Season Seven Episode Guide
This is a place to collect the basic information on episodes as we hear it. If you know more details, spot a mistake, or remember a set photo I forgot to include, let me know.
Extras:
Season seven episodes:
7.01: “It Takes a Village”
W: Erica Messer (Natural Born Killer, Unifinished Business, Charm and Harm, The Perfect Storm, The Last Word, Open Season, Scared to Death, Birthright, The Crossing, Paradise, Soul Mates, A Shade of Gray, Haunted, Retaliation, Mosley Lane, Our Darkest Hour, JJ, 25 to Life, Valhalla, Supply and Demand)
D: Glenn Kershaw (Profiler Profiled, Legacy, Limelight, Lo-Fi, The Angel Maker, Brothers in Arms, The Eyes Have It, The Internet is Forever, Remembrance of Things Past, Into the Woods, Big Sea)
Guest stars: Jayne Atkinson (Strauss), Mark Moses (Cramer - heading the Senate panel), Ursula Brooks (Chloe Donaghy), Robin Atkin Downes (Lachlan McDermott), Conrad Bluth (Declan), Timothy V. Murphy (Ian Doyle)
Air date: September 21
Official summary: The BAU team is at a crossroads as they are questioned by a Senate Committee for their retaliatory actions in the wake of Prentiss’ loss, but an unexpected familiar face could help them win their case and keep the team together
7.02: “Proof”
W: Janine Sherman Barrois (Remembrance of Things Past, The Thirteenth Step, With Friends Like These)
D: Karen Gaviola (A Shade of Gray, Reckoner)
Guest stars: Caroline Schreiber (as Abby Elcott), Andy Milder (as Cy), Tracy Middendorf (as Lyla), Sean Ryan Fox (as Young Cy), Katelyn Paccito (as Young Lyla), Lindsay LaVanchy (as Beth), David Starzyk (as Matt Bradstone), Paul Butler (as Jason Bradstone), Kristen Ariza (as Det. Bonner), more
Air date: September 28
Official summary: The BAU team searches rural Oklahoma when women are being found murdered after being robbed of one of their five senses. Also, JJ and Prentiss get the cold shoulder from Reid as he deals with their deception about Prentiss’ presumed death.
7.03: “Dorado Falls”
W: Sharon Lee Watson (new writer; other credits include “Lie to Me” and “The Unit”)
D: Felix Alcala (Charm and Harm, The Perfect Storm, Open Season, Scared to Death, Penelope, A Higher Power)
Guest stars: Max Martini (as Luke Dolan), Hana Hayes, Rodney J. Hobbs (as State Trooper Brian Long)
Air date: October 5
Official summary: The BAU investigates a mass murder at an Internet security company in Charlottesville, Va., but clues reveal it is not a typical serial killer at work. Also, Prentiss must complete recertification training under Morgan’s watchful eye.
7.04: “Painless”
W: Breen Fraizer (52 Pickup, Pleasure Is My Business, Cradle to Grave, The Uncanny Valley, The Internet Is Forever, Compromising Positions, Lauren, Big Sea)
D: Larry Teng (new director; other credits include “Hawaii 5-0” and “Medium”)
Guest stars: Joe Reegan (as Lewis Ramsey), Cade Owens (as Jack Hotchner), Aaron Hill (as Jerry Holtz), Trisha LaFache (as Chelsea Grant), Terra Wellington (as a reporter), Eric Jungmann (as Bob Adams), Don O. Knowlton (as Principal Givens), Patrick Cohen (as Caleb, more
Air date: October 12
Official summary: Survivors of a Boise high school massacre return to remember the event 10 years later, but the BAU team is called in when a new killer with a similar style targets the survivors. Also, Hotch is worried that his son, Jack, may be a victim of school bullying.
