Criminal Minds Review: Rule 34 (Season 14 Episode 3)

Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 3, “Rule 34,” may help you reconsider any desires you have to explore the depths of the “dark web.”

So let’s get the most important question out of the way: yes, the writers of Criminal Minds know what Rule 34 is, and openly acknowledge it. It may be better if they didn’t.

I’m not here to shame anyone for what they like, so long as it involves consenting adults. Thing is, people really don’t consent to being paralyzed, tortured, and murdered for the pleasure of viewers online.

People also don’t generally consent to being sent chopped up body parts of those victims, even if they are nicely gift-wrapped. Shame our unsub has this notion, especially as we approach the holiday season.

While it does add a certain extra element to the disturbing nature of the case, the ties to the dark side of porn aren’t strictly necessary. There’s enough to unpack with our unsub’s twisted view on the world.

As it stands, he’s not one of the more sympathetic killers on this show. Perhaps he would be with more exploration of what alters his state of mind, but as it stands, he’s mostly an erratic sadist.

There are many strong elements to the episode, though, besides proving this show’s ability to turn our stomachs and make us watch on mute, even after 13 years.

In particular, the standoff between Rossi and the unsub is one of the most anxiety-inducing ones we’ve gotten in all this time. Every moment makes me expect an extremely gruesome murder or suicide.

Their interaction is largely shaped by the guy’s familiarity with Rossi’s work. Many killers have cited a quest for fame as at least part of their motivation, but this makes it especially personal.

In the end, a man about to chop someone up with a handsaw agrees to give himself up. His attitude is calm, even rational. That demeanor is in many ways even scarier that the version of him thrashing madly to metal music.

Outside from the elements that promote interest in a bottle of brain bleach, we get our first hints of the stress load Garcia is taking on right now. Nobody would want to watch the videos made here, but she is in an especially bad position to do so.

Considering how often the long-term effects of trauma go unacknowledged, having early suggestions of the support Garcia will needs is an encouraging sign. I hope to see it fully explored.

Finally, there are the scenes between Matt and his family. A healthy, loving, and successful long-term relationship is a nice change for this show and helps give some breathing room from everything else.

Besides keeping their marriage strong, Matt and especially Kristy actually know how to deal with issues they face as parents. They understand what makes kids act out, and even reflect on what Kristy faced as hostage in a bank holdup.

Too many shows, including this one, seem to think all relationships need to be in a constant state of turmoil. That these parents handle their son’s actions show that this isn’t necessary, even when problems arise.

Overall, while I never will be 100% behind the need to put in as much distress as possible at every opportunity, we see a lot of good storytelling and balance here.

But seriously, guys. If you want to show a woman appreciation for her kindness, a friendly note or email is perfectly fine.

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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