Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9 Review: ‘Special Agent Garrity’

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9 “Special Agent Garrity” is an excellent penultimate hour that expertly brings together what, for the majority of the season, often felt like a series of unrelated parts. It’s often been my gut reaction to wonder, despite strong individual hours, what the point of making The Fan the Big Bad was. After three seasons of Sicarius, The Disciple, and even the killers at the center of the Gold Star conspiracy, something just wasn’t clicking. Well, with all the pieces of the puzzle slotting into place here, it finally makes sense. The Fan is terrifying because he’s a perfectionist with the ability to plan ahead, account for every outcome, and act—not react—accordingly.

Or, well. There’s the character’s perfection, and there’s every single detail of Justin Kirk’s performance. I’ve been utterly fascinated with Kirk’s work on this character since “Joshua Ryan” first visited Voit in prison. This hour is no different. There’s a certain quiet, almost pleasant, calm to how The Fan gives his orders or prepares his murder chair. He doesn’t brag that nobody will ever find him, so much as just state it as a simple fact. And something about him continues to be so painfully, disarmingly normal as to drive home how actually abnormal the circumstances he works in and puts others in are.

In fact, the only thing that stands out as “off” is his walk. Once Doctor Tara Lewis ~~teaches the class~~ presents her theory about The Fan’s OCPD, even his oddball movement quality makes a sick, twisted sort of sense. This UnSub is so dedicated to perfection, his walk has to meet a certain standard. Each step must be meticulously placed, and so we get…this.

At other times, he might smirk his way through getting arrested or experience a certain sense of dastardly glee at correctly predicting something. But Kirk always plays those moments so subtly, he fools everyone around him. He can even almost fool viewers who are in on The Fan’s secret—but only almost. We can also see some brief glimpses of rage, but the character finds his calming breath, pictures himself committing murder…and is immediately back under control.

And The Fan has every reason to stay unbothered, to feel like the totally infallible god he demands his idol see him as. Because in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9, The Fan’s plans are finally coming together; and even though the BAU is beginning to see the bigger picture, they can’t seem to keep up. As we saw in the closing moments of Episode 8, just as the team realized they needed to put a protective detail on Laura, The Fan kidnapped her. Now, in Episode 9, Garcia finally has enough information to search for and uncover “middling Criminology author” James Crowley’s true identity, but in the process of both figuring out who he is and bringing him in for questioning, the BAU learns that a lot of their profile has been wrong from the start.

Crowley doesn’t have OCD—he has OCPD. And although the stingray leather belt he uses as a signature can be linked to the binding of his book, he not only has an answer to that…but also doesn’t have the allergy they figured he would. His book has the same font as those obsessive letters to Voit, but according to him, the publisher chose his font. He even has an original manuscript in his preferred Arial to prove it. Oh, and speaking of taking Crowley into custody: That’s all part of his plan. He’s so confident, even, that he tells his captives—Brian Garrity and his ex-wife Sheila. And no, Sheila isn’t bait for Brian. It’s the other way around—he has to go get arrested by the BAU and won’t be gone long.

MORE: Kirsten Vangsness promised we’d “be quite delighted about these people that you already know are great…Yvette Nicole Brown, Justin Kirk, Zach [Gilford]…all these people…and people you don’t know yet…” and she was right.

Special Agent Brian Garrity

Yvette Nicole Brown and Paul F. Tompkins take viewers on a ride in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9. From the moment Brian picks up that phone and senses the tightness in Sheila’s voice—fantastic work from Brown right off the top there—and in every moment they’re on screen, both actors bring something really special to “Special Agent Garrity.” They manage to inject a lightness and humor in all the right places, and at the same time, there were a number of times while I was watching this episode that I thought some version of “in any other situation, this would be hilarious, but here, it just makes the high stakes more obvious” to myself.

With that first phone call, the tension Brown holds and all those quick, nervous glances make the real reason for her call obvious before we ever pull back to see that, yes, The Fan is right there holding the phone for her. Also, the careful way Tompkins responds, as Brian picks up on what’s happening to Sheila and tries to find a way they can communicate—in their own, special language, as it turns out!—is right on point. Brian Garrity has been training for this kind of secrecy his entire conspiracy-brained, ridiculous, bumbling adult life. As he learns just about as soon as he walks into that church, though, all the preparation in the world was never going to be enough for this.

