Criminal Minds Finale Recap: The Replicator Is Unmasked, But Not Before Striking Back
The Replicator revealed himself in the Season 8 finale of CBS‘ Criminal Minds, but not before displaying loads more bravado and, yes, doing some damage.
First, the crime-copying killer — played by out-of-this-world guest star Mark Hamill — targeted Strauss, in her New York City hotel room as she slept, doping her up on Ecstasy before leading her to be found outside on a bench. Hotch got to the boss lady while she was still alive, but she shared few clues before succumbing to her forced OD, dying in Hotch’s arms.
Along the way, The Replicator showed off his intel on the BAU and overall smarts, hacking Garcia’s mighty computer fortress, taunting Strauss about her drinking and family sitch, revealing that he knows about the Foyet case, even drugging Rossi (into pulling a gun on Morgan!) with tainted interoffice mail. All of which pointed to someone on the inside — a theory that was pursued as Hotch learned that top-level DoJ peeps were cc’d on his case reports, as they kept tabs on the BAU.
Once an Alex Blake connection is theorized, it is determined that the BAU’s stalker is John Curtis, a “nice guy” G-man who also worked the bungled Amerithrax case in 2001, after which he got demoted and then was shuffled around the system. Everyone ‘copters to Curtis’ rural ranch property, but he commandeers one of the birds with a remote control, downing the aircraft and grabbing Blake.
Holding Blake captive, Curtis expounds on how he resents her getting a second chance from Strauss, while he landed in Tatooine Kansas. Using a pressure-sensitive seat beneath Blake, Curtis sets a booby trap where, once she is rescued, she and her colleagues are entombed in the cellar room. Rossi, though, frees his colleagues, then has a stand-off with Curtis — ultimately employing Strauss’ one-year sober chip (touché!) to trap Curtis himself in the chamber, as the C-4-lined farm property goes kablooey.
“Zugzwang!”
The finale closes with the team gathered as they did last May, for JJ’s wedding, but here for a very different circumstance — “because that’s what families do,” Rossi says. “It’s been a hard year. But tonight we celebrate a life well-lived, well-loved. To a good woman, an even better mother, our friend… who I will miss very much.”
What did you think of the Criminal Minds finale? Any surprises?
Hey don’t forget we got to meet Hotchner’s brother in the first hour.
He was actually on the show once before, years ago.
Oops, my bad. I must not have watched that one. Sorry.
We saw hotches brother few seasons ago when he tries to set his brother up with interviews and jobs from what i can remember. The last seen was when hitch is at the dina his brother was working at and they kinda get along and smile at each other
I love criminal minds I feel like they are a part of my family I miss prentice I wish they would bring her back anyways if any of the cast of criminal minds reads this post I am your biggest fan and I love all of you
I read that Prentice is coming back in episode 200
Oh brother.
Frankly I was surprised the finale hinged on the newest character that I’m not sure a lot of people actually care about.
True. I was hoping Blake would be the one killed. She is no replacement for Prentice. Sorry, but that’s what I think.
Remember when her hubby came back and said he got a job in Boston. I was so excited thinking she was leaving, only to be disappointed when she decided they’d do the long-distance thing.
I have nothing against Jeanne Tripplehorn, but her character brings absolutely nothing of interest to the show
I agree with jerzygirl.
I so agree !!!
I like Blake she’s not that bad you guys are just haters
Ok – you like her, that’s fine. Other people don’t, and that’s fine too. Just because someone doesn’t agree with your view doesn’t make them a hater. I like the actress, but I just don’t feel her character adds anything of interest to the show.
agree with jerzygirl45 omg so true i was lkike u cannot replace prentiss blake is good and all but she cant replace her and omg i cried when prentiss dies then later realized she faked it smh omg wow what a season im gonna miss the show so much
Actually I agree. There is no emotional attachment to her. Maybe it was the writer’s way of bringing her into the fold, but it did not work with me.
I’ve always said that Luke was more Sith than Jedi.
Ohhh!! I thought he looked familiar
Awesome episode! I actually liked Strauss and hate to see her gone. Still wish it had been Blake. Great twist being an insider. I will rewatch this one multiple times. Glad it’ll be back! Loved it!
Don’t like seeing Hotch with Beth! Hope the writers decide to never bring her back next year!
Perhaps in the ultimate act of “brother betrayal,” Sean will make a move on Beth steal her away from Aaron; as Sean pointed out, they do live in the same city, LOL! Such a tidy resolution… I can dream, can’t I?
That’s not a bad idea, but it would keep Beth in the picture. Don’t we want her to disappear completely? That way, if the writers insist upon boring us with a “love interest” for Hotch, they can bring in an actress who has good on-screen chemistry with TG. That’s where the problem lies. Casting really dropped the ball with Bellamy Young.
