Bookish Jen

I totally agree with this post. Why create a whole new show when you already have show that deserves your focus? Improve and enhance the original recipe before you create a spin-off.

And if Rossi was born in 1956 how likely would he have been in Vietnam? More likely Rossi would have been in Vietnam if he had been born in 1947 like Mantegna.

It’s a shame Messer doesn’t find Reid interesting because a lot of us do, and maybe one day I’ll write some missive on why I find Reid such a compelling character. Yes, I can be shallow. When I first saw Matthew emoting as Reid, I thought, “Ooh, who is that? He’s very handsome!” Yes, Matthew definitely won the looks lottery, but looks keep my interest for only so long. And as you mention, Gubler is proudly weird-one of the reasons why I like him. But people tend to be multi-faceted, and under all the quirks and strangeness, is probably someone who is a fairly complex and thoughtful person and is able to bring this this to his portrayal of Reid. Matthew may not have a genius IQ but I do think he’s rather bright. If he was a totally dummy, his portrayal of Reid would come across as false. So if Messer is just blech when it comes to writing for Reid, then get someone who is. Or hire some of us to act as consultants or something. And good point bringing up Matthew directing gig. I’m sure it’s very consuming, can’t wait to see his episode. Back on topic: Oops. Yep, This episode was probably filmed along the CA coast, not Barbados , which might cost a lot more money. Still pretty though. And very interesting how the people of Barbardos were not pleased on how everything was portrayed. Research, people, research. It’s not that difficult. Oh, and I’m really getting sick and tired of the tired trope that evil people were abused as kids. Plenty of abused children who grow up to be wonderful adults. And there are people who had idyllic childhoods who grow up to be truly awful. Let’s try exploring that, okay? And because my insomnia and allergies are making me stabby, Reid’s drawings a million times cooler than Monty’s. So there.

Exactly! I half expected our CM team to become all Wayne and Garth and say, "We're not worthy! We're not worthy." However, I did like seeing Reid in his smoky gray suit. And the beautiful blue waters of Barbados was a lovely sight on a cold, damp and overcast April here in Milwaukee.

I've read all of your comments (so far) and most of you have really summed up my feelings about last night's episode of "Criminal Minds: League of the Mary Sues," so I'll some up my feelings in one simple sentence: "“Spencer, hold my earrings. I’m going all unsub on Erica Messer's ass!”

Ha, ha! Maybe "Spencer, Hold My Earrings" can be our house band's name.

Ooh, can I play? Here are my answers to the first ballot of questions posted: If I were part of the BAU: My very closest friend would be... If we’re talking about a platonic female BFF then mine would be Emily. We take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously. We’re both rather dorky, but have snarky senses of humor. We both like cats. We were both weirdos in high school. Initially, Elle might intimidate me, but I can imagine us getting along. And I think Alex and I would bond on a word nerd level and she’d probably be a good mentor. If I had to have a romantic relationship with one CM character, it would be... Without a doubt-Reid. We’re both introverted bookworms who greatly value knowledge and are infinitely curious. However, we have several differences that might complement each other and keep things interesting. Reid is left-brained; I’m right-brained. He’s very analytical; I’m more instinctive. And if we had any little Reidlings let them have his killer smile and height, and throw me a bone and let them have my blue eyes (just saying). Now if we lived in a fair and just universe, and Maeve was still alive and she and Reid were living blissfully happy, my second choice would be Hotch (well, early stage Hotch). He’s been with a blonde and a brunette, so why not be with a redhead? Plus, I promise I’m not overtly bubbly and perky like Beth. I’m not so sugary sweet I’d give everyone diabetes. The one person I wouldn't get along with on the team would be.... Well, the current day JJ probably. I’d try to be cordial around her, but I can’t imagine warming up to her. I’d keep her at arm’s length because I can totally imagine her treating me with the same eye-rolling contempt and condescension as she does Reid. But if she’d made some snot-nosed remark about me not being able to empathize with a victim or a victim’s family because I’m not a mother like her, I’d turn to Reid and say, “Spencer, hold my earrings. I’m going all unsub on this bitch’s ass!” I really liked Garcia in the beginning when she was just quirky and fun, but poor thing is just a caricature these days and she never shuts up. It’s like she has nothing to say and says it all the time. And I’m hardly a pearl-clutching prude, but the “sexy” banter between her and Morgan has grown tiresome. My professional niche/specialty on the team would be... Well, this group has enough profilers, so I figure they could make up a position using my writing, interviewing and research skills. My favorite out-of-work social activity to do with the whole team would be... Movie nights and potluck. My sugar mint cookies are a national treasure. The team member whose family I'd most like to meet would be... Because I’m so curious and like getting “the story behind the story” I’d want to meet most of the BAU’s family members. My ideal vacation would be traveling to ____ with _________ I’d love to road trip around the United States with Reid visiting various independent book stores and coffee shops, no Starbucks and Barnes and Noble for this dorky duo.

Aww, hugs back to you, normasm. "Pee in his/her Wheaties" is just a weird expression I discovered, and often use. I'm completely clueless on what Matthew could have done to make Erica throw him and Reid under a figurative bus. I've never heard of Matthew acting like a male diva on the set; he seem genuinely happy for his CM experience, especially when it comes to the directing opportunities CM afforded him. And I also haven't heard of him acting like a douchebag elsewhere. ::shrugs shoulders:: On-topic: I will watch this episode because it's CM and apparently I am an empty shell with no life. And I do like Gary Sinise. He's a great actor.

