R3volver

Except JJ is actually a main character on her own and doesn't need or deserve to be used as a plot device for other characters? I really don't see what about Everett Lynch doesn't scream "lethal", especially after these opening episodes. Killing JJ would raise the stakes, but it's also not at all necessary.

I really don't think the writer's intentions regarding the torturing of Reid goes beyond evoking a reaction from the viewers. He's generally the fan favorite and the character long-time viewers are invested in the most. That's not to say that people wouldn't feel anything about it if it happened to another character, but it's Reid. This writing tactic goes way beyond Criminal Minds and in my opinion, it's overused. I also don't get the impression that the torture is to show that he deserves it for not being masculine enough. I don't think it has to do with masculinity or femininity at all, but as I said, more about getting the viewer emotionally involved as much as possible. Conflict piques interest, and well, Reid is the best candidate for the desired effect.

There are many people who have suffered all their lives and never became killers. I think Reid can go to many dark places, but that's not one of them. It will be interesting to see if and how he recovers from everything.

Looks like I'll be watching 68 Kill...

I feel like with the proper writing, Walker could possible move into my favorites circle. I'd like to get to see more of him now that the Reid prison arc is wrapped up.

I think the show is meant to be realistic fiction, not fantasy, so I think it would make sense to write to real life experiences. I'm not saying they have any intention of going there, but they could and it wouldn't be completely out of left field. Just a few small bits and pieces of JJ/Will's relationship not being perfect or implications is all it would really take. JJ and Reid have already established a strong bond as best friends, so it wouldn't take much to shift their relationship. They don't even really have to change anything. Again, I'm not saying it's going to happen because I know TPTB have shot it down, but it wouldn't be some huge disastrous event that changes anyone's character or the way they're perceived.

The way I interpreted that scene was that she told him to look at her like she's the first woman he has seen, not to just imagine the first woman he would want to see after being in prison. I think he just followed the directions as stated. Well, when my parents divorced, my mom quickly moved into a new relationship. That was because their romantic relationship ended long before they legally separated, as it commonly does. I consider my mom a great mother and it took nothing away from any of her 'defining characteristics.' I would think the same should JJ ever divorce and move on.

I agree with you. With taking care of his mom(even then he still needed help) he can't take on the responsibility of raising a child. He would be an amazing father, but I'm not sure right now is the best time.

I'm not too sure he would have any type of fondness for the woman that tried to kill his mother. I think he was just playing(and winning) her game.

This exactly. I think also with JJ and Reid being the original plan(remember the date?) before they pulled the plug on romance within the team, and MGG confirming Reid's crush, I can't see their relationship as familial.

I can't form the right words right now, but that was such a good episode and the acting was phenomenal. I can't describe what I felt when Reid said, "Watch me."

As much as I know a lot of us didn't want this arc dragged out for so long; I think that was the point. From a writing standpoint, they probably wanted the viewer to agonize over waiting for something to happen the way Reid and the team probably were. I'm also not sure they could've had Reid triumph over Shaw within one or two episodes and have it feel as satisfying as it did in this episode.

Thank you everyone, I missed most of season 11 but I thought it happened then. I agree that it would have been interesting to see Reid and Hotch deal with the effects at the same time.

Wait, wasn't Diana diagnosed with Alzheimer's before TG was fired?

Love this. You can tell how badly they needed this moment after everything. Hopefully, there's more in the finale.