I agree Jennifer. If I was disappointed with anything over those two hours it was that we didn’t see Beth taken out by the Replicator. However, I keep reminding myself that she was with Jack, and I certainly don’t want any harm to come to him. Also, Beth is too dull and insignificant to attract the Replicator. But hope springs eternal. Come this fall, we have an entire new season to figure out a way to rid ourselves of Ms. Clemmons. It’s just amazing to me. Hotch has loved both Haley and Emily (yes, we all know he was in love with Emily), and he ends up with the likes of Beth? I’m disappointed to see that he has really lowered his standards.
Why are the people who are so against Beth women? I for one really enjoyed her introduction and the moments we’ve been given with her. If anything, I’d like to see more of her so she can become more developed. She was a big step for Hotch’s character and I loved seeing him move beyond the place he’d been for a long time, and I really love how they interact together, and that she totally accepts and adores his son.
Hi Will – we all like seeing Hotch moving forward; but the main issue with Beth (and I speak for myself) is that Bellamy Young (who I happen to enjoy in the other projects she has done) has zero chemistry with TG. Knowing that Hotch has loved two incredible women (Haley and Emily), it’s almost painful to watch his interaction with Beth/Bellamy Young. As for her relationship with Jack, it’s somewhat unrealistic. I speak from experience when I say that a child of Jack’s age doesn’t warm up that quickly to a substitute for a dead parent. I always thought she got way too close to Jack, way too soon. I know Beth is not an Unsub, but her relationship with Jack always made me feel very uncomfortable. I’m hoping that Season 9 will say Bye-Bye to Beth and introduce someone wonderful and worthy of Hotch and Jack.
I’ve seen every episode from the beginning at least twice, except this season, and Never has Hotch been in love with Prentiss!!! You guys are nuts!!
I’m in the minority, but I, too, never saw the attraction of Hotch and Prentiss. I saw a cougar (Prentiss) and a young cub (Reid) with chemistry that would melt steel. All the hand touches- I remember that hug when Reid came out of the compound alive. Now, that was chemistry.
Anyway, I enjoyed the finale, and am glad CBS didn’t show the body of John Curtis.
I’ve never seen this “love” between Hotch and Prentiss. I think that you are seeing things. Hotch never loved Prentiss.
I totally agree at least sombody has somthing POSITIVE to say
RIGHT!????
Like no one could figure out Strauss would die, despite Messer & cast trying to say it was a “team member”. Boring end to a boring season.
I disagree with you. A CM true fan would know that in recent seasons, mainly in the eighth, Strauss came to the team, and l is suggested a relationship of Rossi. Despite the problems between her and the team, Strauss was part of BAU and his death is a big loss.
A true fan would know Strauss was a she.
A reasonable person would recognize a simple mistake.
A denizen of the internet would understand sarcasm.
uuuhhh… “true fan” ™
They said “major character” not team member.
Actually, the exact phrase was “series regular.” Anyone with half a brain could figure out it had to be Strauss.
Actually, it depends on the interview then since “major character” was the exact phrase used as part of several recent interviews guess that we’re both right then.
I personally thought it would be Xander…at least up until the moment Strauss was all over the “previously on…” segment – then it was a no-brainer.
Now she can come back to 24 :)
Ending was a little too neat for me. Alex is chained up! Oh, no, we found her. Oh, we’re all okay. Look, fire!
Hated the finale. In my opinion, Finales should end on a cliffhanger, something to keep us talking while the show is on break.
Sadly they didn’t know if they were going to come back, AJ Cook (JJ) and Kirsten Vangsness (Garica) were not planning on signing on because they weren’t getting paid as much as the men were. It wasn’t until the fans rallied with them and the producers renegotiated and the ladies signed new contacts that season 9 was a go!
fans do not dictate contracts agents do. having watched since the beginning I would have rathered the original cast over this one. this one will do but the original cast was great.
You’re right. An actor is only as good as his agent. And you’re right again about the original cast. They were first rate and have yet to be duplicated. But change is a part of life, and hopefully the writers can recover what they lost over the hiatus and we, the fans, will continue to enjoy a great series on Wednesday night.
Fans clearly can have an impact on networks keeping actors/shows around when they unite to make a fuss – networks want viewers, so viewers occasionally have power. Not enough, perhaps, but it certainly worked for “Chuck.”
All they had to do was pay thems more. Mens.
I disagree. you might like cliff.’s, but I can’t stand them. Everything end with a cliff.. It used to be unique, but now it’s so prevalent I hate them. “remember 20 shows while you enjoy he summer shows …. then you’ll be asked to do it again for those shows.” To each his or her own, but I say thank you for not ending in a cliff..
typos sorry …. bad sight is worse at night. :-)
Yeah, I like a good cliffhanger on occasion, but ultimately, I’m with you, it does get used an awful lot, so it’s nice that they didn’t do it this time around. I agree with those who said the ending was kind of quick and rushed, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but cheer when Rossi left the guy in the house and ran out. I liked the storyline of it being someone who worked within the Bureau, that made sense ’cause it explained how he knew such intimate details…but I kind of wish it hadn’t been the celebrity guest who’d been the criminal, y’know? Though ultimately I thought Hamill did a good job with his role.
