Criminal Minds: Season 13 DVD Review

THE MOVIE — 3.5/5

The last few seasons of Criminal Minds has been, let’s say, chaotic. Jeanne Tripplehorn: 2 seasons and gone. Jennifer Love Hewitt. One season and done. Original cast member Thomas Gibson gets fired after an altercation with one of the writers. And Damon Gupton as Stephen Walker; one season and gone, confirmed D.O.A. at the start of season 13. That’s not to mention Paget Brewster faking a death, leaving the show before returning again and now her character is the lead of the B.A.U. (Behavioral Analysis Unit).

As I mentioned, the thirteenth season finds the BAU scrambling after Agent Prentiss (BREWSTER) has been taken by elusive serial killer Peter Lewis aka Mr. Scratch, following a planned crash that immobilized the BAU vehicles. Following the crash, Damon Gupton’s Walker is killed as the writer’s likely wanted to find some sort of stabilization as, at least to me, Gupton didn’t quite gel with the ensemble. Joining the BAU in the hunt is Matt Simmons (DANIEL HENNEY) coming over from the closed down International Response Team (as seen on the cancelled Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders series); as a side, actress Kim Rhodes playing Barnes, coming aboard as an adversary to the BAU.

While I did enjoy this season and seeing this ensemble come together better than in previous years, admittedly I do miss Thomas Gibson for his dry (and often wry) humor though Paget Brewster was the right person to take the helm since she was an original cast member (no slight against A.J. Cook and Matthew Gubler, but neither of them have team that team leader vibe). I also liked having Daniel Henney, a nice addition and provide some continuity, at least for the few who did watch Beyond Borders; I only hope Gary Sinise somehow makes a guest appearance at some point.

As for the episodes… nothing really stands out which does go to the idea that perhaps the series has run its course and hopefully gets the chance to nicely wrap things up before their hand is forced by the studio, walk away before the show takes a sharp downturn. But even though there weren’t any special episodes, the performances were well done, including that of a few guest appearances like an almost unrecognizable Darrell Hammond as an Armageddon prepper who has been kidnapping women and holding them in a bunker; Jamie Kennedy also makes a return appearance as Floyd Feylinn Ferell from the third season as does Shemar Moore.

Again, as much as I did enjoy the thirteenth season of Criminal Minds, it might be time for the writers to consider retiring this series, if not next year but perhaps season 15 (has a good ring to it) as the stories are becoming stale and the only aspect keeping it alive is a generally likeable and well rounded ensemble cast, now if only this group can stay together to the end.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.5/5

To match previous season sets, the 6-discs are housed in 3 slim cases, (2-discs each) the back of each has the episode, plot summaries and whatever features are on the discs.

Getting Lucky (8:35) looks at the episode ‘Lucky Strikes’, a follow-up to the season ‘Lucky’ episode from season three and the return of Jamie Kennedy as the cannibalistic serial killer.

Bunker Mentality (9:43) takes a look at the episode directed by Aisha Tyler with behind-the-scenes footage and discussion on the story by the cast and crew.

Breaking Up the BAU (13:17) examines the consequences in the episode ‘Last Gasp’ with the re-introduction to the character Assistant Director Linda Barnes.

The Table Read: Mixed Signals (25:50) is footage of the cast, including guest supporting actors, doing a first-read through the script together. Pretty interesting actually as you don’t normally get to see these kind of featurettes.

Thirteen Minds (22:59) covers this thirteenth season of Criminal Minds and the writers approach to the season.

Would You Make a Good FBI Agent? (3:24) is the question asked to the cast and crew.

Gag Reel (4:05) filled with plenty of flubbed lines.

Deleted/Extended Scenes on episodes ‘Wheels Up’, ‘Blue Angel’, Lucky Strikes’, ‘The Bunker’, ‘False Flag’, and ‘Ex Parte’

For those interested, the Pilot Episodes for SEAL Team and Bull are available.

VIDEO – 3.75/5, AUDIO – 4.0/5

The included Dolby Digital 5.1 track shows off very good dialogue levels and some surprising depth during some of their action-packed (i.e. when the BAU is chasing down a suspect) and ambient noises come via the front and rear channels.

OVERALL – 3.75/5

Overall, Criminal Minds: Season 13 is a solid enough season and the ensemble cast with a few new faces from the past couple of seasons that seem to gel nicely together. Now, the stories aren’t always the freshest, though do provide some twists, and I’d imagine it might be time for the series to wrap up. The DVD released by Paramount offers good video/audio transfers while the features were decent.