‘Criminal Minds’ season 9 finale review: Did Reid and Morgan make it out alive?
You knew that “Criminal Minds” was going to go out with a bang on Wednesday night … or at least a series of bangs. The episode began with us questioning the futures of Reid, Morgan, and even Garcia as the insanity in Texas rose to a new level.
Luckily, we survived one of the largest cliffhangers of the entire season, and by the end of the episode we started to feel a little bit of relief … with an emphasis on “a little bit.” Garcia and JJ in particular ended up being heroes, and everyone of significance made it out of this madness alive. This was a nice turnaround from last season, and something that was necessary. We don’t need a bloodbath to close the door on every season; you can have a very good episode without it.
With all this being said, there are many ways for people to leave this show beyond just getting killed off … and that includes having them just straight-up leave. That is what happened at the end of the episode tonight with Alex, who turned in her credentials to Reid before going out in a way that she wanted. This was certainly emotional, and a great way to end her run (if this is the end). Jeanne Tripplehorn has been a big part of the past two seasons, but if there is something that “Criminal Minds” knows very well at this point, it is turnover when it comes to their cast. There have been many exits, and if this is the end for her, someone will step in.
We appreciated how this was a real ending to the story, and not just a dangling thread … and we’re just as excited for next season as we would’ve been with a cliffhanger. Grade: B+.
What did you think about the big “Criminal Minds” finale? Share your thoughts below.
Hollowers
May 19, 2014 @ 3:29 am
I was kind of disappointed with the character development over the season. They’ve never really been big on that, but I was hoping we’d see more of what holds these people together in the face of their horrific day-to-day exposure to the worst of humanity. I felt like we got more insight into JJ, Morgan & Hotch…less on the others & as usual we’re left at the end wondering WHY Reid keeps going with no visible means of support (even his mom doesn’t need him any more).
Ren
May 15, 2014 @ 3:15 am
Hoping Matthew signs on for more seasons, my favorite character along with Garcia!!!
LyndaT
May 15, 2014 @ 2:08 am
I missed the first 40 minutes of last week’s episode, and the first 30 minutes tonight (choir practice!), but I still loved these two episodes and they kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m really relieved that everybody survived and that Alex only left because she wanted to (or at least it she thought it was her time to leave).
That said, I feel so bad for Reid — he survived and he’s going to be okay, but OMG, how many times does he have to say goodbye to people he cares about before he finally breaks for good? I still love it, because *oooh* the emotional hurt / comfort (please, someone comfort him!), but still, ouch.