An anonymous tip to the LAPD sparks an unusual multiple-victim kidnapping investigation, forcing the team to rely on board games and puzzles to track down their suspect.
A lot is crammed into this finale. Karadec remarks how far he and Morgan have come as partners. That was a bit more eloquently portrayed in the previous episode. However, most of the action is centered on the future. The conclusion offers a tease of juicy stories to come. One that rivals Morgan's intellect. All of this is set up for that ongoing conflict. Not everything is neatly resolved by the close of the season. Moreover, the episode provides some satisfaction to the mystery that has plagued Morgan's life for fifteen years. It also delves into more personal details of the supporting ensemble. It's not all neat. It races through the action in order to get its message across. It's effective because of the affection the audience has for the characters at this point. It's rewarding to know so much is still left to be discovered about each of them. Morgan's father is an HPI too. So, she knows precisely what it's like to be a parent and child within this dynamic. And yet, she is estranged from him while trying to help Elliot navigate seeing the world differently from everyone else. That's key world-building. It's not the only detail that comes up over the course of the investigation either.
The case hits more personally for Oz. At first, it's unclear why. Morgan and Karadec save Spencer before he dies in his storage unit. Oz stays at the precinct longer than anyone else looking for clues. He needs to see something that everyone else missed. He can't let it go. It's revealed he had a connection to the victim. They met in a grief group. Oz attended after losing his father. He still struggles with that loss. He is figuring out how to live without his parents in his life. It remains an ongoing struggle. The extreme emotions of this job wear on him. That is important context to have. It's also key to see Daphne looking out for her partner. Of course, it's strange when the action pointedly states that the police are keeping everyone in the group safe only for Oz to be vulnerable. Daphne promised to have her partner's back. She did. She just wasn't there all the time. Instead, they had to get ready separately for the police gala. They were expected to attend. This criminal couldn't derail this event. The precinct deserved a celebration. It's a fancy event meant to highlight the good work they do. It also reveals who actually matters in each other's lives.
It was jarring when Tom suddenly left. He had to accept a new job in San Diego. He became a nurse. That was his dream. Morgan found fulfilling work too. She finally has order and acceptance in her life. She wasn't expecting romance. It only briefly entered her life. Tom's inclusion here suggests the possibility of more. It's a nice inclusion. It's also a bit random. That's true especially considering how much time Morgan and Karadec spend at the gala. It's largely informed by Karadec discovering new information about Roman. He learned Morgan's missing ex was an FBI informant. He disappeared shortly after an undercover agent was killed. Morgan received some of this information after Gio enters her life once more. That was the promise he delivered when he was introduced. He would find something for her. He ultimately does more than that. He discovers that Roman is still alive. Karadec drops that bombshell. He thought it was best for him to handle this situation. He didn't want Morgan to get hurt because she got involved with a shady individual. Karadec sees the humanity in the situation. He offers hope and the promise of a family reunion. But again, that is all mixed up with the reveal that Morgan is targeted for being perfect at games.
The detectives don't arrest anyone for the three kidnappings and attempted murders. All three victims are rescued before time runs out. Oz is the third. It becomes more personal for the entire unit. Their friend's life is on the line. Karadec dives into the pool without hesitation. Daphne performs CPR to save her friend. Morgan stands by hoping for the best. He survives. Morgan and Oz share a moment of reflection. The team is motivated to hunt down this criminal. All they find are clues that they are tracking the wrong guy. This criminal assumed the identity of someone who couldn't have pulled off these crimes. He just wanted to play. It wasn't informed by some mental break over losing his sister at a young age. That theory never sat right with Morgan. Yet she had to play along. The team didn't have any time to waste. She devotes energy to her family as well. She's terrified by Ava learning how to drive. She fears for the future. That is amplified further when she realizes she was personally contacted by the criminal. She saw his face. He made that personal outreach. Morgan is the precise adversary he has long been waiting for. That's the prospect for future games. They will battle it out to satisfy some twisted desire. That's a promising tease of what's to come. It's not exactly fulfilling for all that has come so far. Fortunately, the show has been renewed. More adventures are to come. So hopefully, the payoff will be worth it now that the audience is a little more invested.