When he goes to St. Michael’s, Brian’s very first encounter with The Fan is its own emotional journey. He’s confused when he sees the censors, then panics as he tries to negotiate. At some point, there’s a sort of awe and wonder when he realizes exactly who he’s dealing with. And the way he begs for forgiveness, pleading on behalf of the two women he says matter—while he doesn’t—is particularly great from Tompkins. Not to be denied, all it takes is that one, goooood and terrified “oh, nooo” from Brown, and the stage is set for every gripping second to follow. The physicality in everything both actors do, like that pause that’s just long enough to get The Fan threatening them before they’re scrambling to comply again, also adds this layer of real, painfully-ordinary people trying to survive the most extraordinary of bad days.

The best part of Brian and Sheila’s story comes when Crowley’s away, purposely getting himself arrested. Like, talk about a couple working their sh** out at the weirdest possible time. Brown sits there, with that resolute sort of expression on her face—Sheila’s absolutely bracing herself for what she knows Brian’s about to ask. And Tompkins is way, way, way too casual (on purpose) about the way Brian does begin to ask those questions. Once he learns enough from Sheila, though, he can’t control himself anymore. I’d say this is as close to exploding with rage well-meaning, yet usually totally off base, goofball Brian Garrity gets.

“Okey dokey. So…just trying to get a sense of the whole picture now that I have all the pieces. I have spent the better part of my adult life chasing conspiracies. uncovering…nothing.” Here, that expression on Tompkins’ face says it all. Brian is so sick of, and frustrated with, never getting anywhere. Meanwhile, Sheila…agrees with that little “it is what it is” sort of look off Brown. Then, as Brian continues, “and now, I’m about to die in what can only be called a murder chair because of a secret cabal inside the IRS that my wife can’t tell me about! Do I have that correct? DEAR?!” Tompkins’ intensity just builds, and builds, and builds. Slowly, at first…and then, by the end, to the extreme from one word to the next.

Again, YNB puts on her own show. The way she grits out “no you do not have that right. Dear. Because you said wife. It’s ex. wife” is completely brilliant. Sheila can’t stand that they’re having this type of fight again, and she’s totally effin’ done with Brian still holding on to a marriage that, for her, has long since been dead. Or has it? Because, as we see in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9, Sheila Watkins does still care for Brian Garrity. She might not be able to be with him anymore, but she loves him still.

It’s there in the hurt that lives under all that anger, as Sheila tells him his tears don’t work on her anymore. (The “I dare you to try me” expression Brown wears throughout saying that, before immediately clicking into being purely thrilled with herself for being able to say it, is one of a ton of great moments for her.) As she tries to only give Brian a grudging nod after he shares his memory of seeing her walk down the aisle, it’s all because she’s trying so hard not to just give in to all that remaining love. But she just can’t help softening, just the same.

It’s impossible not to feel for Sheila when she wears her heartbreak from May 22, 2016 on her sleeve. Especially when we learn that Brian doesn’t even remember. Here’s this thing, this agonizing thing that should’ve been a moment of pride and celebration, and he…never even registered how much damage he’d done by ignoring it in pursuit of all his whackadoodle theories. But after Sheila shoves Brian’s terrible, careless actions in his face at a time when he can’t escape the judgment, Brian actually feels that pain—and regret. And his apology is nothing if not sincere.

So, Sheila and Brian don’t reconcile, exactly, but they’re there for each other for the rest of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9. In the end, that’s what makes all the difference. Brian’s willing to give Sheila the signal, risking his own life to save hers—and ohhh, the emotion on YNB when she practically begs him not to do something stupid to get himself hurt. Thankfully, the BAU arrives just in time to make sure Brian gets to be the hero…without being the sacrifice.

MORE: Earlier this season, Brian tried to manipulate Voit.

“As crazy as he makes me…I never wanted this for him”

After everything Brian Garrity has put her through over the years—including having her arrested a couple seasons ago—it would be completely understandable for Emily to absolutely loathe him and treat him as any old victim, not someone she’s known for years. To be completely fair, some part of Emily does loathe the guy…but he’s also her friend. Long before she uses that word—friend—at the end of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9, it’s painfully clear that this case is personal for our Unit Chief. Because of that, this hour features some of Paget Brewster’s best work in the Evolution era, and definitely the best this season.

