Perhaps I should start posting these on Tuesdays

[a_blackpanther]

This is the discussion post for Episode 8x15 - "Broken". Watch out for SPOILERS in the comments.

Comments

[rainbow-goddess.livejournal.com]

This was another episode that toned down the blood and gore in favour of a more psychological exploration of the killer. It was so sad, though. I hated what the UNSUB and his friend had to go through in that ex-gay camp. I guessed the Bible verse long before the team did, though.

I wouldn't mind a Tuesday discussion post, but I'm afraid it would spoil the episode for those who watch it on Wednesdays.

[full-metal-ox.livejournal.com]

I think a_blackpanther's reasoning might be to set up the episode discussion posts a day in advance, so that they'll be in place and ready to go when the episode starts (in the show's native U.S.)

[a_blackpanther]

That, and Canada airs the episodes one day early this season. Moreover my schedule seems to be more free on Tuesdays than on Wednesdays (for some reason) so I may be less likely to post it late.

[aim2misbhave.livejournal.com]

I think you can schedule entries, somehow? If not, then I don't think there'd be a problem posting it Tuesdays.

[ruralstar.livejournal.com]

I'm getting more familiar with the series by watching via DVD from the beginning, and watching the current season. Very interesting to see the changes in the characters over 8 seasons, not to mention the entries and exits of certain actors. As for last night, I personally enjoy the episodes that focus on psychology vs gore. I thought last night was a pretty solid stand alone episode. I liked the trick of the watch and the very complex reasoning behind Paul's actions. Sadly, there are groups and retreats of the type featured on the episode all over the country. The level of intolerance in the US is far higher than many of us would like to believe :(

In regards to the series as a whole I have seen several episodes from various seasons and I'm familiar with some of the longer story arcs, Hotch's family life, Emily's first departure, and Reid's kidnapping. As to the latter, does anyone know if tptb will reference Maeve's death and its effect on Reid in future eps or have they really dropped this idea completely? There was extensive fall out from s2 "Revelations" I know this is a spoiler question so my apologies if I'm asking in the wrong way/place.

[x-steffi-x.livejournal.com]

I loved the episode. I loved that it had layers, and that (for me) it wasn't predictable.

I'm very curious as to who the stalker man is though... anyone have any clues?

[cold-ember-32.livejournal.com]

I kinda think it might be the snarky phone rule guy. I have absolutely no evidence for that, though. I'm not sure he was even in the right part of the room to make that video, honestly. That was really just my gut reaction after watching the episode and I might completely change my mind after watching it again haha

[x-steffi-x.livejournal.com]

Now you see... now that you've said that I need to watch the scene again to see who is in the right place to be the stalker.

Imagine if it was Kevin, lol.

[mycha-kk.livejournal.com]

I did it immediately after i saw the vid of Blake doing the lecture, alas we didn't get proper angles of the camera into the corner that the vid was taken from, so I think we did not see the unsub. Also the man watching the vid looks older than the students, in the shot with the book you can see the unsub's jaw.

This made me think he looks kinda like Gideon. Now that would be a twist...

And Kevin! Wow that would be something I didn't expect.

[x-steffi-x.livejournal.com]

What's everyone's feelings on Blake?

[rebak1tten.livejournal.com]

Love Blake. I think she brings something different to the group. I still need to watch this episode, but overall liking this season and the team dynamics.

[ruralstar.livejournal.com]

Since I'm still catching up on the series and haven't followed all the behind the scenes stuff in regards to entry and exit of actors, I'm still a bit confused as to why the ladies keep leaving this show while the men, with the exception of Mandy P, stay. That said, I like Blake. I've seen most of this year and I like how she relates to the others. Not entirely comfortable but certainly not in discord. I thought it was an interesting choice that Spencer chose Blake to talk to in the park during Zugswang. Not being as close with her clearly help him sort out his recollections of Maeve without any excess emotional baggage to contend with.

[a_blackpanther]

I'm still a bit confused as to why the ladies keep leaving this show while the men, with the exception of Mandy P, stay.

