Criminal Minds Archives

A neatly stacked pile of rocks should be a warning that something weird is upcoming for the agents of the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

That promises to be the case as Alves and JJ investigate a murder in this sneak peek of Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4.

In this chilling clip, there's a definite contrast in this forest near Tallahassee, Fla., between the beauty of nature and a woman's body tied to a tree.

Fortunately, Alves and JJ are aided by an inquisitive medical examiner, who has studied the crime scene and gives them a jump on their investigation of this murder.

On "Innocence," soon after the BAU steps in to help local law enforcement isolate a prime suspect for a ritualistic murder, a second person who is related to the first victim is killed under similar circumstances.

So what started as a random killing may actually be targeted murder aimed at a particular family, for a reason likely to be discovered by Garcia at about the 45-minute mark.

Speaking of Garcia, she's been a bit off so far this season.

Not in her work for the BAU. Never in her work. She's been her usual techno-whiz self.

But following her abduction by the Messiah's cult on Criminal Minds Season 14 Season 1, her attitude has changed.

Instead of her usual sunny self, she's become more, well, fatalistic. It sure seems like PTSD, despite her trying to ignore it.

But in this episode, Prentiss is concerned about Garcia's behavior and has an idea of how to help with the healing process.

It should be fascinating to see what Prentiss thinks will bring back that inner Garcia.

Check out the exclusive clip below, then come back for our favorite profilers' latest adventure, airing tonight on CBS at 10/9c.

One family was healed.

But another family was ripped asunder on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4.

First, and most importantly, Garcia appeared to be on the way back.

Ritualistic Murder - Tall - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4

There's no denying that she had been off lately. She'd still been competent at her job, but her sunny disposition had been sucked from her soul.

After all that has been thrown at her through the years, it's a wonder that she hadn't cracked sooner.

Recently, there was the parole hearing for the drunk driver who had killed her parents when she was barely out of her teens. On Criminal Minds Season 13 Episode 20, she forgave him, but her brother Carlos disowned her because he didn't agree with her action.

Then, on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 1, she and Reid were abducted by the Messiah's cult, old BAU baggage in which she got caught up.

Garcia adopted the attitude that going through such travails was just standard operating procedure for those in the BAU. Looking back over 14 seasons, she ain't wrong. Everyone that's still living has been through worlds of hurt.

She brushed off the abduction, despite Prentiss urging her to take some time off. But there were signs, little mistakes that were unlike Garcia.

Changing Attitude - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4

Then there was the unicorn mug (symbolism much?). She accidentally broke her favorite mug, then dismissively tossed it away. Prentiss rescued the pieces and reassembled it for her.

Prentiss cajoled Garcia until she admitted that it was the split with Carlos that was affecting her most.

This is Prentiss's strength as a leader. She worries about her team members' mental well-being, which is important considering with what they deal. Hotch always struck me as a "rub some dirt on it" kind of guy.

Rossi and Prentiss did a lovely thing convincing (and probably paying for) Carlos to fly east and talk with Garcia. It was clear he was hurt by what Penelope had done at the parole hearing, without consulting him. But it was more obvious that he loved her and wanted to be there for her when she was in pain, rather than cause that pain.

Now that rift appears healed, maybe Garcia should find a new hobby, something to take her mind off the sludge she's immersed in every day. Maybe some online role-playing game where she could take out her frustrations?

At least Garcia's little flub ultimately had little impact on the case of the week.

Gruesome Ritual - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4

I'd place the root cause of this unsub squarely at the feet of that old-time religion.

Yes, Melissa had an adulterous affair and Jacob was the result of it. But it was the pastor hammering on the sin of adultery that damaged Jacob's self-worth to the point that he was willing to murder anyone having to do with his mother's affair, seeing it as God's will.

It didn't matter if it was his mother, his aunt, his sister. He was meting out punishment in the Lord's name, as Pastor Monroe had preached.

Related: CBS Cheat Sheet

Never having researched this, I wonder if there isn't some age minimum for clients of those do-it-yourself genetic sites. Not everyone is emotionally equipped to process the results they may get. For a boy that was already unruly, finding out his father wasn't his biological dad was enough to send him over the edge.

And I blame the preacher for instigating the violence that followed. It's like he gave his blessing to Jacob to do what he ended up doing, and based it on God's words.

I always hate the children-as-unsub episodes. For kids to have gotten off the tracks that far, the adults in their lives have failed them badly, wnether out of a misguided sense of love or on purpose. This cases just feel like they shouldn't have happened.

Finding Boy's Secret - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4

It also takes the BAU longer to suspect a child, as they work through any adults with a motive to be the unsub.

Granted, sometimes a child is just bad. But I don't think that was the case here.

Danny showed his love for Jacob by confessing to the murders so that his son wouldn't have to go to jail.

On a side note, did anyone else get a kick out of the Tallahassee medical examiner enthusing about the CSI shows in front of Alves, played by Adam Rodriguez, a longtime cast member of CSI: Miami?

To follow Garcia's struggle, watch Criminal Minds online.

View Slideshow: 27 Of The Most Seductive Serial Killers On TV

Did anyone suspect Jacob up until the end?

Was the genetic-testing site storyline realistic?

Who was most responsible for Jacob's fate?

Comment below.

Was there something off about Garcia?

That's what Prentiss tried to find out on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4 when her friend continued to struggle following her abduction.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 4 Online

Meanwhile, the BAU stepped in to help a local law enforcement isolate a prime suspect for a murder in Tallahassee, Florida.

