Criminal Minds: Evolution - Episode 3

After the first 2 episodes, I had high hopes for the third. While it was good - I was still let down a bit. This one did not seem to be as action packed or shocking as the first 2. This episode spent a lot of time on the Unsub (Elias). We got to see more about what his life is like, what triggers him, his thought process and why he might be doing this.

I love character development and learning their background story as much as the next person but I felt like this took up too much of the episode. I would have loved to have gotten these bits in much shorter bits throughout the season. Maybe we still will get more - but it felt like too much this episode. However, we better find out if that is Moose or he just got a dog that looks like him.

Since there was such a focus on Elias, the storyline with the BAU seemed frantic and not as smooth as other episodes. J.J. and Alvez jumping the guy in the park didn't have the dramatic feel I think it was supposed to have which led to Tara's revelation feeling underwhelming and odd. Nor did Tara's girlfriend getting caught. Even the revolution about the guy being a vigilante seemed underwhelming. I did like that bit though - that was not something I saw coming. I thought the guy who sent money was the informant. But now I definitely think he will contribute to the downfall of this network.

**Edit: I just found out Joe Mantegna directed this episode (Rossi) which explains why the BAU was in so few scenes. Generally when we see a main cast member direct an episode, they are in it significantly less. I understand it but still wish we got more from the group. He did a fantastic job with this episode cinematically!

The one very interesting part of this episode was all of the politics and crap we saw the BAU have to deal with from Bailey. I wonder how Prentiss being team lead will change things. He reminds me of the person Kim Rhodes played. They are behaving in very similar ways - it almost feels like copying or stealing a storyline from another season.

I do appreciate how these episodes are much darker. They are styled more cinematic and have a horror feeling to them. We also get swearing from the characters (minus Penelope of course). I am enjoying this new season.

Not knowing how many episodes this season will have makes it difficult to know if they have to speed through this or not. I appreciate the not knowing so I don't count it down and judge each episode off of that. I hope we get quite a few!

Director: Joe Mantegna

Writer: Jeff Davis and Matthew Lau

Favorite Part: Emily Prentiss being a badass will always be some of my favorite parts of this show. And Garcia attempting to swear.

Rating 7.5/10