7.05: “From Childhood’s Hour”
W: Bruce Zimmerman (new writer; other credits include “Army Wives,” “K-Ville,” and “Desperate Housewives”)
D: Anna Foerster (Cold Comfort, The Uncanny Valley, Reflections of Desire, With Friends Like These)
Guest stars: Isabella Hofmann (as Rossi’s first wife, Carolyn)
Air date: October 19
Official summary: The BAU team investigates the abductions of young children with troubled mothers in St. Louis. Also, Rossi reconnects with his first wife who has shocking news for him.
7.06: “Epilogue”
W: Rick Dunkle (Conflicted, The Slave of Duty, Exit Wounds, …A Thousand Words [co-writer with Bernero], Middle Man, Coda, The Stranger)
D: Guy Ferland (new director; other credits include numerous TV shows and the films “Bang Bang You’re Dead” and “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights”)
Guest stars: Isabella Hofmann (as Rossi’s first wife, Carolyn), Zach Filkins of OneRepublic (as a forest ranger), Sharline Liu (as Dr. Stacey Carroll)
Air date: November 2
Official summary: The BAU search California’s Angeles National Forest after a number of bodies mysteriously turn up in the mountain lakes there. Also, Rossi struggles with an agonizing decision regarding his ex-wife.
7.07: “There’s No Place Like Home”
W: Virgil Williams (new writer; other credits include “The Chicago Code” and “ER”)
D: Rob Spera (Fear and Loathing, The Instincts, Cradle to Grave, Risky Business, Middle Man, Sense Memory)
Guest stars: Josh Stewart (as Will LaMontagne Jr.) and Mekhai Anderson (AJ Cook’s son, as Henry)
Air date: November 9
Character focus: JJ
Official summary: When a series of tornadoes hits Kansas, the BAU is called in to investigate bodies of young boys that turn up in the aftermath of the storms. Also, work pressures cause tension on JJ’s home front.
7.08: “Hope”
W: Kimberly A. Harrison (Solitary Man, Into the Woods, The Stranger)
D: Michael Watson (new director)
Guest stars: Brigid Brannagh and Jack Coleman (as members of Garcia’s survivors support group), Sean Hemeon
Air date: November 16
Character focus: Garcia
Official summary: A case turns personal for Garcia when the BAU investigates the disappearance of a woman in Garcia’s survivors support group on the seventh anniversary of the kidnapping of the woman’s daughter.
7.09: “Self-Fulfilling Prophecy”
W: Erica Messer
D: Charlie Haid (Compulsion, Blood Hungry, Catching Out, To Hell…, The Slave of Duty)
Guest stars: Jayne Atkinson (Strauss), Rene Auberjonois (“Boston Legal,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) as Ron Massey, headmaster of the military academy
Air date: December 7
Official summary: The BAU team looks into the real reasons behind an apparent mass suicide of a small group of youths at a military academy. Also, Hotch and Morgan butt heads when a team member could be in jeopardy.
Character focus: Morgan
7.10: “The Bittersweet Science”
W: Janine Sherman Barrois (Remembrance of Things Past, The Thirteenth Step, With Friends Like These, Proof)
D: Rob Hardy (The Big Wheel, Solitary Man, Coda)
Guest stars: Charles S. Dutton (as Tony Colt, a Philadelphia boxing trainer who learns that his favorite pupil, whom he’s mentored like a son, turns out to be the violent serial killer that brings the BAU to the city), Bellamy Young (as Beth, a museum curator who meets Hotch in the park while he’s training for a triathlon), Mark Withers (as Lou), Shawn Hatosy
Air date: December 14
Official summary: The BAU team investigates a string of brutal bludgeonings in Philadelphia and is led to the city’s boxing scene in search of the killer. Also, Hotch makes a connection with an attractive runner as they both train for a triathlon.
Character focus: Hotch
7.11: True Genius
W: Sharon Lee Watson (Dorado Falls)
D: Glenn Kershaw (Profiler Profiled, Legacy, Limelight, Lo-Fi, The Angel Maker, Brothers in Arms, The Eyes Have It, The Internet is Forever, Remembrance of Things Past, Into the Woods, Big Sea, It Takes a Village)
Guest stars: Jeff Newburg (as Caleb Rossmore), author Patricia Cornwell, Finn Whitrock, Marissa Armijo
Air date: January 18
Official summary: A series of murders in San Francisco bearing the tell-tale signs of the infamous Zodiac Killer have the BAU wondering if the notorious serial killer has returned. Also, Reid ponders if he should be doing more with his genius abilities.