The short answer to that question is that CBS execs are meddlesome asshats.

[ruralstar.livejournal.com]

I've been playing in one fandom or another for about 11 years now. CBS doesn't have the monopaly on meddlesome asshats, unfortunately. It's too bad really because it's hard to get to know the female characters in the same way as the men. I like JJ and I know she leaves for a while, and I did like Emily. Elle is the only one I can't warm up to even watching from the start.

So long as the talented, hilarious and FINE MGG stays on I'll be happy. TG JM and SM aren't too shabby either ;) I can't imagine this series without any of them, really.

[x-steffi-x.livejournal.com]

You see, I'm with you. I couldn't imagine the series without the men, Garcia or JJ, but that other place for a woman, I just sometimes feel it's just being filled for being filled's sake.

I have nothing against Blake, I just don't feel like I know enough about her just yet. I hated Elle, but I miss Prentiss so so much.

[mycha-kk.livejournal.com]

I like her, I don't feel she's being forced down our throats, and she's there with the team, still a bit apprehensive but efficient. I like how they handle her.

[liliaeth]

The problem is that they focus too much on the men. I've been thinking for the past few years that they need a season or two where Hotchner and Reid get pushed to the side, and the focus of the stories and emotional arcs goes to the female characters.

I like Blake and I want to know more about her, but instead of doing that, she's often just there. But then I've wanted to get that focus on Derek and JJ for years and we still don't get it because the show would prefer focusing on the same three characters over and over. It's honestly started to make me dislike Reid more as the seasons go on.

[meepalicious.livejournal.com]

focusing on the same three characters over and over
Of course, those three just happen to all be the straight white dudes. (I'm assuming you mean Rossi, Reid and Hotchner.)

[liliaeth]

yep, and before Rossi, it was Gideon.

Garcia gets some attention, but that's more because she's the manic pixie dream girl of the series, like Abby on NCIS. I mean, I love Garcia, but far too often, she's not treated as an adult woman, but as someone who needs to be protected and treated as a child.

Really, people called Rachel Nichols character a Mary Sue, but Reid is just as much of a Sue, but because he's male, he gets away with it.

[meepalicious.livejournal.com]

I didn't particularly like Seaver (had to Google the actress; I'm bad with names), but she was no more unrealistic than Reid. Don't get me wrong, I love Reid, but if we're gonna be throwing around the term "Mary Sue," then Reid definitely fits the bill.

Garcia is my favorite character in the series, but I think you're right that they treat her like a little kid sometimes. I like that she's quirky and weird and doesn't usually get too "Manic Pixie Dream Girl." (She's strange enough, but it doesn't function as ~inspiration~ for stodgy dudes.)

So, yeah. One of the reasons I ditched Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for Criminal Minds was for the ladies, but just because it's better (than a pretty low bar) doesn't mean they can't improve.

[meepalicious.livejournal.com]

I didn't like this episode as much as the last one. I'd like to see a queer killer whose sexuality had nothing to do with the murders and wasn't a plot point.

[patch-tank.livejournal.com]

I liked this episode. I did a lot of reading last year about the real "conversion camps" in the USA (and I'm sure we probably have them here in Australia too - we may not have the same reputation here for bible-bashers as you guys do in America, but that fundie element exists here too, so I have no doubt the creepy camps do too) and OMG those places are icky to the nth degree.

As for Blake, I like her and all, but see, after this many episodes of season three I LOVED Prentiss - and I don't love Blake. Jeanne Tripplehorn is a great actress, Alex seems like a cool, switched-on chick, but she could leave next episode and I wouldn't care much. I may end up eating my words later, but I just don't see her growing on me to any great extent, I want Emily back *shrug*.

Good season overall so far though!

[jupisan.livejournal.com]

guys give me the name of the song, they use at the end.

Also think that Anton guy either is the staler or knows the staler.

Love JJ and Blake teaming up.

[eiko82.livejournal.com]

Awww, I felt so bad for the unsub and his ex-boyfriend. Especially when the ex-boyfriend died ;__;