Reviewer Rating: 3.25/5.0
3.25
Did you see the unexpected twist revealed in the finale of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Episode 10?
It looks like this story is much more closely connected to Criminal Minds Season 16 than we thought.
But was this connection achieved through the first ten episodes, or was it just too convenient?
Not enough breadcrumbs to resolve season long arc
On an episode-by-episode basis, Criminal Minds has always had to pull together a lot of disparate information quickly and easily.
Its history is a procedural, case-of-the-week style of storytelling that requires expediency. Profiles aren’t immediately ascertainable as it often feels here. They need time. Shows like Netflix’s Mindhunter illustrate this point.
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It’s a science, but it’s not always accurate. Simply visiting a location to get a feel for unsub is just the beginning. However, our BAU agents often have nothing to go on in their introductions.
Doug Bailey was a key figure in the Venus case. Since Peter B is his brother, it’s understandable that hearing Gold Star’s voice now turns our Bailey upside down.
This is why he was so unpopular in the first place. He had no trust in the department he was responsible for running, and now we find out his reasoning was personal. If that’s going to make me feel for this person, it’s not going to work.
The fact that he let his brother down was downright painful.
Bailey brothers both fall down conspiracy theory rabbit hole
Bailey’s disdain for the BAU and his determination not to trust them did anyone any favors.
BAU was already a great performer long before he got involved, so it’s strange that when the people closest to him are in trouble, he turns his back on the group that has the best chance of bringing things to an appropriate conclusion.
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From what I understand, tensions are high within the government because they are concerned about domestic terrorism related to child trafficking. While I’ve never seen any evidence of a connection, I think the general feeling is that online discussions lead to this.
But the news is always changing, and just yesterday, people were arrested at Comic-Con for being involved in sex trafficking. If we could see more good news like this, maybe there would be less conspiracy surrounding human trafficking. NOTE: These are unlikely to be elderly people who have been trafficked. Just saying.
Ironically, the root cause is distrust of government and the media, and when the rubber meets the road, Bailey and his brother are no different.
Peter thought he was helping children and others like him who had been wronged by power-hungry people. Whatever lies he was fed, he believed them and risked them all as a savior.
At the same time, Doug also believed in the conspiracy that the BAU was unfit to operate. It’s hard to imagine what he believed because our own experience of them is so different. They almost always save the day.
But to Doug, they are enemies and will be the cause of his brother’s destruction. Only he can find and save Peter, just as Peter believes only his network can find and save abducted children. Both are wrong.
Conspiracy theories come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t have to target the whole world. We hold them close to our hearts. Mistrust breeds contempt, which breeds conspiracy of all kinds.
The whole ordeal is sad. Many people could have stepped in and put a stop to what was happening to these children, but it was repeatedly shunned, from Rosie and Gideon to Gil to Bailey, and I’m sure many others.
Is ending achieved through storytelling?
But then again, does this big reveal feel like it’s deserved? I have no idea.
Everything was explained in conversations we had not experienced. Without this being made clear to us, we would not be able to see Venus and the Pele brothers as one.
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I would have preferred the chance to solve the mystery myself, but judging by the dialogue between Madison and Bailey and the one mention of siblings, that’s not possible here.
Everyone was dumbfounded. Emily was targeted all season to the point where she lost confidence in herself and almost quit the BAU. Now, we find out that Madison has more information about the entire disaster than he’s willing to share.
What does this say about people’s trust in government?
There was a brief discussion about caution being the better part of courage. You can prevent secrets from becoming conspiracies by keeping them secret. Well, your dishonesty also contributes to the conspiracy.
Check out Joseph Heller’s What Happened. It’s a brilliant description of what happens when you don’t engage in any conversation. Now is the perfect time to create your own story and go on crazy tangents. What are the benefits of doing this?
Okay, that’s all. Let’s talk about other future-shaping things in the finale.
The badass apprentice returns, and Voight’s demands continue to be met
First, bad guy Prentiss is back. Her self-doubt evaporated as she was strapped to a chair. Jill comes into her own this season and Emily gets stuck in a bit, but that’s about it. She’s back, fearless.
When your back is against the wall, you take risks and your life is in danger. Emily shows how it pays off. I miss that side of her! Hopefully her period of hesitation is over.
I still don’t understand why Voit keeps getting so much special attention. I keep hearing they need him, but most of what they find comes from their own efforts.
Voight certainly doesn’t need to be out there with the gang going to crime scenes. Just call or video chat. Somehow, he continues to do things his way by offering relatively nothing in return.
I agree with most of you, Zach Gilford brings a breath of fresh air to Criminal Minds. But his existence contradicts everything the BAU stands for, so it’s hard to imagine him having a future here.
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The show has been renewed, but will the current cast remain?
One of Voit’s requirements was to release it to Genpop. This guy has a comfortable room with all amenities. He’s safe (and a lot of fun) behind those doors. Why would he want to be released to the masses?
My natural guess is that he died at the hands of someone else. But he was too narcissistic about that path. Perhaps his years of manipulating others through the Sicarius network made him so arrogant that he thought no one would touch him.
What’s the future of Criminal Minds: Evolution?
He really wanted Taylor to be in his face so he could get some kind of respite, but Taylor figured it out and stayed calm. Did Voight overestimate his abilities? Will he be killed in the laundry incident, or just maimed to get another free pass?
Without Voit, I’m not sure how different Evolution would be from Criminal Minds. He has been key to discussions about life online and how it changes everything. It is puzzling why analysts failed to notice the gravity of what was happening under their noses.
Taylor has applied to Quantico to become an official agent. Will this take him out of the BAU at the same time? Will there be a time jump between seasons to accommodate this change?
Maybe Gil will step in for a season and add a little sparkle. She’s sassy and strong and brings a lot of experience to the team. This might be her time to shine.
Why go to all the trouble to draft Clark Gregg when he was only used briefly? Could he have a bigger role in Season 3 (or Season 18)?
The season ends without a shift to the new season, except that it’s already airing and will be explained in another ten episodes. Hopefully we can tie up the central mystery with a clue or two before the next finale.
I don’t need all the facts, but a few tips along the way will make it more interesting.
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what do you think? Are you satisfied with this season of Criminal Minds? Did you know Bailey would tie the whole thing together because of his lack of trust in the BAU?
Leave me a comment below with your thoughts on all things!