When the BAU can’t reach Brian, Emily tries working through a long list of his other numbers in hopes of finding him, by some miracle. The way she paces her office, the frustrated noise she makes when she doesn’t get through to the latest line, and the pained way she closes her eyes at hearing “totally not” Brian’s voicemail greeting all highlight how worried she is. Then, when she tosses that phone to the side and grasps her head in both hands, the overwhelming amount of stress and angst conveyed in the gesture is remarkable. Especially when you consider how very little time there is to portray all of that.

The performance level only goes up from there. After learning that Brian’s ex-wife Sheila is also missing, Prentiss is totally off kilter. There’s a certain way she rushes to her next task, breathlessly races through her answer to Rebecca’s “what’s wrong,” and then totally beats herself up over putting Voit on Brian’s podcast that almost feels similar to how she usually reacts to the annoyance of Brian. It’s like Brewster’s taking that energy viewers are used to seeing her play up for the sake of comedy but, instead, giving us its dark mirror image. Same stress, different situation. So, now, instead of the reaction being “LOL Emily has had it” or “check out how much she wants to punch this MF,” it’s more like “oh. She’s about to crack but knows she has to hold it together if her team is going to have any chance of solving this thing.”

From there, it’s difficult to decide what the best of Brewster is in this penultimate episode. (Or, you know, the worst for those of you who value not hurting on behalf of fictional characters.) The one thing I can say for sure is that I did not expect for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9 to bring up that time Emily Prentiss “died.” So, here’s a statement for the record: It’s always going to be too soon—I don’t care if it’s been 15(?!) years or 1500.

Still, what a scene. When she talks about how she “knew it was coming,” it’s almost as if Emily is right back there during that time, living through that trauma all over again. (Hi. Same.) Then, when she gets to the part about Brian and Sheila, she’s back in the present—nothing but concern for those two people stuck in a situation she knows, from experience, is horrible. She’s all unshed tears and fast blinking, right up until she literally shakes herself out of it to get back to work. And then, in an all-too-brief moment, it’s possible to watch the revelation of Brian Garrity himself being Crowley’s mistake just dawn on her.

Obviously, the other major scene for Brewster is the one where Prentiss rushes over to Brian, scrambles to get him out of that chair, and then just throws everything she has into trying to save him. Every single line, even just the way Emily calls for Penelope at one point, is delivered with frantic, emotional, desperate sort of energy. The same goes for every single movement. From that run over, to the effort behind the CPR, to the way she collapses and gasps and sobs in defeat when everyone gives up, to that stunned, slow way she moves to sit down and again collapses (this time with an equally stunned Penelope and Dave on either side of her)—it’s all fantastic.

Although it’s huge for Brewster, the scene is also a strong one for Kirsten Vangsness and Joe Mantegna. That’s particularly true of Vangsness, as Penelope absolutely grieves for her friend back there. And this is while she’s going through the shock of being out in the field and seeing a victim in a state that the others…aren’t used to, exactly, but definitely have more experience with. Having the three of them work through that anxious, pleading, sort of rendition of “I Will Survive” in those tiny voices makes it all the more gutting, somehow. And no, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to that song and think of it the same way again. It actually hurts to watch, and it hurts to rewatch, too.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9 doesn’t leave Special Agent Garrity’s fate as part of the cliffhanger. Thankfully, he survives. That little exchange by the ambulance is a great “this is my comfort show” moment, and it’s just super sweet. There’s a hesitant, yet also totally comfortable and familiar, way Brewster plays it. It’s like Emily’s just guarded enough while still letting on that, sure, this guy annoys the sh** out of her sometimes, but she loves him, in a way. (As a friend!) She can’t quite be vulnerable enough to let him know how terrified she was there for a bit, but as it turns out, Brian heard the singing. So, he knows. And he gets it—gets her—enough to leave it alone. Instead, Brian just basks in that joy of having a friend, and feeling like he fits somewhere, for a moment.

I can’t believe this series made me like “awww, they’re adorable” instead of “I hope Emily kills this MF.” But. Well. Here we are.

MORE: Earlier this season, Emily’s Brian-induced heartburn made her say this: “We are not friends. All you have ever done is make my life miserable…“

Can Voit escape and face The Fan without becoming Sicarius

The Rossi-flavored devil on Voit’s shoulder has been teasing him with the idea of escape all season, and Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9 ends basically where we knew some part of this season would—he’s out. But should we be worried about the safety of anyone he comes into contact with? Or only him and/or The Fan? Based on how easy it is for Voit to take out some guards, disguise himself, and walk straight out of FCI Butler, we now know for sure that he’s been dedicated to serving his time before now. (Aside from that whole trying to get sentenced to death by confessing to a murder he didn’t even commit thing in Episode 3.) Otherwise, he could’ve left whenever he felt like it.

So, between that and the fact that Voit doesn’t resort to anymore violence than is absolutely necessary—eh, and maybe a good thwack to the one guard who’s enjoyed roughing him up in the past—it’s probably safe to believe he at least intends to only do what he has to do to keep his family safe. Just like he told his imaginary frenemy Dave. We’ve also already seen that he’s more than capable of out-maneuvering an UnSub and even trying the Sicarius persona on as a device…without actually going back to the Dark Side. But we don’t know whether or not he’ll need to dig even deeper with someone like The Fan, who’s able to anticipate every move and plan accordingly, especially when Crowley’s threatened his kids. So, jury’s out on that.

Before we get to the point where Voit breaks out of prison, Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9 again gives Zach Gilford and Joe Mantegna a chance to show how great they are as scene partners. I’ve talked about it all season, and it’s no surprise that this penultimate episode continues that tradition. But one thing that makes the work stand out here is how, as Voit’s stress level has increased and confidence has decreased, the not-Rossi character has become so much more, well, not Rossi. If we look back to the season premiere, Mantegna still maintained some elements of his usual character. Here…it’s different. Worse. Bigger. More mocking, relishing seeing Voit’s weakness more…and definitely rubbing more salt in Voit’s wounds.

So, the question becomes: Is Voit more human than ever before and, therefore, seeing his Dark Passenger as much more imposing? Or. Is it because the Dark Passenger’s taking over? (Can I borrow that phrase from Dexter here? Because I just did.) The fact that The Fan is also a very loud, very insulting voice in Voit’s head also makes me wonder whether or not that other guy in there is just trying to be louder to drown him out and fight back. But does letting him out to play more mean he’s going to take over…? Again, jury’s kinda out there.

MORE: In Season 17, Voit was inside Rossi‘s head—find out what Zach Gilford and Joe Mantegna had to say about that dynamic at the time.

More Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Episode 9 reactions

Dude’s laying the “wants to be God” on a wee bit thickly with his choice of location for hanging with his hostages.
Jessi Case is great with all that gasping, panicking terror. Whenever Laura’s awake, at least.
“If it makes you feel better, it’s not just you.” That does not, in fact, make people feel better!
JJ and Emily discussing work. I’ll take it.
Always here for a Brian Garrity induced, drawn out, “Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…” from Emily Prentiss. Seriously, even when it’s quieter like this, we just know it’s about that man.
“Do you remember, uh, Bob from work?” “Bob who makes you breakfast?” “…Bob and I got into a fight.” I adore that sarcasm on the “oh, I’m so sorry to hear thaaaat,” along with the fist pump. Like, yes, we’re going to root for Brian Garrity to survive any minute, but he’s still kinda immature and petty. And that’s part of the fun.
I, for one, would hate myself for missing a call from Emily Prentiss.
When Brian first shows up at the church and The Fan starts making threats, there’s so much comedic genius happening—but in a not-at-all funny way. Check out how Justin Kirk raises those brows of his. So much insistence, and interest, and self-satisfied, smug pride in himself because he is so in control. In any other situation, I’d be cracking up. But plot plus presence equals this dude’s evil AF.
“I just wanted to f-feel important. For once. I’m a fu**up. I’m nobody. I don’t matter. But they do! They matter! I don’t.” Relatable. And, well, F—. Now, you’ve gone and made me want to root for this MF who’s always giving Emily heartburn.
Every single quick cut or transition where the BAU’s part of the story picks up on a thread in a previous scene—before that scene even feels finished—just adds to allllll that urgency to get this thing solved quickly.
“Jennifer said put everything back on the table, right?” Oh, ok. We’re going with Jennifer’s full name.
Aisha Tyler really does play this like a professor explaining everything to the class. And, um. Good. I love it. Something about the way she’s using her hands just works, too.
It’s that look Emily shoots Dave after his “no” for me.
“Dave is right. The Fan is in Voit’s head. He’s of no use to us now.” “You bet your a** I’m right. I’ve been wanting to say this for years: F**k Elias Voit! And fu** Lee Duval! We’re gonna catch his…little…fan without him. Let’s get to work.” I think Agent Rossi might—just might—be over it?
The benefit of a group of people who’ve worked together for a while and adore each other: These shared looks from Tyler, to Tara, to Emily after Dave storms off. So good.
That voice work from Kirk when Voit’s got that sing-song taunting in his mind? Love it.
Check out that wild, cornered prey look in Gilford’s eye as Voit tries to force that voice away. And then, he turns around…and totally stops short because now, here’s this one, too.
Golden moment for Mantegna and Gilford: That whole first scene.
“It’s getting kind of crowded up in here, don’t you think? Still, he’s got a point. While you’re in here, someone smarter—someone better than you—is hunting your family.” Big fan of the Dark Rossi points at his head for emphasis. So much fun. And Gilford’s “he’s not better than me. He’s not gonna get to them” is so rushed, and agitated, and unconvinced. Also, the look in his eyes here…genuinely like a little kid who’s used to being the one everyone looks up to, right after he’s just gotten beaten up by a bully.
THE PAUSE BEFORE THIS. “One of those statements you actually believe…which one is it?” Annnnnnd that mocking expression. Take what Gilford did, exaggerate it to make fun of it, exaggerate it some more, and boom. A zillion times more pathetic…and also purposely weak.
The more Tyler Green talks, the more Penelope tilts her head and looks at him like he’s the dumbest b**ch ever born. Amazing.
“Are you…making a joke? Are you trying out material when, when we’re on the clock? No! How many in this country alone are into true crime? You might as well ask me, ‘hey! Penelope! Make a list of people not into true crime’ because that list is gonna be shorter.” Get him, Garcia.
Tag yourself: I’m JJ, slowly, exaggeratedly turning around and trying not to crack up.
Adorable JJ/Penelope high five, hilarious expression on RJ Hatanaka as Tyler’s just left hanging forever, adorable low five behind the back from JJ. Another moment where getting a group of people together with real chemistry and real history just pays off in the most genuine, natural sort of way. I love my comfort show and my comfort people!
(Yes, I know Hatanaka hasn’t been here anywhere near as long as the rest of the cast. But that just makes Tyler’s moments of trying to find his way and fit in feel extra real. Art imitating life imitating art…or whatever.)
If this series accomplishes nothing else, it should be convincing people of two things. One, personal moments matter during intense dramatic arcs. They are not, as some assume, distractions or wastes of time. And two, the tools actors acquire from doing comedic work can transform good drama into the best drama.