Character focus: Reid
7.12: “Unknown Subject” (150th episode)
W: Breen Frazier (52 Pickup, Pleasure Is My Business, Cradle to Grave, The Uncanny Valley, The Internet Is Forever, Compromising Positions, Lauren, Big Sea, Painless)
D: Michael Lange (new to Criminal Minds, lengthy resume includes Greek, Drop Dead Diva, Eureka, One Tree Hill, Brothers and Sisters, The O.C., Dawson’s Creek, Beverly Hills 90210, BTVS, and The X-Files.)
Guest stars: Jay Karnes (as a suspected serial rapist), Dina Meyer (victim)
Air date: January 25
Official summary: The BAU team searches for a serial rapist in Houston known as “The Piano Man” who has resurfaced and is assaulting his previous victims. Also, Prentiss tries to come to terms with her trauma from last year and with rejoining the team.
Character focus: Prentiss
7.13: Snake Eyes
W: Bruce Zimmerman (“From Childhood’s Hour”)
D: Douglas Aarniokoski (“Out of the Light,” “The Thirteenth Step”)
Guest stars: Nicholas Brendon, Dean Cain (as Curtis Banks, a gambler-turned-killer)
Air date: February 8
Official summary: The BAU tries their luck in Atlantic City when the team is called in to investigate a series of ritualistic casino-related murders. Also, after a spat with her boyfriend, Kevin, Garcia thinks she and Morgan may have gotten a little too friendly with each other.
Character focus: Garcia
7.14: Closing Time
W: Rick Dunkle
D: Jesse Warn (Hanley Waters)
Guest stars: Bellamy Young (as Beth), Ryan Scott Greene
Air date: February 15
Official summary: The BAU team hit choppy waters on the beaches of Southern California when they discover a series of bodies hidden in lifeguard towers along the coast.
Character focus: Hotch
7.15: A Thin Line
W: Virgil Williams (There’s No Place Like Home)
D: Michael Watkins (Hope)
Guest stars: Paul Johansson (“One Tree Hill”) as mayoral candidate Clark Preston
Air date: February 22
Character focus: Morgan
Official summary: The BAU team investigates a series of brutal home invasions and murders in California’s Inland Empire that appear to be gang-related, but their investigation may uncover a more sinister motivation.
7.16: A Family Affair
W: Kimberly A. Harrison (Solitary Man, Into the Woods, The Stranger, Hope)
D: Rob Spera (Fear and Loathing, The Instincts, Cradle to Grave, Risky Business, Middle Man, Sense Memory, There’s No Place Like Home)
Guest stars: Bellamy Young (Beth Clemmons), Cade Owens (Jack Hotchner), William Russ (“The Ex-List,” “Boy Meets World”) and Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences,” “Boston Legal”) as parents Donald and Linda Collins; Merle Dandridge (“Sons of Anarchy”) as Agent Lynn Brooks, who assists the BAU in the investigation; and Fiona Gubelmann (“Wilfred”) as physical therapist Erika Taylor
Air date: February 29
Character focus: Hotch/team
Official summary: When the BAU travels to Atlanta to investigate the murders of women, the clues lead them to look for an unsub who is not working alone.
7.17: I Love You, Tommy Brown
W: Janine Sherman Barrois (Remembrance of Things Past, The Thirteenth Step, With Friends Like These, Proof, The Bittersweet Science)
D: John Terlesky (new director, credits include one episode of CM: Suspect Behavior, Castle, Army Wives, Ugly Betty, and Boston Legal)
Guest stars: Marc J Raymond as Brian
Air date: March 7
Character focus: Garcia
Official summary: When married couples fostering young children end up being killed in Seattle, the BAU team looks for an unsub with a maternal-yet-murderous instinct. Also, Garcia fears a possible proposition from Kevin.
