Lauren Reynolds

The Lauren Reynolds plotline is probably one of my favourite stories in Criminal Minds. I love that it conveys how complex and intricate human's are. I've always found it thought provoking, even after I've seen it so many times. I also think that was one of Emily's best looks.

I know they profiled Ian Doyle as a Sociopath but it really looked like he had feelings for Lauren and I think a part of Emily reciprocated that. In the scene where Lauren plays with Declan, Ian walks in on them and they discuss having kids and getting Lauren out of the weapon industry. Emily replies that she can get Ian out of the industry as well, she has connections and resources. It comes across as so genuine, like she wanted him to say yes so that she didn't have to get him arrested. Some part of me really wanted to see Ian take up Emily's offer and redeem himself, so they could end up together. The on-screen chemistry was real strong. But also, fully acknowledge that he is a terrible human being and had done atrocious acts towards other people. It just would've been really interesting to see the show explore whether someone could change because they're exposed to love and care, as well as make the sacrifice for their own child. I think Emily knew there was no way to "save" Ian when he rejected her off and explicitly told him she wasn't going to groom Declan to be a terrorist like him.

Another thing is how much I dislike Morgan in the episode where the team finds out about Emily going undercover as Lauren. He is incredibly judgemental and quick to claim that he doesn't know her, despite being colleagues and friends for 5 years. He essentially slut shames her for her work. I expected so much more from him, and it's only when he found out that she saved Declan that he forgives her for her moral transgressions, as though saving a kid trumps her having sexual relations with Ian Doyle. Really though, it shouldn't matter because he's never had to do what Emily was tasked to do, and it's not for him to judge her.