Haunted
- Episode aired Sep 30, 2009
- TV-14
- 1h
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
2.7K
YOUR RATING
Darrin Call, a psychotic, suffers a breakdown in a pharmacy in Kentucky and stabs 3 people to death before running off and the BAU are called in to catch him.Darrin Call, a psychotic, suffers a breakdown in a pharmacy in Kentucky and stabs 3 people to death before running off and the BAU are called in to catch him.Darrin Call, a psychotic, suffers a breakdown in a pharmacy in Kentucky and stabs 3 people to death before running off and the BAU are called in to catch him.
Bjorn Johnson
- Dr. Charles Cipolla
- (as Bjørn Johnson)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Louisville area code is 502. This episode is 5x02.
- GoofsIn one of the scenes with Penelope Garcia, the type of keyboard she uses, (flexible, waterproof, "Virtually Indestructible Keyboard"), doesn't make clicking sounds. While you can hear clicking as she appears to type.
- Quotes
Dr. Spencer Reid: You know, the entire time I've known Hotch, I don't believe I've seen him blink.
- SoundtracksCriminal Minds Theme
Composed by Mark Mancina
Featured review
Better on recent re-watch
Remember not caring much for "Haunted", but gave it a willing re-watch having only having vague memories. "Haunted" actually turned out to be better on re-watch.
It has been considered a lesser Season 5 episode and while there are definitely better episodes of 'Criminal Minds' before and since it is better than "Parasite" and "The Performer" as far as Season 5 episodes go. Can definitely see why some will be disappointed, but also can understand the appeal. Hotch is out of character, lacking his usual focus and very on edge, which is somewhat of a turn off, but it is understandable considering the horrific ordeal he suffered in the previous episode.
What didn't come over as believable was him returning to work just after thirty four days, considering the ordeal it would have been more realistic to have him off for at least four times as much as that but it may not have been possible as Hotch is a favourite among fans. The episode also did focus a little too much on him, while under-using the likes of Reid (who otherwise delights with his knowledge and humour), which does somewhat hurt the dynamic. There are occasional pacing issues, parts feel stretched out and others feel rushed.
However, "Haunted" scores highly in the production values and the music is suitably haunting and also with moments of a melancholic air. The writing is taut and has a good deal of character depth and emotion, Hotch's suffering is very movingly portrayed by Thomas Gibson while the team's concern for Hotch is also believable, especially that of Prentiss, as is Rossi's nonchalance regarding Hotch's ability as a leader. The story is tense and emotional (the atmosphere and emotional impact more than making up for not doing an awful lot new with an idea of someone with a psychotic break) done to death, with flashbacks that add so much to the character development of the unsub, explaining how he came to be this way and what drove him to kill, while not overwhelming the story. The climax is scary in its suspense.
The unsub is a good one, one really feels sorry for him and it is a strong example of understanding a "villain's" point of view, in fact it is the father you hate. Direction is solid and the acting is very good. The regulars all turn in great work with not a weak link in the lot, while it is difficult to fault the guest turns. Sean Patrick Flanery occasionally overdoes it with the line delivery but is suitably disturbingly anguished. Michael Bowen also does a strong job as Tommy, though personally didn't see much point in his presence at the end (by all means it is explained but it adds little, the shoulder touch was very nicely done though).
Bjorn Johnson also nails the bare human emotions in such a terrible predicament. Don Creech and Kanin Howell are chilling at the end and in the flashbacks detailing the past respectively. Glenn Morshower makes for an entertaining cop and there is good interaction between him and the BAU with their differences in methods.
In conclusion, not a great episode but a solid one and better on re-watch. 7/10 Bethany Cox
It has been considered a lesser Season 5 episode and while there are definitely better episodes of 'Criminal Minds' before and since it is better than "Parasite" and "The Performer" as far as Season 5 episodes go. Can definitely see why some will be disappointed, but also can understand the appeal. Hotch is out of character, lacking his usual focus and very on edge, which is somewhat of a turn off, but it is understandable considering the horrific ordeal he suffered in the previous episode.
What didn't come over as believable was him returning to work just after thirty four days, considering the ordeal it would have been more realistic to have him off for at least four times as much as that but it may not have been possible as Hotch is a favourite among fans. The episode also did focus a little too much on him, while under-using the likes of Reid (who otherwise delights with his knowledge and humour), which does somewhat hurt the dynamic. There are occasional pacing issues, parts feel stretched out and others feel rushed.
However, "Haunted" scores highly in the production values and the music is suitably haunting and also with moments of a melancholic air. The writing is taut and has a good deal of character depth and emotion, Hotch's suffering is very movingly portrayed by Thomas Gibson while the team's concern for Hotch is also believable, especially that of Prentiss, as is Rossi's nonchalance regarding Hotch's ability as a leader. The story is tense and emotional (the atmosphere and emotional impact more than making up for not doing an awful lot new with an idea of someone with a psychotic break) done to death, with flashbacks that add so much to the character development of the unsub, explaining how he came to be this way and what drove him to kill, while not overwhelming the story. The climax is scary in its suspense.
The unsub is a good one, one really feels sorry for him and it is a strong example of understanding a "villain's" point of view, in fact it is the father you hate. Direction is solid and the acting is very good. The regulars all turn in great work with not a weak link in the lot, while it is difficult to fault the guest turns. Sean Patrick Flanery occasionally overdoes it with the line delivery but is suitably disturbingly anguished. Michael Bowen also does a strong job as Tommy, though personally didn't see much point in his presence at the end (by all means it is explained but it adds little, the shoulder touch was very nicely done though).
Bjorn Johnson also nails the bare human emotions in such a terrible predicament. Don Creech and Kanin Howell are chilling at the end and in the flashbacks detailing the past respectively. Glenn Morshower makes for an entertaining cop and there is good interaction between him and the BAU with their differences in methods.
In conclusion, not a great episode but a solid one and better on re-watch. 7/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•73
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 27, 2016
Details
- Runtime1 hour
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
- 16:9 HD
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