The latest episode of Criminal Minds raises questions about the show’s direction. The case of the girl murdering law enforcement seems disconnected from the Gold Star storyline. Furthermore, the BAU team’s profile for the girl feels forced, especially given the lack of effort to conceal her identity.
Viewers are left questioning the logical flow of the narrative, particularly regarding the attempt to tie every case back to Gold Star. This forced connection feels tiresome and detracts from the cases themselves.
The episode also explores the theme of conspiracy theories through the lens of Gold Star. While the writers attempt to poke fun at them, the analogy to science evolving feels misplaced.
Just as new discoveries alter scientific understanding, investigations can find out new information that changes the profile of a suspect. In the case of Gold Star, the initial profile focused on a single person, Damien, while the truth revealed a network.
The Family Reunion
The episode also moves into the dysfunctional Voit family dynamic. Elias’ narcissistic tendencies are on full display as he manipulates the BAU into allowing him a visit with his children. This decision seems questionable, especially considering the potential negative impact on the children.
Adding to the frustration, Sydney, the children’s mother, seems oblivious to the harm Elias has caused. Her belief that he could provide closure is contradicted by Holly’s violent reaction. The episode concludes with another unrealistic plot point – a maximum security prison allowing a child to smuggle in a weapon disguised as lipstick.
The reunion between Elias Voit and his daughters was a mess. While one daughter embraced him, the older one, Holly, stayed distant. It’s clear Sydney hasn’t told the girls the truth. Elias tries to spin the story as “self-defense” against federal agents, and Sydney lets him. This lie could seriously damage their kids in the long run.
