Paradise
photo from CBS.com
“Paradise” helped CBS continue its good ratings streak, though it was second to the World Series on Fox. According to the Nielsen ratings, 14.7 million viewers tuned into Criminal Minds. So what did you think of this episode?
I know last week, I said I was not 100% electrified by “Minimal Loss.” I liked it; it was good. Not fantastic. Before I talk about my feelings about “Paradise,” let me say that I love this show. I think it’s awesome - I love the actors and the characters. I love me some Garcia and some Hotch. That being said, I did not like this episode. It was good to see a new episode, and I didn’t feel like turning the channel, but I didn’t feel like this was a great one. Why?
How many shows or movies have you seen with this basic setup - couples checking into secluded motels, creepy Norman Bates wannabes? It just seemed overdone. Was anyone on the edge of his/her seat with this one? Criminal Minds tends to follow a certain formula - a series of crimes, current victims, and a race to save them. Usually I think this helps make the show suspenseful, but this time it just seemed predictable. I also felt like the developement of the villain was a bit rushed. When the episode ended, I was left with a “that’s it?” type of feeling.
What are your thoughts on this episode? I really liked “Mayhem” and “Angel Maker.” I liked “Minimal Loss.” “Paradise,” though, left something to be desired for me.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I thought it was a good episode. The women who wrote this episode are an aquired taste. I thought Wil Wheaton a creepy guy with a sad tale.
I also liked the couple how they turned each other, but yet they still cared for one another. EX: When the husband told her not to give up!
I also liked how Hotch learned that not everyone is perfect in their line of work.
The ending was poetic justice at its best.
I really really really think you should rewatch this episode, because I have feeling you are not really paying enough attention.
October 27th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I think I disagree with you about this episode. While it followed the standard creepy Bates motel model, I think the team works best on these kind of cases, rather than the bigger terrorist type cases.
That said, there was a lot I did not like about this episode as well. I was really irritated with Prentiss this time, due to a huge amount of overacting and saying every word of dialogue was if it were pronouncements from the Mount. I don’t like the pauses and posturing on Hotch’s part either. I know he is in personal crisis, but he never struck me before as someone who needed constant reassuance.
So, I am hoping for better episodes to come. I would hate to have to give up on this show, which I have loved and enjoyed so much thus far.
This sounds negative, but I haven’t given up and still have hopes the writers will restore the chemistry before it’s too late.
Lociloco
October 27th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I definately agree that these types of cases make for the best shows - but I didn’t like how this particular one was set up. From the plot to the dialogue, I didn’t think it was the best effort by any means. I have to disagree with Leena - I was paying attention and I have liked other episodes written by Erica Messer and Debra Fisher (Birthright from season three for instance). I was a bit let down by “Paradise,” though, I have to admit.