However, things took a wild turn when another body showed up with an equally as gruesome murder taking place.

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online right here via TV Fanatic.

View Slideshow: CBS Cheat Sheet: Is Criminal Minds Really in Danger?!

Catch up on all your favorite shows and reviews and join in the conversations with other fanatics who love TV as much as you.

Lots of actors are satisfied with perfecting their craft in front of the camera. They shine in the spotlight. But sometimes they're inspired to play a different role in TV, and that's the role of director. These actors have ideas and a vision of what they would like to see in a show.

Most times they're directing the show they act in.

These actors know the show so well that they want to expand their creative wings and make their visions come to life from behind the screen. Typically acting as they direct, these talents move flawlessly between roles, often enhancing their acting ability.

Experiencing a TV show from a different perspective is a challenge. One that a lot of actors aspire to achieve. Have any of your favorite actors also directed the very shows you enjoy? Chances are they might have. Read on to find out if your favorites have made the leap.

1. Matthew Gray Gubler - Criminal Minds

It should come as no surprise that the talent who plays Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds has 11 directing credits from the show. Gubler has also directed several short films and is a writer, producer, and artist. That's a whole lot of talent wrapped up in our favorite brainiac.

2. Chandra Wilson - Grey's Anatomy

Chandra Wilson plays the five-foot-nothing no-nonsense heart of gold surgeon Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey's Anatomy. While playing the role, she's also directed a whopping 19 episodes for the series. Although Grey's is the only show she both acts and directs in, she's also directed episodes for The Fosters and Scandal.

3. Mariska Hargitay - Law & Order: SVU

Mariska has played the role of Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU since day one, but in recent years she's also stepped behind the camera. Since 2014, she's directed six episodes for the series and will probably continue in both roles until the end of the long-running series.

4. Hugh Laurie - House

We know Hugh Laurie as House on the medical drama of the same name. Did you know he also directed a couple of episodes? We have to wonder if acting with an American accent while directing without tripped up the actor on set. It's funny to imagine House with a British accent.

5. Jennifer Garner - Alias

Jennifer Garner played Sydney Bristow, a kickass international spy for the five season series. A year before the end of the series, Garner tried her hand at directing. She directed one episode for the series and hadn't tried it again since, but that doesn't mean she won't.

6. Courteney Cox - Cougar Town

Courteney Cox is probably most widely recognized as the anal retentive Monica Gellar on Friends. She has a boatload of other acting credits to her name and some directing ones too. When Cox was playing her role on Cougar Town, she also directed twelve episodes for the series.

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Maybe Tom Wolfe got it wrong.

Maybe you can go home again

JJ pondered that thought as she returned to her hometown and painful memories on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 5.

JJ was at the heart of this episode, directed by Matthew Gray Gubler. That certainly explained why we didn't see a lot of Reid this time out

She has always been the BAU's empath, and by getting a glimpse at her roots through memories and flashbacks, now we better understand why.

The suicide of JJ's older sister Rosaline had been first addressed on Criminal Minds Season 5 Episode 13.

But now we learned that Rosaline's death was much more understandable than she had previously thought and that the monster that claimed her was still haunting East Allegheny decades later.

That monster wasn't the local boogeyman called the Tall Man but someone much closer to home

I was afraid the powers that be were going to make the Tall Man a figment of Ally's schizophrenia, and that she had harmed her friends. Fortunately, they didn't take that easy way out.

A Personal Case - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 5

Instead, the storyline took a darker, more twisted path with Bethany a conquest of the unsub, Chelsea their target and Ally an unfortunate bystander.

Being back on her home turf, JJ should have been a helpful guide for the team, if she hadn't been so haunted by memories of Rosaline and their unhappy family life

She had escaped to the University of Pittsburgh, then Georgetown, for good reason, and now she was getting to recall why all over again

Also for good reason, she was, naturally, knocked her off her game, and she admitted so to Prentiss. Still, from Ally's detailed description, she was able to figure out where Chelsea was being held just in time to get her medical help and save her.

But Chelsea's reaction to the heart necklace that Rosaline had given to JJ tainted her fondest keepsake of her late sister, while essentially blowing the case wide open once JJ had settled enough to put together the pieces.

That was primarily thanks to Rossi, the BAU's calming voice of reason. He helped JJ to ponder why Rosaline had given her the necklace, and who might have felt threatened by it way back when.

Looking Back - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 5

And it was heartening to see an enraged JJ, wanting to take vengeance for her sister and the other girls through the years of whom this predator had taken advantage.

That was the big drawback of this episode, a shallow suspect pool. There was Chelsea's father Tom and Ethan Howard, the principal. Unless someone appeared out of the gloom in the third quarter, after Tom got eliminated as the unsub, that left Ethan. They didn't even need Garcia's Google skills to winnow down possible suspects.

Related: CBS Cheat Sheet

So solving the case was much less work than getting JJ into the right frame of mind so that she could solve the case.

But this wasn't meant to be a mind-bending case of the week.

It was about lifting that overbearing weight from JJ's soul and showing how far she had come from being an indecisive child when faced with her sister's suicide to become the strong woman she is now who can face down monsters.

Concerned Coworkers - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 5

Equally important were the scenes at home with Will and the boys at the beginning and the end, showing how she can put the ugliness aside to enjoy a normal family life. Points to Will for finding just the right piece of jewelry to replace the heart necklace.

