While Hotch takes a leave of absence to contemplate his future with the BAU, the team is called to investigate a case of two home invasions in Nashville without him.Īfter an apprehended abductor and killer makes a daring escape from the BAU's custody and continues killing in Lockport, New York, the team must profile the criminal's past in order to catch him again. When the Reaper returns to Washington, D.C., for a final showdown with Hotch, the BAU works frantically to catch him before he reaches his family. While investigating a series of murders of families in Hampton, Virginia, the BAU is forced to visit Red Onion Supermax Prison to seek advice from one of the most atrocious killers from the team's past, who delivers a portentous message to Hotch. The BAU is called to Los Angeles to investigate a series of killings that lead to a Goth rock star who appears to have become lost in the creepy alter-ego he portrays when he is onstage.
The BAU is called to Oklahoma City to help local authorities track a serial killer who removes the eyes of his murder victims and keeps them as souvenirs. Meanwhile, Morgan is puzzled when Hotch begins giving him tasks on his own. The BAU travels to Albuquerque to investigate the case of a serial killer who impregnates young women and murders them after they have given birth. The BAU investigates a group of suspects with a pack mentality who are randomly selecting their victims in the nation's capital and murdering them for the thrill of it.
Rossi's personal and professional life is brought to the forefront when the BAU is called to investigate a case in Commack, Long Island, Rossi's hometown. Meanwhile, the team notices an odd change in Hotch's behavior. The BAU is called to Louisville to help local authorities determine what caused a disturbed man to have a psychotic break at a pharmacy and attack several people before fleeing the scene. Also, Prentiss stops by at Hotch's apartment to find that he is missing. The BAU is assigned in their own hometown to profile a killer who is targeting an emergency room doctor and his son.