mefein

Hello all, Once again I only managed to see the episode on the move so I may have missed important bits. My overall opinion is that it was better than recent episodes. I watch CM now with no great expectations and have given up looking for plot holes, continuity, sense...lol That said I did like this epiosde better than a whole lot of previous. I'm one of those who has always liked JJ, so having her front and center as such, does not bother me. Lets just say that I'd tale another of her upfront than next weeks apparent Luke fest. I was interested in this episode as my sister met Gubler a few weeks ago in LA (he was out with Thomas, Thomas son and another friend). She asked him about his episode and he called it 'special'. It started pretty Gubleresque but I have to say I was a little disapointed that it did not stay that way. I've not always been a fan of Matthews style, although when I think about it, I really like all of his episodes..hows that work??. It might be because personally I don't like the scary, supernatural, ghostly stuff. This episode felt quite 'normal' after the opening and the guy on stilts with the weird face. Lots of you have gone over the episode and I've learned some stuff I missed, so I'm not going to repeat. I do agree with those of you have commented on the way the JJ and her sister story turned out. Gotta say I am sad about that. I think it was Annber who mentioned the chain?. Yes, I wish they had not done that. Ok, maybe the story albeit it more than a little meh, but the story of how JJ had come to own that chain was such an important part of the character. One of my favorite scenes was that one with JJ and Hotch in 'Risky Business', when they talked at the end of the case at the back of the plane. JJ told her story (which I wondered how Hotch did not already know......), but in the end she ended up comforting Hotch re Haley. It was such a really nice scene and AJ and Thomas played it so well. How this episode turned out, felt like it ruined it. I don't know, maybe its just me, but seeing as sometimes its so hard to get anysort of back story and continuity with these characters (the originals), I wish they would not tear what we did get, away from us now. I liked AJ and unlike others, I really liked both the older girl playing Roslyn and the little girl playing young JJ. In fact I thought she was really good. Then again, I tend not to be to critical of young child actors.... I certainly did not feel she "ruined" AJ's performance. Joe/Rossi continues to be my favorite male following Hotch exit. Reid you are still up there but I don't know, I'm liking Rossi alot this season. Prentiss/Brewster....OK, so I said it before, I'm not a fan of Brewster but I really do try to review without bias. She just does not cut it, sorry Prentiss fans. Next week...meh. I'm sure I'll see it at some point, but it won't be a priority.

I think they've all suffered a bit from poor writing. I'm only going to comment on what I call my oldies. I don't care enough about the newbies. The Garcia character has always somewhat annoyed me, but if you'd asked me back a few seasons ago when the real CM team was there, if she should go, I'd have said no. Because she was part of the team. In recent seasons, she's just been...? I'd like to say we can blame the writers but I wonder. I read an interview with KV wherein she said something along the lines of ' she can change lines around or add lines'. Interesting and slightly ironic.... Reid was always a character I liked but grew frustrated with - this is down to the writers, because I just don't think any of them can write for him. I loved his relationship with Blake, though it was woefully underused. I'm sticking with my view that Matt has a foot out the door even if this blind article is not about him. Rossi I always liked. I'd have liked to see more of him and Hotch..outside the bureau. JM has been the best thing about CM of late. JJ, I don't really get the hate some have for the character. I didn't particularly like the change from liaison to super girl, and if anything I think her character has now been shamefully sidelined. I've always liked AJ. And now we get to Prentiss. She was never a favourite but I liked her as part of the old team. I disagree wholeheartedly that she fits as UC and I'm not alone on that. Now full disclosure, my views on this are slightly skewed because of the Hotch situation, but if I'm honest, it's because I don't like the actress. Im not going to go further into it, it's from personal experience. I was a big fan and then somethings happened which irrevocably coloured my views on PB. And before anyone assumes it's to do with Hotch/TG, not at all (not suprised though). No my feelings re PB were formed long before that. I don't believe she should have come back ever. This goes back quite some time. Im sure there will be some who have an issue with that, but it's my personal opinion and seeing as this is the unpopular opinions tab...?

Yes that was the order, but as the usual is 22 and in earlier seasons went to 24, this shorter season is a first for CM. There was talk or maybe hope that they'd get some more and I'd expect that to have been announced by now. I guess my point is that the writers must know by now if it's staying at 15 and even more so, if this is the final series.

