Discussion Post: Vigilantism

[gen-is-gone.livejournal.com]

So, the show has had quite a few would-be vigilantes over the years (A Real Rain and Hotch's actions in 100 coming most readily to mind) but specifically in regards to Regina in Unknown Subject, there were quite a few comments saying the Emily shouldn't have deceived her, and even some that said Regina should have been allowed to murder her rapist. While I agree that the Piano Man was a despicable person, and his crimes warranted his hatred, I found slightly off-putting the idea that one of our team members would condone revenge murders, especially given the past anti-vigilante themes on the show. So my question for you is this: what stance do you think the show has taken in regards to vigilantes and revenge killers, and do you agree?

Comments

[nwjarvis.livejournal.com]

It just irks me when "killing the unsub" is the solution. That doesn't mean it's not understandable, it often is, but something inside me *turns* and make me feel uneasy anyway.

I think it's supposed to make you uneasy. I firmly believe that one of the basic, and most important, principles of CM is that Killing A Person Is A Bad Thing - even when it's necessary, even when "You did what you had to do." as we hear so often on the show.

I firmly believe this principle. I don't want to open a political discussion, but this is the reason my stomach turned over at the sight of people cheering and celebrating at the news of bin Laden's death. I believe it was a necessary thing, but no human being's death should be a cause for celebration.

[citjara.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure this "Killing a person who's done bad things is wrong" rings true in all episodes - but in many.

Either way, I have many qualms about killing another human being, even if it were a "justified" killing, so you don't have to convince me there.