Everett Lynch (played by Michael Mosley) is described as "creepy" and "intelligent," though some critics initially felt he wasn't intriguing enough to be a season-long threat.
Critics and fans praised Joe Mantegna's performance, noting it was a "long-awaited platform" for him to showcase Rossi's personal demons and the mental health toll of the job.
The episode was lauded for not "neatly tying things up in a bow," as the unsub gets away, setting up a long-term arc for the remainder of the series. Technical & Production Details "Criminal Minds" Chameleon (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
The episode was directed by series star A.J. Cook (JJ), whose use of flashbacks was noted as an effective storytelling device.