No update on the behind the scenes issues. I would hope he's been canned and frankly so to should anyone found to have protected him. I think we probably will hear more about this but maybe not till the end of the series. Speaking off, has anyone heard whether or not there has been an increase in episode order? Theyve got to be filming 10 or maybe even 11 by now. Pin order news, I read that MGG is staring in a movie due to start this week? Now it doesn't mean he's working on it this week but he usually takes October off from CM so maybe he worked around it. Ive felt for the last few years that Matt has itchy feet. I wonder if that blind article about an original cast member from long running drama leaving could be about him?

Oh yes. I had this very comment written last night but it disapered somewhere in the cyber world. I thought that immediately and the more it went on, particularly the last scene, I wondered....eeek. In fairness CM was filmed long before this event and I guess as it did not occur I the US and the way the media works, it's very possible a lot of viewers might not even be aware of the significance. As for the episode, yep, like so many others over recent years, it feels very much like same story different day. The unsub was slightly interesting but I was oddly curious about the webmaster/mistress. There was something about her. She looked and sounded really familiar and I'm not sure if it's because she reminds me of another actor or someone I actually know!! I liked her interaction with Rossi who I might add has been my favourite character over the last few seasons. I've long made it known my cast makeup preferences. Newbies just not cutting it for me. Bookends were OK, but again I couldn't help feel that this was a replay of Hotch and Jack, or should I say a scene we should have seen with Hotch and Jack. The little guy playing David was really cute and a good little actor and Daniel Henny is a very attractive man, but the family man/work conflicts have been done.

Firstly, thanks to everyone for this really interesting discussion. It's good to be able to discuss and disagree and still remain civil. We are all coming to this from the same place if you think about it. We are having this debate because we enjoy or enjoyed the show. It was or is important to us. It's in trouble, serious trouble that may very possibly see this once juggernaut show that brought so many ppl together, end. And in all likely hood when it does end, it's not going to do to as it once deserved. So my feeling is, we are all a bit peeved about it and we are all looking to find reasons why this is happening. I might be completely off on my analysis but I don't think so. JMO - I guess why I'm pointing the finger at EM is because ultimately the buck stops with her. She has been the show runner for however many years and if her interviews are anything to go by, then the direction the show went was primarily the one she wanted and pushed for. Were there decisions that were taken out of her hands? Sure. We know about some, and can summise on others. But essentially she is the Captsin of the ship. The ship has been going off course for some time and so it's not unreasonable in my view to point a finger or 3 in her direction.

Hi JMO, Yes I agree people will have their own opinions and I respect that. All my comments I give with the 'in my opinion' tag, because it is just that. She's been there longer than others, that is correct. But it is because of the upheaval at the end of S5? If that had not occured, Bernero had stayed and the host of good writers and producers that seemed to follow him out the door, then I think we'd be in a better situation right now. There were some good writers since then but they did not seem to be able to retain them. Oonah Lah springs to mind. I guess my point is that when EM took over, she seemed to do a complete 360 on the direction of the show. Maybe she was able to convince tptb that is the direction it needed to go, to attract a different audience, I don't know, but she and they got it badly wrong in my view. As an experiment a few months ago, I had some friends who had never watched it before, look at a selection of episodes from S7 to 13. Then they watched a selection from 1-5. There response was that had it not been for the same faces and character names, they would never have thought it was the same show. I personally take umbrage at the 'our loyal fans' comments that come regularly because I feel it's a slight at those who have expressed opinions on the direction of the show and decisions made. Why does it pee me off, well long before EM was mentioned, 1000s of those loyal fans were lighting up the switchboard of CBS, and crashing their servers in protest at PB and AJ getting canned, and they've done it since when other problems have come up. EM and her colleagues just don't seem to want to bear any responsibility for how things have worked out. Her words, her recorded words regarding this dispicable situation with StJohns, makes that clear. I really liked Alex. I loved her relationship with Reid and not exploring this more is one of the many grrrr moments I have with recent years CM. I want to like Tara but I think my overall meh with the show is blocking me from doing that. That said, off the new arrivals, I'd ditch both the boys, however appealing to the eye Daniel Henney is and keep Tara.