These scenes showing the characters' past and their home lives serve to flesh out them out more than strictly sticking to the cases of the week. There's been more of that this season, which has been beneficial to the show.

I give credit to Gubler for not turning up the gore and violence to force a very special Halloween episode. With all its (ab)normal ghouls and freaks, Criminal Minds is creepy enough, week in and week out.

Other shows may try to borrow from its playbook for this holiday, but this remains an eerie original.

SPOILER ALERT: Next up is an Alves spotlight episode, directed by Joe Mantegna (so expect less Rossi). It's about time. Two years in and all we know about Alves is that he loves his dog and his doctor girlfriend, although it's hard to say in what order.

View Slideshow: 19 Surprising TV Actors Who Also Direct

To learn more about JJ, watch Criminal Minds online.

How soon did you identify the predator? Do you feel you know more about JJ now? Who else deserves the spotlight treatment?

Comment below.

Did the "Tall Man" hold the clue to crack the latest case?

That was revealed on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 5 when the team investigated a spooky ghost story when two people went missing in the woods of East Allegheny's Dead Man's Conservatory.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 5 Online

With that, they had to turn to another potential victim when they claimed they returned after being taken in the past.

Also, JJ was forced to return to her hometown in order to get answers, and it reminded her of her sister.

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online right here via TV Fanatic.

View Slideshow: 19 Surprising TV Actors Who Also Direct

Catch up on all your favorite shows and reviews and join in the conversations with other fanatics who love TV as much as you.

Hackers and computer programmers can serve as villains or heroes, it all depends on what they're getting accomplished.

We're impressed with their particular set of skills, yet sometimes, it's frightening to see how much damage they can do with just the click of a button.

Related: Get True Crime Files by ID via Prime Video Channels for Over 1,000 Real-life Mystery & Suspense Shows!

However, you always need a skilled hacker on your team in case you have to take down a large corporation, dig up some blackmail on someone, or, you know, locate God's coordinates deep within New York City.

1. Elliot - Mr. Robot

A self-proclaimed cyber vigilante, Elliot gets deeply involved in illegal situations involving the dark web when he's recruited by a mysterious hacktivist group trying to eradicate the world's debt by eliminating E. Corp. I'd think twice about crossing wires with him.

2. Nolan Ross - Revenge

Nolan Ross is the brains and billions behind NolCorp. His technical skills play an integral role in helping bestie Emily take down the Graysons, a prominent Hampton's family responsible for framing her father, David Clarke. Switching identities, wiping people off the grid, hacking security systems -- it's all child's play for Nolan.

3. Huck (And Quinn) - Scandal

Not only is Huck a skilled B6-13 spy he's also a masterful hacker which comes in handy for Olivia Pope. He does whatever is asked of him to help his boss, the White House and the Republic. There's no task too big for him and no firewall he can't take down. Sometimes, it's downright scary. Quinn later becomes his apprentice and earns the title.

4. Winn - Supergirl

Winn goes from programmer at CatCo Worldwide Media to the D.E.O's secret weapon. His skills include breaking into any computer system, hacking alien devices, locating criminals who don't want to be found, and creating tools to weaken their powers. He's also responsible for creating Kara and James' indestructible super suits. And when he gets called into the future for a mission, equally as savvy Brainy stays behind to hold down the fort.

5. Skye - Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

This whole hacking thing comes "naturally" to Skye, an inhuman, genius-level hacker who serves as a S.H.I.E.L.D operative. She can reverse an e-hack in her sleep and does most of her work from the back of a van with a laptop she won in a bet.

6. Mouse - Chicago PD

Mouse is an ex-soldier who served with Jay Halstead and scored the job of "technical expert" after Sheldon Jin's death. His responsibilities included installing trackers into phones, hiding wiretaps, tracking down suspects and informing Intelligence of their location.

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Poor Alvez just can't seem to catch many breaks.

Yes, Lisa moved in with him on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6.

But it was all downhill from there in this episode directed by Joe Mantegna.

A Case Gets Personal - Tall - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6

It was good to see Phil, Luke's old regiment mate, and former partner, on his feet and back to work.

Phil was even hinting around for a setup with Garcia. Why Alvez sabotaged that, I'm not sure. He must just want to keep work and home separate as much as possible.

Neither he nor Lisa want to be dragging their work home with them.

It was fun to watch Lisa and Phil rag on Luke for being such a monosyllabic communicator. I guess he saves all his long speeches for work.

But apparently Lisa was able to get his singleminded about work, or she wouldn't have been moving in with him. I mean, being an ER doctor can't leave her a lot of time to be sending him heart emojis either.

This being Criminal Minds, of course, such good feelings can't last.

Odd Setting - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6

Instead, Alvez's conscientious act in the past comes back to bite him in the ass. You gotta love those dusty flashbacks.

The episode examined the thin line between justice and vengeance.

It took long enough for Luke to figure out his connection to the current case. He must have needed to have the killer's methodology all spelled out before it clicked for him.

Having the killer be the hitman that Alvez had captured five years ago was a little too easy. It was a much better twist to find out Ramos had been killed just like the others, using Ramos's own techniques, and that one of Luke's former colleagues was the new killer.

It's hard to blame Grant for going after anyone connected with the cartel, especially after Ramos gruesomely killed Grant's family. Grant had been the sniper ready to put a bullet in Ramos initially, but Alvez insisted on capturing him and putting him on trial.

It's even understandable why he blames Alvez. If Grant had just killed Ramos, then his family would still be alive.