But that stuff aside, overall, I did enjoy the finale. So weird to think Strauss is gone for good now…I’m actually a bit more sad about that than I thought I would be. And I liked the story involving Sean, too. And the ending was really sweet and touching-got me a bit misty-eyed. I’m such a sap :p.
Yea you might love cliffhanngers but I really like seeing everyone safe and together everyone else can have their cliffhanger give me a wedding or a funeral!
Oddly enough people have been complaining on various sites lately about cliffhangers, therefore proving that there is no “should” about it. In other words it shouldn’t end on one any more than it should not end on one. I myself like them too, but realize that would could happen (cliffhangers) isn’t necessarily what always “should.”
Oh no, I prefer the season to wrap up, more or less. A little cliffhanger, maybe a small question or two that might be answered in a future episode, or might not, depending on the writers’ whims, but I want to empty my brain over the summer to let more umbrella drinks in :-) I do NOT want to worry about someone dyin’ while I’m sippin’
agreed …. sorta. Unless you put an umbrella in my iced mocha/caramel swirl latte – heavy on the caramel. heh
I love a good cliffhanger but the season premiere let down that tends to follow most of them has ruined it for me. It’s the rare TV show that can do an amazing cliffhanger and follow it up with an amazing premiere the following season. The only one that comes to mind for me was the BtVS season 5 finale and season 6 premiere.
Should’ve been Gideon. Would have made for a much better, more personal episode. Even recast if necessary
I am with you on that I think it would have been much better if it had been Gideon
I agree too! I really thought it would be Gideon. That he finally snapped or something. Oh well… I’m just glad Hotch, JJ n Reed are alive. Love those 3.
Gideon would never snap! He was amazing… I am glad they did not tarnish his good name. I am also really glad this season finale wrapped up neatly. After watching the Law and Order SVU cliffhanger tonight… it was so nice to have some closure. Cliffhangers should not upset viewers.. they should present a challenge where viewers can imagine multiple ways that the story will go on. Dexter, breaking bad, mad men- they make good cliffhangers. SVU- this time around was a horrible cliffhanger.
I totally agree; they should never, ever have Gideon go the way that Hamill’s character did. It would be like what was done with the first “Mission Impossible” movie – I can’t stand to watch it after what they did with Jim Phelps!
Inigo montoya doesn’t like criminal minds. He’s talked too much smack about the show to do a guest appearance
The lovey pet names used by garcia and morgan make me gag! They are
supposed to be professionals? If anyone worked with real people doing
that there would be big charges of sexual harrassment. It makes me feel
like all the other characters are uncomfortable… The writers should cool
it… I love A.J. Cook and Rossi (blanked out on his name) they are class
acts. I want to love Erin but he never seems that real to me.
Yeah, I had theorized it could be Gideon. That would’ve been a great twist. But as far as I understand Mandy would not want anything to do with the show, so that is why I figured there is no way.
Gideon is a positive character who left on his own terms, so I can’t see that at all, also a bit of a downer regarding reruns.
All of our characters that we love dearly were in danger because of the newest member of the team. I mean really that was of my opinion not that great of a storyline. I personally don’t like Blake she annoys me. But seriously I did not like the storyline at all. Everyone was in danger because the guy hated her. Worst storyline ever played. I am glad everyone is safe and I am sad about Strauss although she probably wasn’t a big character but i loved her and Rossi together. I just wish they did a better storyline where everyone knew or remembered thr guy from a case they did. But no it had to be connected to Blake . The new person who is probably not that liked by the fans. It was pretty lame storyline with her. I wish it was connected to someone else like someone on last weeks said that they thought it was Gideon’s brother. Now that would have been one hell of a storyline. I just wish the storyline wasn’t based on one character the one that is new and the one that isn’t popular
They did try to get us to like her- they showed her husband and all. CM always makes me nervous when they start showing family… it always seems like a ploy so we like someone before they get killed. Kind of their magic formula. I’m just glad they didn’t do that this time. When Strauss told Hotchner that the killer said “think you can race home before me (something like that).. I was just so worried something would happen to his son or gf. Phew.
The plot development was not good… being overlooked for a job is not good enough reason (Kansas isn’t that bad). Wish it had been something else.. but glad it had nothing to do with Gideon.
I’d be devastated if anything happened to Jack. Beth Clemmon’s demise, on the other hand, would have me dancing in the street. That would open the door for a better actress and someone worthy of our dear Hotch.
I didn’t write down end quote, can you share??
