Criminal Minds Review: The Dance of Love (Season 13 Episode 18)
Insert the “Bad Romance” pun of your choice, put on some music, and tune in for Criminal Minds Season 13 Episode 18, “The Dance of Love.”
Compared with some of the episodes we’ve seen recently, a killer in regular clothes who kills for relatively typical human reasons is starting to feel unusual.
It also shows us that the writers don’t need to go completely off the wall to give us an episode that delivers.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a real, well-executed plot twist on this show. When we see Craig, romantic radio host and former number one suspect, dead in his bed, it seems we’re getting back to good standards.
…Okay, I’m being flexible with the definition of the word “good.”
In the fashion of some classic Criminal Minds episodes, this point is only the first of those that turn the plot over on its head. By the end, we arrest not even our second most likely suspect, but Craig’s regularly betrayed wife.
This is where my appreciation breaks down a little.
By the time we get to the conclusion, things seem to be more about shock value than storytelling, especially when it’s clear our killer has gone totally off the rails, possibly due to her husband’s constant infidelity.
I do like how Simmons lures her in at the end, getting her to put down the gun she has to her head. Of course, even that gets used for maximum creepy factor as she claims she can absolutely hear her husband’s last show, dedicated to her, playing in the air.
The upside to all this is that we feel some sympathy, blurring lines between unsub and victim. Still, it’s generally awkward when someone’s instability gets suddenly ratcheted up for a single climactic scene.
On the other hand, I enjoy the morbidly intriguing element of staging murder scenes to love longs more than I probably should. Chalk it up to creativity?
It’s the scenes between Rossi and his third ex-wife, Krystall (with a K and two Ls,) though, that really make this episode. Sure, their romance lasted less than two days, but they got something real out if it nonetheless.
Unfortunately, the hilarity of Rossi being married in Vegas by an Elvis impersonator fades when he has to bring down another relationship on the verge of wedded bliss. But given what the groom turns out to be like, it’s all for the best.
It would be nice to have a happier ending. Our characters certainly deserve that much.
But, in the end, at least we see that Rossi is able to prove a point and bring an end to what is already doomed—even if he does have to do it by force.
Is a potential romance in the wings for Rossi and his former beau? If so, let’s hope it lasts longer than 36 hours. Also, if it ever does that far, they should probably just get married at home by someone in the FBI.
This is also the second episode in a row we get without a mention of the Linda Barnes debacle. Is this really over, or only the calm before the storm?
With two episodes before a two-hour season finale, I know which way I’m leaning.
What did you think of this episode of Criminal Minds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Criminal Minds airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on CBS.
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.