Maybe his killing Ramos was justifiable, but after that, his rampage got morally murky in a hurry.

Grant wasn't inherently evil. But having his family killed by Ramos while he was off fighting the good fight just pushed him over the edge.

But by killing Phil, Luke's best friend in the whole world, Grant brought Alvez around to his way of thinking, favoring vengeance over justice. And now, ultimately, they'll both end up paying for that point of view.

Related: CBS Cheat Sheet

Like Grant, Alvez chose to pursue vengeance instead of taking himself off the case as protocol dictated and Prentiss had ordered. Luke should have let his team track down Grant.

But hunting down fugitives is in Alvez's blood. Plus this was personal. Exactly the reason he wasn't supposed to be there. If not for the Kevlar, Grant might be dead, and Luke charged in his murder.

Still, if Alvez hadn't tracked him, I question whether the BAU would have caught up with him. Luke found him in an area the BAU search had already dismissed.

Missing Agent - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6

Although Alvez disobeyed orders, I still think Prentiss overreacted. Doesn't some agent go off the reservation a handful of times each season? I know she may be concerned about oversight, but still ...

I believe Luke is still a Supervisory Special Agent in training. So drop him back to Special Agent. But don't take him out of the field. He and Simmons are the muscle in the field, and there's no sense in heading out shorthanded.

Alvez finally broke down and told Lisa about all the experiences he and Phil had shared through the years. I'm hoping that she stayed because he needs someone with whom to decompress, now that Phil is gone.

After this Luke-centric episode, we still don't know much more about Luke, other than he now has one less good friend in whom to confide. He and Lewis seemed to be connecting last season, so maybe that could get deepened instead.

SPOILER ALERT: On Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 7, the BAU must find unsubs who are launching vigilante attacks every 27 minutes in Washington, D.C. Helping them out will be new SSA Andrew Mendoza,

View Slideshow: 19 Surprising TV Actors Who Also Direct

To catch up on this season, watch Criminal Minds online.

Was Alvez right or wrong to chase after Grant? Was Prentiss's punishment too severe? Is Lisa good for Alvez?

Comment below.

Who was messing with Alvez?

That was the big question on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6 when the BAU made its way to Bethesda, MD., to investigate four murders in the span of three days.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6 Online

But for Alvez, it hit close to home when it emerged that they were linked to his time with the DEA several years before.

Also, two characters made the ultimate commitment to each other by moving in together.

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online right here via TV Fanatic.

View Slideshow: 19 Surprising TV Actors Who Also Direct

Catch up on all your favorite shows and reviews and join in the conversations with other fanatics who love TV as much as you.

Watching TV is quite an escape from reality, as most of us would say, but the truth is our television screens, and the portrayal of characters reflect our world vividly.

Whenever we watch our favorite shows, we see a life that is both different and the same as what we're going through daily.

Below, we have a list of characters who are just as troubled as us.

If your favorite didn't make the list, drop us a comment so we can talk about them, too, and spread the love.

1. Olivia Pope (Scandal)

Ah, the prodigal child of a killer and a terrorist. When you're living a life like you're Olivia Pope—being the president's mistress, solving crises and managing people, having a mind that needs to find a solution to a worldly problem—there has to be a point wherein you'll lose it. I mean, no wonder she drinks alcohol on a sleepless night because she needs a retreat from life. But alcohol isn't the solution, Liv! Well, not without us, maybe? And, don't go killing anybody ever again. Not even your enemies.

2. Betty Cooper (Riverdale)

Am I the only one who remembers Betty having an episode of a split personality disorder when she was avenging her sister Polly? It was very interesting how that panned out, and very sad as well. If not a split personality, Betty needs to see a therapist immediately to resolve whatever angst and hatred she holds in her heart. We love the sweet Betty too much to lose her.

3. Hope Mikaelson (The Originals; Legacies)

Danielle rose russell as hope mikaelson legacies

Honestly, I think all the Mikaelsons deserve to have a therapist, but Hope Andrea Marshall Mikaelson deserves it the most. First of all, she’s a tribrid—meaning, her anger management needs a lot more attention than the rest. Also, being a teenager and having to experience that much loss (practically an entire family dying on you and for you), takes a toll on you.

4. The Pretty Little Liars (Pretty Little Liars)

We need to come clean pretty little liars s7e11

Well, what can we say…? It has to be one of the easiest choices on the list. From its very first season, friends Hanna Marin, Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, Allison DiLaurentis, and Emily Fields were the subject to the torment of an unknown bully who tried to unravel their dirty, little secrets to the public and destroy most of the personal relationships in their lives. A few twins reveal later, we find out that a secret society is actually behind everything, headed by none other than Spencer’s identical twin sister, Alex. I think, they need not only a psychiatrist for life but bodyguards as well.

5. Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)

Poor Barney Stinson. With a mother who does not care too much about her son's emotional well-being, it's no wonder he grew up to be the man he's become. And, because of having too many expectations about his unknown dad, he was a little too disappointed upon learning that his dad is actually someone who has been in his life for almost his entire life. Talk about being robbed of a chance of getting to know his dad organically. He literally fantasized every aspect of that issue before having to face reality. That would scar you.

6. Annalise Keating (How To Get Away With Murder)

Annalise defends how to get away with murder s4e11

Who wouldn't need a psychiatrist if you're Annalise Keating? Losing your baby in a car crash, which later turned out to be caused by one of your trusted employees/friends; having a cheating husband who would later be killed while trying to cover up the murder itself—Annalise needs a therapist.

