Season 4 is a strong contender for the best season of 'Criminal Minds'. One where the lesser episodes, such as "Demonology" and "Catching Out", are still better than the worst episodes of particularly Seasons 9 and 11, and where there are so many classic episodes that picking a favourite is like trying to say what your favourite ice cream flavour is.
Is "Soul Mates" one of the season's classics? No. However, while a lesser episode of the season perhaps (which is an indicator as to how good Season 4 is) it is a very decent episode. "Soul Mates" is somewhat predictable in places, the outcome especially can be smelt from miles off and it was a shame to see such an intelligent and lovely character like Andrea being so reckless and endangering life towards the end.
Much more could have been done with the second unsub as well. A great job was done with Harris, so it was disappointing that the second unsub was nowhere near as intriguing or exuded anywhere near as strong a personality. The lack of profiling, a huge part of the show's charm and one of the main reasons why it works so well when executed well, was a shame, and the episode occasionally feels jumpy.
However, "Soul Mates" looks great, as ever made with style, class and gritty atmosphere. The music is suitably haunting and moody (with some creative use of lyrics), and the direction and most of the pacing are taut.
The script is thought-provoking, and while the humour is kept at minimum here there are a few very funny moments. Two of the best of them being directed towards Reid, one from Garcia regarding sweet cheeks and the funniest was Rossi replying to a question regarding Reid that he was left on the FBI steps in a basket.
While the storytelling is not perfect, it is compelling enough, with the opening being an interesting format breaker, the interrogation scenes tense and creepy (with Harris becoming increasingly arrogant and creepy and Rossi and Morgan being pushed to the limit) and the scene between Harris and Sharon and the climax packing a real emotional wallop.
Acting is great from all the regulars, especially Joe Mantegna and Shemar Moore, while Michael Boatman is excellent as Harris.
In conclusion, a little predictable and plain at times but still interesting and worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox
