Having been very impressed by the previous episode "Angels", the first part of a two-part season finale, expectations were high for "Demons". Fortunately, "Demons" delivered.

Even if a little more problematic than "Angels" it is one of the better overall 'Criminal Minds' season finales, and saw a season that started off weakly with its worst ever season premiere ("The Inspiration", another two-parter, its concluding episode "The Inspired" only marginally better) end on much firmer footing. Also, along with "Angels", "The Caller" and especially "Gabby", one of the better episodes of a wildly variable season.

McGregor's death is a little anti-climactic and too easy, the only blemish in an otherwise very exciting and suspenseful climactic shootout, while a couple of scenes are too darkly lit. Cruz still strikes me as pretty pointless in this episode, and is given very little to do which doesn't give Esai Morales much of a chance to muster much enthusiasm. Bothering me even more was, after such promising build-up where one is really on the edge of their seat, being robbed of a proper pay-off for Rossi and Blake with the deputies.

If there was anything in the episode that needed one, it was this and instead, despite such great build up and great chemistry between Rossi and Blake, it felt like there was meant to be one that was probably filmed but left out inexplicably, giving a sense of incompleteness.

"Demons" is very stylishly made when it comes to the production values however, and hauntingly scored and directed. The script, while with more emphasis on the who-dunnit and action rather than the profiling and psychology, is still intelligent and thought-provoking, while the story is once again a tense thrill-ride with non-stop suspense and adrenaline-rush-like pacing, the corrupt cops story is very well done and the hospital scenes are simply thrilling.

Loved the different roles of the characters in "Demons" too, and while there are better examples of working as a team the balance is better than in most episodes in the season. Garcia is the most likable and useful she's been all season here, her role here is just awesome and a braver more resourceful side to her and her care for Reid "kicks ass". Love Rossi's snarkiness, of which he is a master of, while one really cares what happens to Reid. After seeing him practically invisible for a while, it was great to see more of Hotch and in action, and wisely after being over-exposed pretty badly for most of the season JJ wisely takes a back-seat.

"Demons" also serves as a powerful goodbye to Blake, a cold and disconnected character when first on the show in Season 8 but a character that evolved over the two seasons, so it was sad to see her go. This was especially felt in the final scene between her and Reid, which will have one reaching for the tissues in how quiet and dignified but also affectingly tender it is. Whether you buy Blake's given reason as the only reason for leaving doesn't seem relevant at this point, because it is a scene so emotional and so beautifully written and acted all round.

Acting is very good from all involved, Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness and Jeanne Tripplehorn particularly strong of the leads and Michael Trucco making for a very formidable McGregor.

On the whole, a very good season 9 finale to a wildly variable season.