Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders season 2 episode 2 review: Making a monster

In our Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders season 2 episode 2 review, we tackle the story of “Il Mostro,” the journey to Italy, and a case that really seemed to baffle both the International Response Team and beyond. After all, we saw a killing at the center of it that had all of the hallmarks of the famed Il Mostro murders, but it was so many years removed. Not only that, but there were slight differences in the way the kill happened.

When some work was done in the lab, though, it was quickly determined that these changes could have just been the result of old age, or someone killing after not having done it for a while. Ultimately, in the end what we ended up seeing was a case of the sins of the father becoming the sins of the son. It wasn’t just one person who was behind this anymore. The monster was being brought back from the dead.

In terms of creepy finishes, this episode had that in the closing minutes, as you saw Il Mostro and Son trying to go through with their latest plan. This was vintage and indicative of the entire Criminal Minds franchise, one where a character had to talk down one or two of the killers in order to better ensure that nobody else was hurt. How quickly some of these people turn, or at least consider it, is often rather remarkable.

In this case, there was enough hesitation on the part of the son for him to be shot, for the father Mostro to be shot, and for the team to claim what amounts to a victory. It’s still enough for the team to celebrate … we just wish that there was something significant for Jack or the rest of the International Response Team to take away from this.

Our overall review

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders is a show that is very good at what it does, and that is transport its characters to different parts of the world to take on mysterious and extremely dangerous threats. We do still wish that in the process of telling these procedural stories, the writers would lean more in to its characters and get you involved in that capacity. That will only help you in the long run. Grade: B-.

What’s coming up next?

We’re heading over to Colombia! In the event you’re so inclined to read more about that, head over to the link here.

What is your personal Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders season 2 episode 2 review? Share in the comments below! (Photo: CBS.)