It's all about family and decisions for "Criminal Minds" Season 9 Episode 5, as Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) struggles with the complications brought on by his near-fatal encounter with The Reaper. Viewers are given one last glimpse of Haley and Hotchner when he starts to hallucinate during the operation.

Haley and Hotchner fans were treated to an eerie noir-like dreamland where Hotchner spends the last few moments with Haley as he makes the decision to move on with his life with Jack and Beth.

Perhaps the one gripe with the episode would be the overall interaction between Haley and Hotchner. Not only did Haley appear chummy with The Reaper in the dream (something that can throw the viewers off), but instead of a tearful reunion, Haley appeared almost nonchalant about their meeting.

Criminal Minds Season 9 features Haley and Hotch's last meeting (CREDIT: Tumblr.com/pagets)

Haley and Hotchner watched the continuing life of him and Jack, and even his new relationship with Beth. This could have been the pivotal moment when Haley tells Hotchner that there it is okay to move on from what had happened. While this is the general feel of where the meeting was going, it did not have the same emotional pull as what Criminal Minds usually delivers.

That fine line that delivers the right emotion seems to be amiss in what could otherwise have been a great and momentous one. Still, Hotchner survives his injury's complications and returns to his son Jack and the rest of the team.

Another Reunion for a Father and Daughter

On the other side of "Criminal Minds" Season 9 Episode 3, you have the missing daughter who was allegedly kidnapped by her father. And though the case had less gore and overall body count as most Criminal Minds cases, it does bring home a more emotional impact to the table.

As usual, you can expect a twist the only Criminal Minds can deliver, and see the life of a father who only wants the best for his daughter. And the touching end to the Route 66 episode strikes the right chords.

The Missing Section Chief?

Given the entrance of new section chief Matt Cruz (Esai Morales) during the last episode, he was surprisingly absent for "Criminal Minds" Season 9 Episode 5.

Though the former section chief Erin Strauss was not a mainstay herself, Cruz had given off the notion that he was more a field guy than a desk guy. "Criminal Minds" Season 9 Episode 5 was most probably reserved for Hotchner and the rest of the BAU team as there is a nod to the events that led to Hotchner's face-off with The Reaper.

Perhaps in the next episode, viewers will get to see more of Cruz and uncover more of the secrets that he and JJ supposedly share.

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