This is in response to Mislav. I tried picking specifics but my tablet is having s bad day..? Anyone who watch CM from the beginning as I did, would never disagree that the show changed drastically when Messer took over and not for the better. Yes we have the 'change is good' but we also have 'if it's not broken...' and in my view, it was not broken. in her defence, a lot of changes happened around that time. I was much more invested in the show that time and I know through sources and some information that is now public knowledge, that there was a big shakeup behind the scenes. One that in my view was the death nail for the show. Theres a lot could be examined about what went wrong and we could fill many threads on that, but to keep with your points on Messer, I agree. She tried to turn the show into a soap opera and it has failed miserably which was to be expected. I find her interviews cringe worthy, always did. I remember way back when there was a very vocal and at times out of control group on Twitter who were Hotch/Prentiss shippers. Every other interview it was brought up. Would Hotch and Prentiss get together. Thomas was adamant it would not happen and explained that it would take from the show, the character and bring the show in the wrong direction. Back in the days of Ed Bernero, that had been the discussion. But the shippers persisted and Messer and Brewster would put them into a frenzy with hints, Thomas would say nope and even from that small thing you could see where there were going to be possible conflicts. Then when Bellamy Young came on board, the shippers went berserk. Still Messer did not learn and she continued to drop these little hints and maybes and still Thomas was ..NOPE ? Thats just a small example of so much that went wrong under her watch. Without doubt, the writing was the biggest failure. Even when my people, my favourite cast makeup were there, there were many times I could visibly see them struggling with the dialogue. I downloaded some scripts once and read them....? And yes Mislav, all this happy clappy 'family' BS, or the 'our heros'. It's cringeworthy and now knowing what was going on behind the scenes, it's insulting. I've made my feelings clear on that. She ought to be ashamed. I lost my way with this show some time ago but could not quite completely cut the strings. I feel a bit sad at how it has declined and don't buy the 'it's an old show' excuse. Yes, it's an old show and it's natural that it wouldn't hit the high notes of early days, BUT in my opinion, it is not age that has destroyed this show, it's immaturity. She and those who came on board with her were handed a brilliant product, a little wounded but ultimately with the right attitude, it would have weathered that storm and come back fighting. Sad. sorry about the long and winding essay. I don't get a lot of time on so have to say a lot at once!

https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/cbs-harassment-allegations-criminal-minds-leslie-moonves-1202973265/ An update of sorts on this story from last week and I have to say that I am disgusted. If I am reading this correctly, someone obviously recorded this meeting between Erica and the crew, a telling fact in itself in my opinion. Through that recording we hear that Erica was frustrated at the timing of this story and seemed more concerned at keeping up appearances of a nice happy family! Concerned also that there would be "nasty comments about the show" and to come to EPs if they read them. ? This woman is clearly in denial. Surely she could not be so insensitive and self centred...? And StJohns has been sent home for a few days? This is outrageous and extraordinarily hypocritical. Given all that occured on that show over the years and the rush to make judgements but even more so the current climate. As someone who in a previous incarnation worked with sexual assault victims, predominantly young men, I'm appalled.

I was only able to watch the episode online so maybe not the best view. I don't know if I'd characterise AJ/JJ as being 'too thin'. I mean, she has always been slim. I saw a few random posts over the Summer and she and her family seem to be really into outdoor sports so I'm thinking its more than likely this. I have a sister, (yes another one, 5 in total),..lol. Shes always been slim..grrr, but in the last few years she has started running alot, marathons. She is even slimmer now but shes certainly not unhealthy just really lean. Eats like a horse! In saying that, we do often tell her that she exercises too much, thats definitely a thing. Does she look much different than last season? I don't know. I guess if its some sort of drastic weight change, that could be something, which of course I hope it is not. I remember back around Season 6? Thomas posted a pic on twitter of last day on set. I used to interact on twitter alot then...until it became the cess pit it is now. None of us recognised him, he looked so thin. Then when he came back in S7, the episode where he is called back from Pakistan and has a beard, when the beard went, it was like OMG, he is so gaunt. Remeber the do say (and its true) that the camera adds a few llbs. So the comments about his appearance became so much, there were stories online that he must be really sick, because this change seemed to have happened very quickly and was so drastic. I remember him addressing it in some article saying that he had a really bad back pain?? and had not been feeling well. He did seem to gain some healthy weight in the later seasons. As for AJ, I don't see a huge difference. Her hair seems fuller. I like Aj/JJ, always have, even if some of the character changes were not to my liking. And much as '200' is loathed, I thought AJ/JJ was great in it.