7.18: Foundation
W: Jim Clemente (Lessons Learned, Risky Business, Big Sea)
D: Dermott Downs (new director, credits include Chase, Nikita, K-Ville)
Guest stars: Garrett M. Brown (“Roswell,” “Sisters”) as real estate developer J. B. Allen and Jackson Pace (“Homeland”) as missing child Billy Henderson
Air date: March 21
Character focus: Morgan
Official summary: When a scared, emaciated young boy is found in the Arizona desert and another boy winds up missing, the BAU begins searching for the kidnapper as Morgan, reaching into his own scarred past, tries to bond with the found child.
7.19: Heathridge Manor
W: Sharon Lee Watson (Dorado Falls, True Genius)
D: Matthew Gray Gubler (Moseley Lane, Lauren)
Guest stars: Kyle Gallner (Veronica Mars, Magic Valley) and Madeleine Martin (Californication) as siblings James and Lara, who believe the twisted delusions their dead mother passed on to them; Robert Englund (Freddy Kreuger in A Nightmare on Elm Street) as Det. Gassner; Juliet Landau (Drusilla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as the ghost of a former actress named Catherine Heathridge, who had a psychotic break as a young woman
Air date: April 4
Character focus: Unknown, but Hotch/Morgan tension will be revisited
Official summary: The BAU team heads to Oregon to investigate a series of gothic, ritualistic murders.
7.20: The Company
W: Breen Frazier (52 Pickup, Pleasure Is My Business, Cradle to Grave, The Uncanny Valley, The Internet Is Forever, Compromising Positions, Lauren, Big Sea, Painless, Unknown Subject)
D: Nelson McCormick (Omnivore, Public Enemy, The Stranger)
Guest stars: Denise Downs as Derek’s Aunt Yvonne, Benita Krista Nall as Derek’s sister Desiree Morgan, Erica Gimpel as Derek’s sister Sarah Morgan, and Shanola Hampton as Derek’s cousin Cindi
Air date: April 11
Character focus: Morgan
Official summary: When Morgan’s sister sees a woman who looks like their presumed-dead cousin, Cindi, it forces Morgan to confront a lie he told his family last year to provide closure and compels the BAU to reopen the case of her disappearance.
7.21: Divining Rod
W: Bruce Zimmerman (“From Childhood’s Hour,” “Snake Eyes”)
D: Douglas Aarniokoski (“Out of the Light,” “The Thirteenth Step,” “Snake Eyes”)
Guest stars: Mackenzie Astin as Shuttle Driver Dylan Kohler
Air date: May 2
Character focus: Prentiss
Official summary: After a notorious serial killer is executed, a copycat begins murdering women in the same Oklahoma town and in the same fashion, and the BAU team must act fast before more victims are found. Also, Prentiss gets nervous at the thought of a major real estate purchase.
7.22: Profiling 101
W: Virgil Williams (There’s No Place Like Home, A Thin Line)
D: Felix Alcala (Charm and Harm, The Perfect Storm, Open Season, Scared to Death, Penelope, A Higher Power, Dorado Falls)
Guest stars: Mackenzie Astin (shuttle driver Dylan Kohler)
Air date: May 9
Character focus: Rossi
Official summary: Rossi and the team present one of the longest-tenured serial killer cases to college students, and they take the class through a nearly 20-year chase for the murderer.
7.23 and 7.24: Hit and Run (two-part season finale)
W: Rick Dunkle (Hit) and Eric Messer (Run)
D: Michael Lange (Unknown Subject)
Air date: May 16
Guest stars: Tricia Helfer, Cade Owens (as Jack Hotchner), Candy Clark (as JJ’s mother, Sandy)
Official summart: When a federal bank is under attack, the BAU is called to negotiate a hostage situation. As events unfold in real-time, tensions rise as one of the team becomes a hostage. Also, Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) says goodbye.
Official press releases: Hit and Run
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For summaries, details, promos, and behind-the-scenes photos from every episode filmed so far this season and what we know about upcoming episodes, click here.
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