I agree. Why not improve Criminal Minds: Original Recipe instead of making a whole new show? Sometimes I think my demented cat could run this show better than some of the powers that be. And since Erica Messer penned this episode I guess I can concentrate on writing a book review rather than concentrate on the show. Reid will barely matter. Gee, I wonder what Matthew did to have Erica marginalize his character so much? Pee in her Wheaties?

You're at work editing a report and accidentally read the word "zoning" as "zugzwang." Granted my insomnia might also have something to do with this. You use "unsub" as an insult.

I'm a teaching assistant for my church's RE classes (RE is the Unitarian equivalent of Sunday School or CCD). One of the teaching assistants asked me to sub for her this Sunday because she's sick. I almost responded, "I'll sub for your but I won't unsub for you." However, I have no idea if she's a CM fan so I refrained.

I put my actual name in and got X-Pert Lover I put in Bookish Jen and got Scratchin’ Prophet.

Looks like Matthew is wearing flip-flops, which is good. I wouldn't want him to harm those feet of his. And you're right, Spinner33, it's nice to know the celebs we like also have celeb crushes. Matthew's fandom of Gorey just makes him more human to me.

I think I'll give this episode a solid B-. I did appreciate how there was a brief mention of the prison industrial complex being run by for-profit companies and how it could lead to so much fuck-wittery. And I was glad the CM showed Reid going over the cases, giving him (and Matthew) something to do. I would have loved to have seen Reid give the books back to Mr. Pritchett because he is such a voracious reader. And then I remembered Rossi is a published and successful writer so it made sense to me. It really bothered me to see those books confiscated. Weapons and drugs? Sure. But books? Then I remembered books open the mind to knowledge, learning and the willingness to educate oneself. Lord knows, we can't have any of that (yes, I'm being sarcastic). Really got pissed when the racist prisoner called Morgan an affirmative action hire. I'm surprised he didn't accuse the BAU ladies of sleeping their way into their jobs. Still, I wish they would have focused more on the profiling. I really like the "story behind the story" aspect of CM. But I guess it was more important to see a bunch of ass-kicking. Oh well, can't have it all.

I've been writing culture and entertainment reviews for television, film, music and books since college so I tend to look at these things, including episodes of Criminal Minds with a sharply honed critical eye. I have to keep telling myself to stop being so "writerly" and just enjoy as a viewer. But there are times, when Criminal Minds tests me.

MGG seems too easy-going of a guy to get into fisticuffs. So far, I haven't gotten any major "douchebag" vibes from him. Most likely he was horsing around his friends and got the black eye. No matter what, ouch. Off-topic: I love Jane's dress.

I got Emily Prentiss, too. Not bad. She was always one of my faves. Sure, I would have preferred Reid considering we're both introverted bookworms. But my IQ is only slightly above average and I just have a lowly BA. Plus, Reid is very left-brained and I am very right-brained.

I was so gobsmacked by the tragic death of reporter Bob Simon, I nearly forgot I had watched this episode. As for the episode? Well, it was kind of meh to me. And it seemed to be over in a flash. Like Candall I wished the last victim would have fought back and escaped, but instead she hid under a desk. What a stupid move. I rolled my eyes so much on that one. And though I think it's great that the ladies of the BAU can seriously kick butt, but I didn't enjoy the men of the BAU put on the backburner. What I like about CM is how the characters bring various knowledge, skills, and experience in taking down the unsubs. They work great together. I want this again. I'm going to start calling JJ "Mommy Blogger" because she can't deliver her so-called wisdom without reminding everyone she is a mother. And please save me from the fresh hell that is Meg. You would think a young girl having Kate as an aunt, a woman whose whole career is about taking out criminals (some who are pedophiles), would be a bit more clued-up about the dangers of meeting people you converse with on-line. While at the mall with her bestie, I half expected Chris Hansen from "Dateline" to come out and give those two a firm talking to.

This wasn't a perfect episode, but maybe I've been under too much stress to really get in it. It was good to see Reid actually do stuff rather than take up space like a piece of furniture. In fact, everyone got to show some of their skills like Morgan diffusing the bomb. And I don't mind him calling Reid "Kid." It's like a term of endearment, not a put down. Sorry, I wasn't too keen on the Einstein character (I hope she's just a one time deal). Perhaps, it's the writing or maybe the actress herself, but I wasn't sold on Einstein as someone who graduated from med school at 19. The actress who played Einstein didn't sell it and it doesn't help she came across like a poor man's Zooey Deschanel. Sure, Matthew has a boyish quality and looks far younger than his actual age, but he has a gravitas to him where I can buy that he has an amazing intellect and a truckload of Ph.ds. Einstein? Not so much. And as much as I'd like Reid to have a girlfriend I don't want her to be Reid with a vagina, create a new character out of whole cloth, show some creativity. I have to admit I first thought the over-worked and stressed-out waiter was going to be the unsub. I've had days like his where I'm pulled in 10 directions and it takes all my strength not to become "unsubby." And as for JJ, her hair last night was a distraction. I kept thinking she was doing a shampoo commercial with how long and styled it is.

You think you are hot shit because your birthday is exactly one week before MGGs. Oh, and you sign up for PreviouslyTV just so you can discuss your latest televised addiction "Criminal Minds." I got addicted by watching the reruns on ION.