Despite the story for "Face Off" being one of the more interesting ones of Season 15 on paper and there was intrigue as to how the show would continue the Lynch arc, part of me was apprehensive. With almost all the previous episodes of what is by far for me the worst 'Criminal Minds' season, sadly it was also the final one, being rather underwhelming and way off from how the show first started. Have long pined for the day when 'Criminal Minds' was actually great.
Not all of Season 15 was bad though. "Face Off" is proof of that. By all means, it is not quite perfect and is not one of the best 'Criminal Minds' episodes. "Face Off" is though for me by far the best episode of Season 15 and the only one of two to be above average and therefore worth watching. The other being "Saturday", which is probably not a popular opinion ("Under the Skin" was sort of watchable but was still heavily flawed). Also consider it the best 'Criminal Minds' episode since "Chameleon".
My only real problem with "Face Off" was that it did feel on the rushed side at times and some parts could have been delved into more.
Everything else is great. Was riveted by the dynamic between Rossi and young Gideon, which had both intrigue and intensity. That was a big strength as it was basically the heart of the episode. The case was also a very compelling one with a sense of urgency and plenty of tension, it also didn't feel too derivative like most of the season's cases were and despite being part of an arc there wasn't as much of a running out of ideas feel that plagued a vast majority of the season. It was not too easy to figure out and it was not too over-complicated in my view either even when more complex than most of the season's episodes.
After plenty of vanilla or strange unsubs this season post-"Awakenings", Lynch again proves to be one of the best and creepiest in a while. Roberta was also interesting, with one getting a better understanding of her here, and personally didn't think young Gideon was cheesy at all. Loved the team character writing and interaction, Rossi and authoritative yet protective Prentiss being the most well done.
The script is taut and thought-provoking, little is cheesy or soapy. The production values have class and atmosphere and the music is haunting enough. Had no problem with the performances, with Joe Mantegna giving his best performance of the season with his meatiest material. Ben Savage stands out too.
Overall, very good and the best of an underwhelming season. 8/10