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The slammer -- the pokey -- the hoosegow.

No matter what you call the big house, it's jail, and we've seen a lot of TV celebrities come in contact with it at some time or another in their lives.

After all, they're human just like everyone else, and they make mistakes.

The difference between them and the rest of us is we can keep our dirty laundry in the hamper.

Celebrities might have privilege, but one thing they don't have is privacy.

It's the price you pay for fame.

Another kind of price you pay is jail time for committing crimes.

There are lots of TV actors who didn't make the list because they didn't serve a second in jail. The rest? Well, they're here.

So, which ones spent time behind bars? Take a peek and see. And if we missed any, fill us in on the scoop.

1. Matthew McConaughey

Alright, alright, alright. We've got Matthew McConaughey here because, although he's best known on the big screen, he was on True Detective and has been in several TV commercials lately. He spent nine whole hours behind bars for resisting arrest. Don't resist, Matthew, just go with it.

2. Tim Allen

Back when Tim Allen was just a struggling artist, he made some bad choices, as we all do. His drug trafficking landed him in jail, unable to pass go for over two years. But he turned his life around and landed on Home Improvement. You can find him now on Last Man Standing where all he's dealing is punchlines.

3. Charles S. Dutton

You've seen Charles S. Dutton on Law & Order: LA, Criminal Minds, The Good Wife, and American Horror Story Murder House. Catching a theme? Maybe that's because he spent 10 years in the slammer for manslaughter & possession of a deadly weapon. At least he's making good use of what he learned. Right?

4. Danny Trego

You probably recognize Danny Trego from the big screen, like Spy Kids and Machete, but he's been appearing on Sling TV commercials, which landed him here on this TV actors list. What landed him in the pokey was drug abuse and armed robbery for 11 long years.

5. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton from The Simple Life looks fab in this court picture -- straight out of some courtroom drama. She spent five days in jail for failure to enroll in court-ordered rehab. Come on, Paris, just put a reminder in your smartphone next time, and you're set!

6. Nicole Richie

Paris' buddy from The Simple Life, Nicole Richie spent a whopping 82 minutes in the slammer for a DUI. Geez, that's not even enough time to sober up! Just ask Mayberry's Otis Campbell, he'll tell ya'.

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Once again, it was a societal indictment.

It was two brothers avenging the loss of a third brother, but in the wrong way, on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 7.

Oh, yeah, and Prentiss may be getting a boo.

Although the latter is the more interesting development, it isn't what the series is primarily about, so let's come back to that later.

This case was different from most because the unsubs, the Wells brothers, were making a statement that someone besides a profiler could actually grasp.

Everyone could understand "They're pissed because their brilliant younger brother died because the ambulance took too long to get to their poorer section of the city."

They set out to make the point that violence could happen to anyone in any part of the city, and the victims would need medical help. They even called 911 in advance. Granted, having two of the first four victims die really blunted their message.

Still, that was much clearer than the justifications spouted by most of their nutjob unsubs. The Wells brothers' approach was wrong, but at least their goal was to open people's eyes to socioeconomic inequality.

That certainly beat "I killed all those women because my mother treated me badly." That reasoning is just hard to get behind.

Making a Plan - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 7

This episode was also about how Prentiss got along with others outside her team. I'd say pretty well, for those that were willing to listen and learn.

She did screw up somewhat equally, with her description of the unsubs inadvertently giving those who feared black men permission to act, with that young man shot as a result.

She was short with the DC police chief, who seemed to be more worried about optics than getting dangerous criminals off the street.

Prentiss was smart enough to keep the punished Alvez confined to the office for about a half-hour until she had need of his tracking abilities, sending him with Reid and JJ to patrol what they corrected predicted would be James's next target area.

That decision resulted in a big break on the case, as Luke was able to capture Marcus and give Prentiss an in to understand what was behind the brothers' rampage.

Even though Marcus endeavored to tell Prentiss absolutely nothing, his reactions gave her just enough for her to consider Tom's university as James's fifth target area.

In Charge - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 7

Mendoza and Prentiss made a good team throughout, a generalist learning from a specialist. He knew enough to cede control to Prentiss, since tracking down serial killers was her thing.

This was a good outing for Prentiss. Although she was in touch with her team, she was largely flying on instinct, working against the killers' clock. She and the BAU were soon able to catch up with, then get ahead of, the brothers.

Related: CBS Cheat Sheet

It was brave but foolhardy of Mendoza to exchange himself for James's student hostage. The Wellses weren't trying to kill, but they'd proven they weren't good enough at it not to accidentally kill.

I guess those Kevlar vests aren't machete proof. But Prentiss was able to keep James talking, distracting him with the news vans long enough for Mendoza to trip him and escape and then Prentiss took him down.

It was good to see at the end that there was minimal loss of life, especially for a Criminal Minds episode, where you usually need a certain body count just to get the BAU's attention. It's OK to keep the gruesome level down, so viewers won't get numb to it.

Taken Hostage - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 7

The hospital scene between Prentiss and Mendoza was enjoyable. She took the lead in inviting him out for a beer, then he went off on the painkiller-fueled list of ideas for their first date. She may have said she'd think about it, but that smile walking away told the real story.

Why have Prentiss enter into a relationship? A better question would be why not? She could certainly use a break from the intensity of her job, and Mendoza would at least understand what she's going through. It's would be something like JJ and Will, since Will can draw on his police experience.

The attacks every 27 minutes kept the tension level high since they were literally racing the clock this time. Also, the attacks were being carried out by the brothers, who were more victims in pain than cold-blooded killers.

View Slideshow: 42 TV Celebrities Who've Spent Time in the Slammer

To check out Prentiss as leader, watch Criminal Minds online.

What did you think of the brothers as unsubs? Does Prentiss play well with others? Should Alvez have served more punishment?

Comment below.

Did the BAU find and capture the vigilantes behind attacks that were taking place every 27 minutes?

That was the plan on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 7 when a big city was under lock and key thanks to the villains who were intent on causing problems.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 7 Online

Meanwhile, Prentiss set out to find out the motive for the crimes as well as get more intel on who they were.

Also, Chief Andrew Mendoza had a shocking theory about what was happening.

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online right here via TV Fanatic.

View Slideshow: 42 TV Celebrities Who've Spent Time in the Slammer

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They say food is the way to a man's heart, but I'd say food is the way to anyone's heart.

TV characters have been using their culinary skills to win me over for years now.

I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to reach into the screen and grab whatever dish they were cooking.

Related: Get Hallmark Movies Now via Prime Video Channels for Stories with Heart, Captivating Movies & More!

Food brings people together, and there's nothing like bonding over a good meal, especially during the holidays when everything revolves around dinner... and Black Friday shopping.

If it's Thanksgiving, we want to be invited to the houses below.

1. Gabi Diamond - Young & Hungry

Gabi Diamond is a spunky, ambitious and self-taught young chef who scores the gig of a lifetime whipping up meals for tech billionaire Josh Kaminski. There isn't a problem in Josh's life that Gabi can't fix with her Julia Child-inspired comfort food.
On the Menu: Gabi's famous grilled cheese and stuffed mushrooms with garlic, eggplant, and fresh grated parmesan.

2. Monica Geller - Friends

Chef Monica has scored the title "queen of Friendsgiving." Throughout the series’ ten season run, Monica has cooked up a storm, hosted plenty of parties and laid out massive holiday spreads. Sure, over the years, the sous chef improved the Thanksgiving menu, but we'd still gobble up the mac and cheese she made Chandler for their first Thanksgiving.
On the Menu: Mac N Cheese, a variety of potatoes, mockolate deserts, roast turkey, stuffing, yams with marshmallows in concentric circles, cranberry sauce, "amazing" vegetarian stuffing and generous pours of red wine.

3. Sookie St. James - Gilmore Girls

The Gilmore gals love to eat so it's a good thing they have Sookie around because she loves to cook. She's the executive chef at the Independence Inn and later, the co-owner and head chef at the Dragonfly Inn where she whips up mind-boggling food creations and even scraps and redoes whole menus at the last minute.
On the Menu: Deep fried turkey with all the trimmings!

4. Red - OITNB

Red, the Fiery Russian, runs the kitchen at Litchfield and doesn't let the fact that she's in prison or that she's scant on resources hinder her creativity in any way. Have you ever met anyone who tried to cook a full Thanksgiving meal on a tight budget? I'm talking $1.05 per prisoner. And she did it well. Just imagine what she could do with quality ingredients that she isn't growing out of the prison garden.
On the Menu: Handmade creamy corn and leek quiche, golden corn on the cob from the garden, turkey and pumpkin pie. Sorry, no gravy.

5. Pacey Witter - Dawson's Creek

Pacey is a chef at a fancy and pricey restaurant so he can cook up just about anything that your heart desires. And his meals tend to make things at the dinner table a little less awkward with every bite.
On the Menu: A Thanksgiving Dinner that you'll probably have to eat at the restaurant cause he's busy cooking.

6. Mrs. Patmore - Downton Abbey

The lavish meals on Downton Abbey don't just cook themselves. Mrs. Patmore is the head cook who takes great pride in her cooking, even ordering around her assistant cook, Daisy.
On the Menu: Kedgeree.

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Finally, an episode that ends with a special event.

Rossi popped the question to Krystall, unfortunately after Garcia let loose his secret, on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 8.

The last time I remember the team celebrating was on Criminal Minds Season 13 Episode 22, right before the Messiah's cult kidnapped Reid and Garcia. Too often, happiness is elusive for the BAU.

Elevating Their Relationship - Criminal Minds

That's why I hope things can work out this time around for Rossi and Krystall. He deserves some joy in his life to offset the darkness he faces daily, and she certainly seemed to be the one that got away.

It could have been perfect if only Garcia hadn't unintentionally ruined the surprise, although, let's face it, Krystall had to have some inkling the proposal was coming.

I get that she wasn't keen on sharing her father figure with Portia, his new stepdaughter. Also, it was unexpected that Krystall would have been at BAU headquarters, so Garcia can't be blamed for not anticipating her being there.

But she really torpedoed whatever special moment that Rossi had planned, and I have to believe he had come up with just such an event.

Fortunately, Rossi rallied from that setback, coming up with that heartfelt monologue/proposal in the elevator, since he knew what awaited him upstairs. I believe Krystall didn't care about the formalities as long as she and David got their second chance.

At least Garcia redeemed herself somewhat by throwing together that last-minute engagement celebration. There must be an all-night party store in the area.

Celebration Time - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 8

This continues an encouraging trend of giving the profilers actual lives outside the office. JJ and Simmons have families, Alvez's girlfriend just moved in (I think she stayed), and now Rossi is engaged.

