Criminal Minds Review: Elliott’s Pond (Season 12 Episode 6)
Hotchner’s absence is finally explained, while a new leader is appointed in the BAU. Who is it?
On Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 6, “Elliott’s Pond,” we find out how the writers decided to explain away Thomas Gibson’s firing, and it actually makes some sense. Surprisingly.
What doesn’t make sense is Hotchner running from the fight. It’s a well thought out idea, but doesn’t make sense given the 11 years of material that proves Hotchner wouldn’t make that choice.
Maybe it’s supposed to be a comforting sign that he finally chose Jack over himself and his job; even when his ex-wife Haley was murdered by a serial killer that was intent on punishing you, he still chose to remain with the BAU, and personally, that’s the most selfish decision any character has made on the series, besides Elle killing someone in cold blood.
Him leaving and entering the Witness Protection Program because Peter Lewis followed Jack to school, even though it was off-screen, is the most noble and fulfilling way Hotchner could’ve been written off of the series. Also, Prentiss being appointed in his place is also the best decision.
Bringing in a new leader would’ve felt wrong, so appointing a beloved and experienced member of the BAU who has already left and returned is the best possible outcome. If Reid or JJ would’ve been given the job, we’d have to worry about Gubler and Cook deciding to leave the series after so many years and having another person appointed in a later season.
Prentiss is a skilled agent that is better at controlling her emotions than anyone on the team, so she will thrive in a position of power in the BAU. Maybe this will change the dynamic of the team and liven up the series in a new way after so many years.
Case thoughts:
- This case is actually pretty interesting. Two kids that were kidnapped 33 years prior kidnap three more kids to join them, but their original capture isn’t around anymore, so this was their idea.
- This episode is more scary than their “Halloween episode.” The kids looking around in the dark and seeing the pale, bald man reminded me of a scene from a horror movie. Also, the pale, bald guy is just creepy to look at.
- Also, why is the guy whiter than chalk, but his sister has a normal skin color? They supposedly haven’t been outside in years, but like, she looks normal other than her strung out eyes.
- The reunion between all of the families makes me cry; it’s not even that sad, maybe it’s just because there’s a happy ending for the first time in awhile on the series. No one is hurt or killed; each family gets their happy ending.
- Tara Lewis needs a bigger story because Aisha Tyler is too talented to be kept in the background.
What did you think of this episode of Criminal Minds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Reviewer Rating:
User Rating:
Criminal Minds airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on CBS.
Jay Ruymann
Jay is a freelance writer and a Slytherin, who uses Leslie Knope as a role model, suffering from an addiction to coffee and television that is only encouraged by his professional life. While busy slaving away at the day-to-day, he also enjoys a good binge-watch of Parks and Recreation and Pretty Little Liars.