“You can’t even make this easy.”
“Are you, like, a therapist or something?” “No. I work for the IRS.” Sheila’s little expression for Laura’s eyes only is totally giving “yeah, I have no idea WTF I’m doing here either,” with a side of “go figure.” Again going to express the importance of respecting comedy and the realism it adds to characters stuck in this type of situation. Big applause for Yvette Nicole Brown here. Huge.
“How are you so calm right now?” “I taught myself breathing exercises when I was married to him for nine years and divorced for just about as long.” “What happened?” Annnnnnnnd Brian Fs up at just the right time. Perfect.
Oh, he’s terrified. Protect him!
“Brian—Brian. Stop. I might kill you. But not over that.” Well, as long as we’re all clear!
Kirk and Tompkins here: I don’t care that The Fan doesn’t feel the need to be perfect anymore after his first kill or whatever. Because these two, with Tompkins daring to glance up here or there, and Kirk just putting on a show? They’re perfect in the moment.
“They’ll never find me.” “I FOUND HIM!” Terrific.
Emily’s little wince when the stingray leather book binding comes up.
“Ok! Ha! They’re a bit early!” When you know Penelope’s going to ping your a**. It doesn’t take a genius OCPD dude for that.
…but he really is having the time of his life, huh.
Brian Garrity, just standing there, being disturbed while he side-eyes this dude and has no clue what to make of him…It’s great on a level I can’t explain. Just to be a broken record, this would usually be our comedic relief. At times, maybe it is? But mostly, it just makes everything Kirk’s doing scarier because he’s so precise.
YNB’s “Da**it. Brian, I’m not leverage for you. You’re leverage for me” kills. Like, the way her voice shakes, especially on Brian’s name…kills.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be gone long.” I felt that sigh. But um. “I just have to…go get arrested by the BAU.” Meanwhile, I can think of a number of other fans who’d love to get arrested by various members of the BAU.
He checks that watch and is slightly impressed by the BAU’s timing! And he is loving every second…but only lets it show when his back’s turned.
That expression from Emily when IRS dude asks if she’s familiar with Sheila…
Emily Prentiss, offended on Brian Garrity’s behalf when this guy asks if he’s a threat. Topped only by Emily Prentiss, plastering on that fake AF smile and forced pleasantry when dude has the audacity to tell her “nothing that fits your profile.”
“Sir. You need to let my team make that judgment.” I don’t understand how someone gets that look and that tone from Emily Prentiss and doesn’t immediately melt into “yes, Unit Chief Prentiss. Ma’am.”
The breath out, the way she tosses head back after Rebecca asks what she can do to help. And super line reading on “can you? Just. Find out. Everything you can about Agent Sheila Watkins?”
“Sheila, I’m sorry. If this is the end? I need you…to know…that I’m sorry. For all of it.” Ouch.
All she wanted was that apology! Look at that little “awww, F—” face she makes before she rolls her chair over!
His sad, little look when she holds his hand???
“Please don’t tell Dr. Clyburn because this is a bit of a backsliding moment for me.” “Ok. I won’t tell Dr. Clyburn.” “Ok.” “I’m absolutely telling Bob, though.” Awww! Love the way he gets her giggling! Maybe I ship it.
More pull-ups, please.
“Welll, this is gonna be funnn.” Holds out glass. Winks.
This whole sequence of everyone taking a crack at The Fan. Yes. Brewster, Cook, Mantegna. Yes. All of them. Just…YES. It’s such a good way to make sure everyone gets a moment, while highlighting how they can all bring their own, unique style of interrogation to the (literal) table.
“Do you know what we call this UnSub? We call him The Fan. But not because he’s a fan. Because he’s aaaaaa…wannabe. He’s an insignificant loser whose ego is so crushed by Voit calling him pathetic that he’ll go this far. But that isn’t you.” The “but that isn’t you” is, um…yeah, she means the opposite. She said “you’re a loser, b**ch” without saying it. Love that for her.
Small head tilt. “You’re up.” I’ll take it!
“That reminds me of something Einstein said. ‘Coincidence is God’s way of remaining…anonymous.’ The UnSub that did this? He’s not God. Even though he thinks he is…yeah. He’s just some…guy. who kills with a stingray belt.” AJ Cook’s line reading, particularly on “anonymous,” is as perfect as ever. And every glance she gives this guy is simply screaming, “I know it’s you. And you’re nothing to me. Not even pathetic. Worse than.” Amazing.
There’s something special about the way Justin Kirk leans in to put his chin on his hand, just-so, before that little head tilt from Cook, too. I don’t know. Everyone’s at their best when they get a scene with her, huh.
Rossi just flat out said his book’s trash to his face. I cracked up. Maybe he’s more like Voit’s inner voice than we thought!
…but also. Does no one see The Fan looking anywhere and everywhere while he tries to get himself to chill out? Dave almost had him. Especially after Luke’s coffee stunt. Why are all of these profilers acting like they got nothing??