I agree with some of the posters. Criminal Minds has some of the top writers and such creative stories. The big 2 hour season finale was…ok. The first hour was great the second was gobs of commercials with oops he didn’t kill them yet..and then a rushed job at the end. Strauss dying was..”oh that’s the one who is going to die? I missed a big party for this?” One scene she’s crying, talking stupid that you know she was forced to drink and the next scene she’s covered up dead..that was strange. I just expect much more from Criminal Minds. Are the writers on a writer’s block or did some of the best leave the show?
talking stupid that you know she was forced to drink and the next scene she’s covered up dead..that was strange? No, it was obvious that she was ‘slipping away’ and died in Hotch’s arms. And the season finale might have had to be the series finale if the show was not renewed. I just would like to know what the song in the finale is.
It’s by Lily Kershaw, Ashes Like Snow.
Lily Kershaw did the finale song last year too, As it Seems.
She was also cast as a character in the show….I forgot which season, but the episode was titled “To Hell and Back” , I think. Great actress, and an amazing vocalist/musician
Yes, but if this show had a cliffhanger and The Powers That Be couldn’t come to financial terms with the cast you guys would be complaining there was no resolution in the final episode.
amazing 2 hours! strauss i was just starting to like you and i will miss you!
I thought the episode was really good. It seemed almost like a series finale to me at the end.
Maybe the writers had a series style ending in mind in case they couldn’t negotiate the salaries for the ladies and this would have been a proper ending for the show.
I loved the entire 2 hours!
I suspect the finale was intended to serve as a series finale if the renewal didn’t come through. It was not horrible, and ended tidily. I also liked the use of the chip in the end.
I find it ridiculous that it’s even possible the writers wanted the crap they’ve pulled this season to be it, should the show get canceled.
I thought it was good, even if the death of Strauss was telegraphed too easily. This show also had the feeling of a potential series finale, in which the last scene could have been changed at the last minute to facilitate such. Mark Hamill has not aged well. I also found it cool to note that, with all the time, effort and technology The Replicator put into killing the BAU, he was defeated by a simply AA token.
Anybody know what song was used during the final scene with the team?
The song was “Ashes Like Snow” by Lily Kershaw-she sang the song “As it Seems” in last seasons finale. She just happens to be the actress in “To Hell and Back” episodes who escaped in the end.
Oh, seriously? I didn’t know that. I thought the voice sounded familiar-thanks for the info! Kinda neat that she shows up in some form in some of the finales.
Boring and predictable. I liked the first hour better than the second hour. The Replicator arc was a total bust.
Kind of a let down
ANTICLIMAX!!!, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT HAMIL WUD BE THE REPLICATOR!! DID NOT CARE FOR THE FIRST HOUR
How could Garcia’s computer get hacked when she installed new blockage etc after her system was hacked by the one dude I think in season 1, 2 where Elle was stabbed and left for dead by the serial killer. She stated after that she encrypted and put up multiple safe berriers etc to prevent it from happening again. Oh I thought it was actually going to be a better surprise as who the replicator was than Curis Hamill. Another article made it seem like it was not him. I am disappointed because I thought it was going to be better than it was. I am disappointed in the show and it had such great seasons but this one was not one of them. What happened to the writing, subtle back stories etc.. I like it better when they have a serial killer of the week etc than a season long arc.
I mean if they were ging to do that they could have done it with other killers that were much better written like Foyet, the one in season 2, so many others would have been netter to be season long than the boring replicator. He isn’t even that scary. The actor who played Foyet wa great and may me believe in that character and he was frightening.
I, too, like the “killer of the week” better than a season long unsub. I was hoping that John Curtis (Mark Hamill) would be the one taking Strauss’s place.
I can take or leave Beth and Blake. Neither one add much to the series. I would like to see Reid happy, though. He’s been through an awful lot in eight years.
I haven’t been happy with the writing for a few years. Maybe TPTB should go back and look at the earlier seasons.
I enjoyed the finale, especially the footage at the end. Loved seeing the guys dressed up.
I loved seeing Eric Johnson back as Sean Hotchner, even if he ended the 1st hr in a squad car. It was also fun to see Hotch SMILE when he was with Beth.
Is it me or did Blake seem way to composed with the Replicator stuff and strauss’ death etc? When they are back at the office discussing Foyet which is a classified case she seemed more of taking it in and thinking like getting information for something else than solving a case. I do not know the whole 2nd hour I got a really bad vibe off of Blake and why would the replicator go after all the tam when he was only affected by 2 characters and none of the other team members were connected to him. It seemed odd.
Blake seemed way too composed with everything, making me think like she has some ulterior motive. While the whole team is displaying anxiety, grief, she seemed way non chalant and like she was eyeing the team and taking notes etc..
I just cannot put my finger on it, but maybe next sason they will play it out more since the replicator is closed, but not closed..