Riding the Lightning

Easily in my top 3 CM episodes. It had me SOBBING. wonderful acting all around.

The reviewers who criticize this episode for plot holes must not have been watching the rest of the season. The show requires a suspension of disbelief, as do most law enforcement shows based on the unique talents of a special group of individuals (Bones, Lie to Me, etc. etc.).

But this was one of the best written episodes of television I've seen. The acting was flawless. The writing was beautiful. The emotional power of the episode was stunning. It pulled at every heart string and had me crying out loud by the end. Of the episodes I've seen so far, definitely the best Criminal Minds case so far.

And the ethical implications... so beautiful... so tragic...

'Riding the Lightning' is easily on the top ten of this show, and it is definitely the best episode in season one. Sarah Jean is a very unique, well-written and masterfully played character. Also, this episode provides the audience with in-depth perception on Gideon's emotional development as a character, displaying his tireless commitment to do whatever is right within his power, given the circumstances. This might be the 6th time or so I watch this particular episode, and I still can't help myself from crying quite much. This is definitely a must-watch for those who are still learning or just curious about the amazing fictional universe of Criminal Minds.

Incredible acting, well written, and simply my favorite of the whole series. This is the one to present to someone unfamiliar with the show. Simply outstanding.

I just watched this episode in 2025... 20 years or so after it aired. It is no wonder this episode is rated at the best of the season here on IMDb.

It is such a tearjerker and such an amazing episode.

I am watching all the Criminal Minds episodes because I never watched the show when it was on in prime time and I'm loving it. But this episode was really something else. At first, I noticed it was different than the pacing of the other episodes and the structure as well but wow, this is just something to sit through. I had to pause the TV before the last sequence because of how emotional it is

This is really something I can't wait to see all the rest of these episodes from the past 20 years.