Ep 21. Nanny Dearest

In Criminal Minds season 8 episode 21, titled "Nanny Dearest", the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) investigates a series of murders in several upscale neighborhoods in Washington D.C. The victims are all young children who are left in the care of their nannies while their parents are away. The killer, who appears to be a woman, suffocates the children and leaves a cryptic message written in lipstick on their foreheads.

The BAU team, led by SSA Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), suspects that the unsub (unknown subject) may be a nanny herself, seeking revenge against the parents who mistreated her in the past. They interview several nannies who worked for the victims' families but come up empty-handed. Meanwhile, the killer strikes again, prompting the BAU to ramp up their investigation.

As they delve deeper into the case, the team discovers that the killer's motive may be rooted in a tragic event from her own past. They also uncover a shocking connection between the victims that suggests the killer had been stalking them for some time. With time running out, the BAU races to identify the killer before she strikes again.

Throughout the episode, tension builds as the team works tirelessly to catch the killer and prevent any further casualties. The BAU's trademark profiling skills are on full display as they analyze the killer's behavior and motives, trying to get inside her head and predict her next move. Their efforts are complicated by the fact that the killer is seemingly one step ahead of them at every turn.

Despite setbacks and false leads, the team perseveres, using every resource at their disposal to track down the elusive killer. As the investigation reaches its climactic conclusion, the BAU finds themselves face to face with the killer and must act swiftly to prevent any further loss of life.

In the end, the team succeeds in bringing the killer to justice, but not without a few heartbreaking twists and turns along the way. "Nanny Dearest" is a riveting episode of Criminal Minds that showcases the show's intricate plotting, well-drawn characters, and suspenseful pacing. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will find plenty to love in this thrilling installment of one of TV's most enduring crime dramas.