Late because I've no idea what day of the week it is...

[a_blackpanther]

This is the discussion post for Episode 9x05 - "Route 66". Watch out for SPOILERS in the comments.

Comments

[saralindstrom.livejournal.com]

Yes, both previous posters summed it up pretty well! I also loved this episode, for all the reasons stated above. I loved the use of Foyet in Hotch's dream, too. When he first came onto the screen I was genuinely surprised and asked me hubby "Is that Foyet?!" I suppose I should have expected it, since the dream seemed to help bring Hotch closure from Haley's death. I've always bordered on like/dislike of Haley, but this definitely helped me make up my mind to like her. Their marriage fell apart because neither was willing to compromise, not because they didn't love each other.

[mycha-kk.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with you on the closure part. I think Hotchner needed not only closure about Haley's death but the fact he killed Foyet in (understandable concerning the circumstances) rage. And them coming together and it all playing the way it did was exactly for the closure and a true ability to move on for Hotch. Also I find it very telling that Haley gave him the ring, her ring. I'm sure we might be having a wedding in the future.

[saralindstrom.livejournal.com]

If Hotch and Beth get engaged, the writers need to seriously make Beth more appealing. Or more real. I feel like they're trying too hard to make her likeable, she doesn't feel like a real person. She's too perfect and one dimensional.

[freakingdork.livejournal.com]

except Erica has (infuriatingly) said that Hotch has not and will not receive closure from this: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Criminal-Minds-Thomas-Gibson-Haley-TheReaper-1072390.aspx

(which is hilarious because it really seems like Hotch had got closure (albeit off screen) YEARS ago, given his behavior over the past 3-4 years, and while I find this shit disappointing, I've found that Erica throwing these types of things out the window no longer surprises me.)

[periantari.livejournal.com]

well it's hard to get complete closure out of a homicide like that, especially of someone as closed to you as your ex-wife. It's hard to deal with death so I think that is what Erica meant by Hotch not getting complete closure. It's too hard to let go, it is more like moving on in life because there is no choice.