Ep 11. Surface Tension

After a two-week break, Criminal Minds returns with its 11th episode of season 12, titled "Surface Tension." The episode blends the elements of crime, drama, and suspense, and brings to the forefront the daily lives of FBI agents who hunt down notorious criminals.

The prime focus of this episode is the BAU team's investigation of a string of murders that occurs in a small town located in Florida. The criminals seem to be targeting hot tubs and spas and leaving behind cryptic messages. On the surface, it appears as though a killer is just having fun by hanging out in hot tubs and killing people. However, as the team digs deeper, they find the messages left behind are personalized, and the murders are much more sinister.

As the team works to solve the case, Dr. Tara Lewis is forced to confront her own trauma when she discovers that one of the victims was a survivor of sexual assault. The plot dives deeper into the emotional trauma that survivors of sexual assault face and the repercussions that it can have on their lives and the people around them.

Meanwhile, Rossi struggles with his personal life when an old flame comes back into his life, and he is forced to confront his feelings about her and his past. Rossi is hesitant about getting involved and has to figure out if the relationship is worth the trouble.

The episode also sheds light on the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in today's volatile and unpredictable environment. When the team finds themselves in a life-threatening situation, it is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those in law enforcement.

The guest stars in this episode include Sherilyn Fenn, who plays the character of Dr. Grace Edmunds, a therapist who specializes in trauma recovery. She helps Dr. Lewis navigate her own trauma and offers her insight into the psychology of survivors.

Another guest star is Sheryl Lee Ralph, who plays Rossi's former girlfriend, Hayden Montgomery. Her presence in Rossi's life forces him to confront his fears and insecurities and puts their relationship to the test.

Overall, Criminal Minds season 12 episode 11, "Surface Tension," is an emotionally charged episode that packs a punch. It showcases the BAU team's intellect and puts them in grave danger, making for a suspenseful ride. It also highlights the importance of trauma recovery and the ramifications of sexual assault. With fantastic performances from the cast and a well-written script, this episode is sure to satisfy fans of the show.