Reid has just had back luck at love, and it's going to take a special woman to understand him. We still don't know Lewis's deal, but it seems her ex will pop up on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 9. Alvez's friend Phil took an interest in Garcia and vice versa, but he didn't survive Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6, unfortunately.

It wasn't a good episode for Garcia in general. She was also a jerk to Alvez, who was once again stuck at HQ, largely so Adam Rodriguez could direct the episode. I thought she had finally gotten over the fact that Alvez isn't Morgan, at least enough to be civil to him, but apparently not. As a result, he was walking on eggshellss around her.

I understand she's had a rough few months, but c'mon, she's supposed to be the team's ray of sunshine. I don't see any other candidates for that role.

I was glad to see that Prentiss had come to her senses and was working to get Alvez back into the field full time. Yes, he disobeyed orders, but seriously, who hasn't?

Also, why is Reid off on sabbatical to teach again? Didn't Reid miss enough of last season? Matthew Gray Gubler must be tied up with some side project again. I understand that there's a big enough cast that any actor can skip an episode, but Reid is the most irreplaceable in my mind. (Well, Reid and Rossi. Who's yours?)

Correcting a Mistake - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 8

It's a shame that the Rossi-Krystall storyline got interrupted by that case of the week. Oh, well, a necessary evil and all that.

The case continued the unfortunate trend of unsubs we've supposed to sympathize with somewhat because a personal loss made them snap. Whatever happened to those old-fashioned wackadoos we could detest without reservation?

Related: CBS Cheat Sheet

The way I see it, despite his deluded mission to rescue children from "bad parents," Jordan still killed seven people. BIrth mother Becky did the right thing when she gave up Ashley for adoption, keeping her away from Jordan..

At least the other two girls will have a chance for a new life, even if Jordan's actions will scar them for years.

Punishing Parents - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 8

I enjoyed Tara's interactions with Ruby. It almost seemed like being a parent was something for which she longed.

Or maybe not. That's the trouble with this show. You end up profiling the profilers when there's really nothing there to interpret.

We need more of Lewis's backstory. She's been around parts of five seasons already, and we still know little about her.

And what happened to the friendship that seemed to be deepening between her and Alvez? It was there, and then it wasn't.

View Slideshow: 19 Surprising TV Actors Who Also Direct

To catch up on the new season a third of the way in, watch Criminal Minds online.

Are you glad Rossi and Krystall are engaged? What did you think of the case of the week? Who needs more screen time?

Comment below.

Did Rossi and Krystall become a couple?

On Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 8, Rossi put multiple plans in play to get closer to Krystall, and things took a crazy turn.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 8 Online

Meanwhile, the BAU investigated a double homicide and kidnapping in New Hampshire when the killer was leaving breadcrumbs leading back to them.

However, the team found themselves wondering why the person would leave a trail.

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Finally, we got a little more insight into what made Tara Lewis the way she is.

A case in Los Angeles also resulted in a visit to her past on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 9.

This episode directed by Aisha Tyler delved into the BAU's least developed profiler. Given the opportunity, Tyler did well by her character.

Tyler is the fifth cast member to direct episodes this season, along with Matthew Grey Gubler, Joe Mantegna, Adam Rodriguez, and AJ Cook.

Should we read anything into this, such these actors taking one last chance to put their directorial stamp on the series? Even though the season is about two-thirds done, it's still too early to tell about the series' future.

Tyler helped viewers to see another facet of Lewis, to understand what makes her tick.

While Tara obviously has a wicked sense of humor, she has always seemed so serious, even by BAU standards.

Now we found out that it was with good reason. She couldn't help the love of her life break the chains of addiction. So she left him behind and put up walls, throwing herself into her research.

It was obvious from the beginning, when Daryl entered the auditorium near the end of her presentation, that the wounds were still fresh, despite the intervening years. Tara somehow felt responsible that she couldn't get Daryl sober when they were married.

Putting Together the Pieces - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 9

Lewis wanted nothing to do with him, but she had to admit that Daryl was onto something with an unusual number of recovering addicts dying in unexpected ways, killed by something other than their drugs of choice.

Thanks to Tyler's nuanced performance, and the scattered flashbacks, it was obvious that it killed Tara that he hadn't gotten clean until long after she left and that the impetus for his resolve was another woman, his wife Mary.

It was evident that working together with Lewis, and all the emotions that stirred up, was equally tough on Daryl, as he had to take off to seek out guidance from his sponsor.

I felt worst for Mary, who lived in fear that Daryl might take off with Tara, the love of his life, now that they had reconnected, however tenuously.

Still, Daryl and Lewis's personal knowledge of the pitfalls of addiction and recovery was crucial to helping to solve this case. Although it was often tormenting for the two of them to be thrown back together, Daryl's revelation ended up saving lives.

Hidden Victims - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 9

I really wanted that fake doctor to be the unsub. But no, he was just a con man exploiting addicts in need and their insurance company.. Hopefully, somehow, the murders would at least have put him out of business.

This case featured an oldie but goodie, an angel of death. By rough count, that type of unsub has been used at least every other season.

This episode also continued a recent disturbing trend -- serial killers who are also largely victims themselves. Something horrendous happened to them and they snapped, killing others in the guise of helping them.

Related: CBS Cheat Sheet

The unsub, Douglas, lost his wife to a drug overdose. So he nobly helped other similar addicts, and when they "failed" in his eyes, he did them a favor by putting them out of their misery. Obviously a demented perspective, but his heart was in the right place.

