi's introduction to the team is shaky and he does not settle in yet here. While the script handles the transition the best it can and at times beautifully, you can feel the awkwardness of the change in dynamic within the team as they initially struggle to get used to Rossi's more old-school, less intuitive approach than Gideon.
However, once Rossi does settle, and he does quicker than most other replacements on the show, and becomes more developed and interesting, his personality is warmer and more likable and the dynamic is more comfortable and often adorable. The only other criticism is that the ending feels rather rushed and abrupt.
Rossi aside, "About Face" is pretty good. The case is a very creepy and atmospheric one, with disturbing killing and modus operandi and a genuinely menacing unsub. It has many of the ingredients that makes the writing and storytelling elements of the best of 'Criminal Minds' present (especially some of the most creative and intelligent use of profiling of the earlier seasons), including the giving out candy touch at the end that brightens the general moodiness of the episode without being too much of a juxtaposition.
Production values are high in style and mood, the Halloween setting helps, and it's hauntingly scored, stylishly directed and smartly and thoughtfully written. The acting is fine, with a menacing unsub and all the regulars doing dependably fine jobs. Joe Mantegna does well actually with what he has, and once the character grows in his later appearances so does Mantegna's acting as the characters.
In summary, Rossi's introduction is not yet settled, but taking into account the circumstances and everything and taking the episode on its own terms, it is pretty and often very good episode. 7/10 Bethany Cox