Very disappointed to see that as of yet there appears to have been no action taken. At the very least this man needs to be suspended while a full investigation takes place. It's the very least that should be done at this time. As for Harry not having anything to do with this, Blackbird, I'm afraid I must disagree with you on this also. There is simply no way that he was not aware of this. NONE. In fact one of the comments purported to be from a crew member and one with quite specific details, calls him out for his inaction as well as Erica, Breen & Glenn. He is an EP on the show, one of the 'higher ups' and by all accounts very close friends with Glenn Kershaw. You don't think it ever came up in conversation??? Impossible he was unaware of the complaints. I have found Mr.Bring to be quite rude in many of his interactions. Im not a regular Twitter user but on one occasion I witnessed a young girl reply (politely) to a picture tweet he had posted which had most of the cast except Matthew. She asked why Matthew was not in the picture. His reply was something like 'he didn't have to explain where anyone was' and then commented on a misspelled word she had in her tweet by using a derogatory term. The young girl explained that she was upset by his reply as she was dyslexic. A number of other users liked his comment, some retweeted it, something that I found quite disturbing. I challenged him to apologise, as an adult to adult, to which the response was to comment on my 'only 200 followers', blocked and blocked young girl. Not an isolated incident either. Not particularly associated with the allegations in the article but a snapshot of the character in my opinion. Regardless of who was or was not involved or aware, action needs to be taken.

Only managed glances so far. Daniel and I have in the past shared quite similar views so the F does not bode well.....My Reid adoring sis was happy though. She'd be happy just to have him on screen for 42 minutes saying nothing!

I agree JMO. And yes, when I read that 'locker room' comment, my reaction was something along the lines of "oh for f**k sake". I applaud these men for coming forward. It's hard enough for women and the current political climate is doing nothing to placate that. I think it's amplified for male victims. I guess my comment on whether the actors knew or not, was me wondering if they'd heard anything about it. It seems like a pretty big thing to not have heard. That said, as much as these crews, cast etc work together, there is still a pecking order. So maybe it was just known among the crew and senior staffers'.

Hi. Yes I've just been having a read. I have to disagree with you a little I'm afraid. I think we've all learned how difficult it is for victims to come forward in any environment but certainly this business adds an extra obstacle or 100! I have family members who work in the business and they've often discussed how they witnessed poor behaviour. Not specifically of this nature, rather bullying and threats. If it is the case that this was reported to Erica, Glenn, Harry etc as seems to have been the case if the article and subsequent comments are accurate, and they did NOT act to resolve it, or as one commentator said, 'protected him', then they are entitled to be blamed and those crew members are entitled to be angry. They are the bosses on the show, Erica the show runner and if nothing else, they have a duty of care to their crew. The article alleges that it was the people complaining who were fired instead of the perp and he seems to have been able to behave like this with impunity for years. That's disgraceful. I agree that bringing Thomas name into it is not fair. I'm not saying this as a Thomas fan but really, how could you possibly compare. im curious though. I can't believe that the actors were not aware of this. Perhaps they to were afraid for their jobs if they stepped forward. Who knows, maybe they also were victims. It's really awful and I hope swift action is taken.

I'm 'working' nights at the moment and was during a quiet few moments scrolling through some social media when I came upon this article just published today in Variety. This is very disturbing. I am also thinking back to my very brief meeting some months ago with a former crew member. They did not talk about this specifically but definitely aluded to the fact that all was not as it appeared. I was most interested in their views on what happened with Thomas. This person is still friendly with Thomas. NOTE: This article has NOTHING to do with Thomas but I have to say that it puts his dismissal for at what was at best a heated clash, into perspective - ( I don't wish to dig this story up again, just compare and contrast) Heads should roll for this - http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/criminal-minds-abc-studios-abuse-tyrant-1202965261/#article-comments