It's hard to come away from such a case feeling that some grand wrong had been righted. It's so much easier to hate a truly evil unsub who is killing people gruesomely because some apparition is commanding him to.

Devil's Advocate - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 9

It was heartening to see Tara and Daryl leave things in a relatively good place, with a weight seemingly lifted from both of them.

Now maybe Lewis can find a new relationship. Everyone else has, excepting Reid, a unicorn who seems quite comfortable by himself, and Garcia, whose possible relationship with Phil got scuttled by his death on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 6.

That, of course, assumes that there are many more episodes to come, and a deepening of the characters' personal lives would be a plus. If Season 14 is it, then that doesn't matter as much.

But at least this episode fleshed out the character of Tara Lewis in a much-needed way.

View Slideshow: 21 TV Characters Who Could Use A Therapist

To check out Lewis through the seasons, watch Criminal Minds online.

Do you know Tara better after this episode? Do you like your unsubs less sympathetic? Who needs the spotlight treatment next?

Comment below.

Who was killing former drug addicts who completed treatment in rehab?

That's what the team tried to find out on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 9 when a professor from Lewis' past tipped off the BAU about an alarming number of overdose deaths.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 9 Online

With limited leads, the team turned to the treatment facility that everyone was linked to in order to find out whether a worker was playing god.

What they found out, however, threw them for a loop.

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online right here via TV Fanatic.

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It's almost like the writing is on the wall.

It was another second-generation serial killer on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 10.

That's becoming a pattern this season. Earlier was the resurrection of the former cult of Benjamin Cyrus on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 1. This time it was the son of serial killer Joe Smith from Criminal Minds Season 3 Episode 2.

A cynical person might consider a repetition of concepts to be a lack of new ideas.

After all, it gets later and later each spring before CBS and ABC Studios reach an agreement for another season.

Combine that with the shorter, 15-episode season and viewers bemoaning that the cast isn't what it once was, and maybe, just maybe, the end may be near for the long-running procedural.

Then again, with only five episodes left, is there enough time left to wrap up everyone's story? Reid is still off on his teaching sabbatical, Prentiss is just starting a new relationship and Rossi's got a wedding to plan.

Granted, personal storylines are secondary to the gruesome case of the week, but that's too many loose ends to tie up quickly.

I suspect Criminal Minds will get a super-short Season 15 to finish things up neatly, rather than just have it lurch to a stop this season. It's earned a graceful end, rather than to be left in the lurch.

So instead of Criminal Minds The Next Generation, how about some fresh unsubs for the rest of this season, instead of more nods to the past? Looking ahead is a healthier perspective than wallowing in the past.

First Date - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 10

The best parts of this episode were the bookending scenes featuring Prentiss and Mendoza.

It was humorous to watch the self-assured Prentiss seem so uncertain about what she was doing, running behind, winging but butchering Rossi's sacred recipe and having to order pizza instead. With their schedules, there would have been no shame in going out to eat.

At least she fessed up to having put off Mendoza because she wasn't really comfortable with the idea of starting a new relationship. She had all the right excuses, but it just came down to being afraid.

Mendoza gets Prentiss and realizes that being with her isn't going to be easy, given her job and what she deals with on a daily basis. But he's got his baggage too. In the end, they seemed ready to attempt a relationship.

Prentiss really needs someone with whom to talk, since she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, being herself for what goes wrong during any case.

This was especially the situation with his case, as the unsub was David Smith, now Edward Addison, the son of a serial killer whom Prentiss had befriended a decade ago. With all that has been going on in her life and her career, she eventually lost track of him.

The Latest Victim - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 10

What was intriguing was that it was JJ who made the connection to the earlier case, after it had been eating away at her.

David is the latest in a line this season of victims turned unsubs. His father used him to lure the women he killed. Thanks to first Emily, then his adoptive parents, he got past much of his trauma and was able to lead a somewhat normal life.

Related: CBS Cheat Sheet

Unfortunately, a psychiatrist to whom David's adoptive parents sent him was Dr. Elizabeth Rhodes, who had her own issues with which she hadn't dealt. She blamed Dennis Kirkwood for her daughter's death and his friends for what she saw as the resulting coverup.

Finding the Unsub - Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 10

So she weaponized David, making him the instrument of her vengeance. So David was again the victim, turned into a killer by first her father, then his psychiatrist.

Fortunately, Prentiss was able to fill a void in David's life, first talking with him by phone, then convincing him in person to surrender rather than killing Rhodes. His "normal" life may have been derailed, but at least he has a chance for redemption in the future.

No, Prentiss isn't Hotch, but she's the right leader for the BAU in a time when the unsubs are more likely to be misunderstood than unhinged.

Now if only Mendoza can get her to relax and let her worries slip away, at least for a little while.

View Slideshow: 21 TV Characters Who Could Use A Therapist

To review this season's unsubs, watch Criminal Minds online.

Do you like Prentiss and Mendoza together? Who's more to blame: Rhodes or David? How do you like JJ as team historian, at least while Reid is away?

Comment below.

What was Prentiss hiding from the rest of the BAU?

That was revealed on Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 10 when the team was sent to investigate the murders of prominent businessmen who had missing hearts.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 14 Episode 10 Online

Meanwhile, Mendoza and Prentiss geared up for a romantic first date, but things took a crazy turn and Rossi wound up needing help from them.

Was there any way they could salvage the date?

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online right here via TV Fanatic.

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Catch up on all your favorite shows and reviews and join in the conversations with other fanatics who love TV as much as you.