The hunt for a methodical killer takes the BAU to Arizona to search for an increasingly devolving unsub, and the team speculates that Hotch is in the running to be the new BAU Section Chief following the death of Erin Strauss.

As the BAU zeroes in on the suspect of the ritualistic killings they've been investigating in Arizona, a bizarre connection within the unsub's family could lead them to finally nab the suspect.

When a sniper strikes Dallas, the BAU investigates whether the upcoming anniversary of the Kennedy assassination is a motivating factor or if something else is driving the unsub.

The BAU meets their new section chief, Mateo Cruz, who, unbeknownst to them, shares a long work history with JJ. Cruz joins the team as they comb the streets of Baltimore for an unsub who leaves victims unable to communicate.

During the BAU's initial briefing for their latest case, Hotch collapses. He is rushed to the hospital suffering from complications resulting from his near fatal stabbing by George Foyet aka The Reaper. Meanwhile, the rest of the team, while concerned for his life, are urged by Rossi to go to Wichita, Kansas to work on that case of sixteen year old Samantha Wilcox who was abducted by her ex-con father, Eddie Lee Wilcox. In the process, Eddie severely beat Samantha's boyfriend. Eddie had not been in contact with his ex-wife, Samantha's mother Melody Grimes, in quite some time, she who moved with Samantha to Wichita to get away from him. In reviewing evidence, the team believes Samantha may not have plotted with her father, but was a willing participant in their getaway. She is probably unaware however of her father's most recent past, which looks to include armed robbery, mob connections and murder, from which he is probably running. They're afraid that Samantha may not survive if Eddie is pushed into a corner. Back at the hospital, Hotch is in surgery, during which time he encounters Haley and Foyet together in his thoughts, which may determine his fate on the operating table.

The BAU are called to Utah to investigate the murder of a women who died by being buried under stones. All while Penelope plans a Day of the Dead party.

Though Rossi is sad because his favorite bar is closing, the team goes to Boston to solve a series of strangulations.

When teenagers who were reported missing are suspected of a series of mass murders in Chicago, the BAU investigates their whereabouts to find a motive for the crimes. Also, Morgan has conflicting feelings when his girlfriend takes her job at a hospital as seriously as he takes his.

When skeletons are discovered in the backyard of a home in Virginia, family secrets and past racial divisions are brought to light.

When a young boy goes missing from his home in St. Louis, the BAU reinvestigates a similar cold case to search for the UnSub.

When the BAU is called to Kansas City to investigate a series of murders, a tense reunion ensues between Blake and her father, a retired police captain, and her brother, a detective, who must work together to help solve the crime.

A murder investigation leads to Garcia delving into her hacker past -- and reconnecting with her former love.

As the team searches for a vigilante killer in Cleveland, Rossi's former Marine sergeant goes missing in Los Angeles; J.J.'s secret catches up with her.

When JJ is kidnapped, the BAU delves into her time at the State Department to find clues to her disappearance and uncover a secret mission that now puts her life in danger. To help with their search for JJ, the team calls upon Prentiss to help in the crisis

The BAU travels to Pittsburgh on the hunt for a pair of suspects that appear to be working together as a team; Garcia and Morgan reveal their Valentine's Day plans for their respective significant others to each other.

When a 4-year-old girl goes missing while staying with a relative in Mississippi, the BAU uncovers some startling truths as the team races to find the child and bring her to safety.

The BAU must determine the true cause and motive when several drowned people are discovered in the Las Vegas desert.

When three bodies are found with animal and human bite marks in a shallow grave near Milwaukee, the BAU has puzzling questions to answer. Meanwhile, Reid and Garcia work out for a company fitness test, but try to hide their preparation from Morgan.

Morgan's visit with a survivor of unusual stabbings in upstate New York leads to more questions about the case.

Two murder victims are found in a West Virginia backwoods community. The investigation reveals that the homicides may be linked to a long-simmering feud between two families.

The team searches for a commonality when a series of target abductions take place; Savannah is frustrated with Morgan's traveling.

Victims of arsenic poisoning are found in Long Beach. The investigation reveals that the killer has a fascination with Greek mythology, based on handwritten death threats to the deceased and other mysterious clues. Meanwhile, Hotch becomes concerned about participating in Jack's third-grade career day.

When prostitutes are murdered in Texas, their deaths seem to have religious overtones; members of the team are put at risk throughout the course of the investigation.

The investigation in Texas reveals a deep web of corruption; Garcia must save a friend.