Ep 16. Derek

As technology continues to develop, so too does the way in which society approaches crime fighting. However, in Criminal Minds season 11 episode 16, titled "Derek," technology is not the main focus. Instead, the episode shines a spotlight on one of the team's own, Special Agent Derek Morgan.

The episode opens in a moment of turmoil for Morgan, who is still grappling with the aftermath of his kidnapping at the end of the previous season. As he struggles to come to terms with his trauma, a new case emerges that threatens to push him to the brink.

The team is tasked with tracking down an extremely dangerous individual who has been terrorizing families in the DC area. The unsub, who has been dubbed "The Bone Crusher," has been stalking his victims for weeks before pouncing on them in their homes, killing them, and crushing their bones. As the team delves deeper into the case, they begin to uncover a twisted pattern that seems to indicate that The Bone Crusher is targeting families for a very specific reason.

As the investigation heats up, Morgan finds himself particularly invested in the case. However, his dogged determination to catch the unsub is leading him down a dangerous path, and he soon finds himself in a potentially deadly situation. The episode is marked by a series of tense moments as Morgan balances his commitment to the case with his own mental and emotional wellbeing.

One of the strengths of "Derek" is the way in which it approaches the issue of mental health. Throughout the episode, Morgan struggles with panic attacks and flashbacks as a result of his traumatic experience. These moments are handled with sensitivity and care, and the show provides an important reminder that even the toughest heroes can be deeply affected by their work.

However, the episode is not just focused on Morgan's struggles. It also features some standout moments from other members of the team, including Garcia, who is given a chance to showcase her unparalleled hacking skills, and Reid, who provides his usual insight and intelligence as he helps the team piece together the clues.

Another highlight of the episode is the way in which it uses the case to explore the concept of family. As the team investigates The Bone Crusher's motivations, they uncover a series of complex relationships between the victims and their loved ones. These relationships provide an interesting juxtaposition to Morgan's own journey, as he grapples with the idea of what it means to be part of a family and how his work affects those around him.

Ultimately, "Derek" is a powerful episode that showcases the strength of the Criminal Minds team both as a unit and as individuals. While the case itself is fascinating and the tension is palpable, the heart of the episode lies in its exploration of the human experience. Through Morgan's struggles and the complex relationships between the victims and their families, the show reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for connection and healing.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers will be left with a palpable sense of both satisfaction and anticipation. While The Bone Crusher may have been caught, the characters' stories are far from over, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what challenges and triumphs await them in the upcoming episodes.