Tumblr informs me this episode might be upsetting. But then, it's tumblr.

[a_blackpanther]

This is the discussion post for Episode 8x12 - "Zugzwang". Watch out for SPOILERS in the comments.

Comments

[sam-maddy.livejournal.com]

It's standard tv show trope to kill off law enforcement officers spouses/significant others. I can name five cop dramas off the top of my head where one of the main characters lost their significant other. I wasn't happy about it but I wasn't too surprised that it happened.

[lythinae.livejournal.com]

This struck me as a really obvious woman in refrigerator moment, even for a cop drama (and especially since they've already done it with Hayley).

I'm actually hoping for a fake out, which usually I can't stand. Even tho I know they won't deal with any fall out either except for more Reid-angst. I think part of the reason it's bothering me is this is typical of the OTT heavy handed shock value style the writers are going for now (and I read somewhere last night that apparently they've been criticised for the team always rescuing the victim on time).

/ramble lol

[junejuuri.livejournal.com]

It's almost because of that trope that I though they might let her live, since they've already done it and in general it's so overused. And this just seemed extremely unnecessary? I mean most of Reid's previous development has been about how much his life sucks, it would be nice if he could be happy for at least one season. I guess I hoped the writers would finally let something good happen to him, so when they killed her off it wasn't shocking so much as "goddammit did they really have to do this" for me. Okay stopping now before this becomes an essay haha

[meepalicious.livejournal.com]

Wasn't there already that horrible (as in, terribly stressful) abduction/hostage double episode? I think it was at the end of last season. Plus, Hayley's dead and I really don't think they needed to do it again.