It’s not a big Connor Storrie episode. (Guess I’ll go ahead and give a RIP to Lance here while I’m at it.). But I will say, all those nervous swallows as Lance claims the guy reading off the card isn’t the one who tortured him, the doubts as he trains his gun on The Fan later, and the almost regretful way he looks back over his shoulder at the hostages as he rushes off to (he thinks) save Laura, are all places where Storrie brings his A game. The development between Episode 4 and now really is praiseworthy.
There were a couple of points during this season when I wasn’t sure if carving out more space for Lance served the wider arc with The Fan. And, for a while there, I was afraid it did the exact opposite by taking precious time away from that development, no matter how much Storrie was bringing to growing the character. I can admit now, thankfully, that I had no reason to worry at all. The choice paid off. Which is good news for Criminal Minds…and good news for my neck because it’d probably be on the chopping block if I voiced my fears out loud before now.
Oh, man. Emily Prentiss as Cat Who Got The Canary. LOVE.
“Because A: He may actually need it. And B—and this is a capital B—I don’t trust him.” The Unit Chief knows what’s up.
Rebecca Wilson CANNOT believe this amateur hour BS. I felt that sigh right before we knew for sure Lance was gone.
“Nahhhhhh. He’s just…waiting us out.” Tyler out here playing the “are we there yet” little kid, while Rossi’s the dad who DGAF.
Ok but y’all are way, way, way, way, way too smart not to have had tons of cars around that block on the stakeout. You know he’s always one step ahead! THINK.
That nervous, tiny voice from Brown on Sheila’s “hey, Lance. It’s Lance, yeah? I don’t know you? But believe me when I say that you can’t trust this man.” Notably, the only time she doesn’t sound afraid is on “believe me.” Also, she was right all along.
The pained defeat written all over Brian Garrity when Lance puts his gun down.
“Well, you didn’t have to kill him to make that point to me.” Kirk’s sarcastic stage whisper on “I wasn’t making it to you.”
Sheila Watkins, cringing away from Crowley as he gets too close and rests his head on her shoulder. Very much me-coded.
“All we have left are Sheila and…Brian.” It’s the way she says his name for me.
“You know, i—it’s funny, I can’t even recall how many times Brian Garrity almost got me fired.” “Well. There was the time he exposed you for coming back from the dead, there was the time he got you arrested. That’s twice…” My startled Penelope, immediately shutting herself up after she was counting on her fingers to help out with Emily’s rhetorical question. I LOVE HER. “But I’m not counting, and it’s irrelevant. Sorry” after that look from Emily.
“No it’s not, actually. Because when I did die, I knew it was coming. I knew for, I don’t know, hours. Maybe a day before? And I was so scared…I was so scared. And that must be what Brian and Sheila are feeling right now. As crazy as he makes me…I never wanted this for him. I wouldn’t want that for anyone.” Everything hurts, and I’m dying.
Following this series for this long, experiencing that time without knowing we’d actually get them to bring her back…I wouldn’t want that for any fan.
(Am I the only person who couldn’t help but hear Spencer Reid’s tiny, sad “Emily?” echoing through their head during that whole speech or…?)
“Brian Garrity is an agent of chaos that no one can plan for.” True!
“Oh, shut up. Shut uuuuuup!” “Think about what happens next: You give him what he wants, and then we’re both dead. Now, I don’t see any point in that. Do you?” HE IS SO SOBER AND RATIONAL HERE??? “I swear. If you tell me ‘wait for my signal,’ I will kill you myself.” (And I believe her.) “Understood…but wait for my signal.” Look at his grin. And that sigh from her is a. sigh. “…and sweetheart. this time it’s gonna work.”
I LOVE THEM. Can we get a spinoff???
“Stop trying to be someone you’re not.” BUT IT IS WHO HE IS. We know this because he is fighting this hard.
“They’re not just numbers. They’re living breathing people.”
Brian Garrity really said, “my BFF Emily is a profiler. I know how to get under this guy’s skin because I learned from the best,” huh.
“If I die, your screwup dies with me. You’ll never know.” Literally, the perfect way to get Mr. Perfect’s attention.
She’s so cute with her “oh!” and goofy AF run out???
Did I mention that Paget Brewster.
Good God, this whole sequence. I’m obsessed.
When they’re done, and she smooths her hair back, and Dave takes her hand, and Penelope winds her hand through her elbow…MY FAMILY.
“I am Special Agent Watkins. Can you put a little respect on my name?” And his nose tap!
Can’t believe she ran to Bob. Rude.
OH! EMILY IS HERE.
“You know, one could almost say that, uh, Brian Garrity blew this entire case wiiiiiide open.”
”I hate disco. but…I…love karaoke.” “Ohh. Well, I hate karaoke. But…I’d do it for a friend.”
It’s almost like you could believe Brewster and Tompkins are friends in real li—…oh. Right. That part. (But it’s an asset that adds an extra layer of authenticity here!)
“Good luck.”
Uh, yeah. We’re gonna need it.