Ep 4. Painless
- TV14
- October 12, 2011
- 44 min
-
7.8 (2,421)
The team at the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is called to Indianapolis when a serial killer starts targeting people who have undergone surgery. The unsub seems to be motivated by an intense fear of pain, and so he's been targeting doctors who specialize in pain management.
The BAU quickly realizes that the killer is likely someone who has experienced significant trauma in their own life. This trauma has left them with a deep-seated fear of pain, which they're trying to cope with by lashing out at those who they see as causing pain for others.
As the team delves deeper into the case, they begin to piece together a profile of the unsub. They discover that he has a history of drug abuse and may have suffered from chronic pain himself. They also realize that he's been using a unique surgical tool in his attacks, which helps them narrow down their search.
Meanwhile, Dr. Reid is struggling with his own issues. He's been experiencing intense headaches and is worried that they might be a symptom of a serious medical condition. His anxiety is compounded by a new romantic relationship he's started with a woman he met at a coffee shop. While he's happy with her, he's worried that his health issues will scare her away.
As the investigation continues, the BAU gets closer and closer to identifying the unsub. They find evidence that he may be planning to target a high-profile surgeon who's in town to give a lecture. The team rushes to protect the surgeon and is able to apprehend the unsub before he can strike again.
In the end, the team reflects on the toll that their work takes on their mental health. They acknowledge that their job is to deal with pain - both physical and emotional - on a daily basis, and that it can be difficult to cope with. They resolve to continue supporting one another as they work to protect the public from the worst humanity has to offer.