Ep 2. The Angel Maker

In Criminal Minds season 4 episode 2, titled "The Angel Maker," the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is called to Ogden, Utah to investigate a string of young women who have gone missing. The team quickly discovers that the women have all been pregnant, and have had their unborn babies removed from their bodies before being killed.

The BAU is led to a suspect named Boyd Schuller, a self-proclaimed angel of mercy who believes that he is doing God's work by freeing the unborn babies from their "sinful" mothers. Schuller is a deeply disturbed individual with a history of mental illness and a fixation on religion. He sees himself as a savior, but his actions are driven by a twisted desire for control and power.

As the team investigates Schuller, they discover that he is much more cunning and dangerous than they initially anticipated. He is manipulating those around him, including his followers at his religious commune, and covering his tracks with an almost perfect precision. It becomes a race against time for the BAU to catch Schuller before he strikes again.

Meanwhile, the team also grapples with their own internal struggles. Hotchner is dealing with personal issues that are affecting his work, while Morgan confronts the aftermath of his actions in the previous episode. Prentiss also experiences a crisis of conscience as she begins to question the morality of their job.

As the case unfolds, the BAU begins to unravel the complex web of Schuller's psyche. They learn that his motivations go beyond religious fanaticism, and that his past traumatic experiences have led him down a dark path. The team must use their psychological expertise to profile and track Schuller, using every tool at their disposal to stop him from wreaking any more havoc.

"The Angel Maker" is a gripping episode packed with tension and suspense. It explores the dark side of religious fervor, and the devastating consequences that can arise from unchecked fanaticism. The performances from the cast are stellar, particularly from guest star Kevin Corrigan as Schuller, who brings a chilling intensity to his portrayal of the disturbed killer.

Overall, "The Angel Maker" is a standout episode in Criminal Minds season 4, showcasing the show's ability to delve deep into the psychology of its criminals and its team members alike. It's an episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.