Ep 17. The Sandman

The Sandman is the seventeenth episode of the eleventh season of Criminal Minds, an American crime drama television series that premiered on CBS on September 30, 2015. It follows the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), a team of FBI agents who analyze the behavior of criminals to solve their cases and prevent future crimes. The episode was directed by Joe Mantegna, who also portrays BAU Agent David Rossi in the series.

The Sandman opens on a man named James Charles, who is seemingly a devoted husband and successful businessman. However, the facade quickly crumbles as the BAU team is called in to investigate a string of bizarre murders in the Seattle area. The victims are all married men who have been abducted from their homes, drugged, and then buried alive in the desert. None of the men have been sexually assaulted or robbed, leading the BAU to believe that there is a personal motivation behind the murders.

As the team delves deeper into the case, they discover that the killer is leaving behind a trail of sand at each crime scene, leading them to dub him the "Sandman." They also find evidence that the Sandman is taunting the victims' wives with cryptic notes before abducting their husbands. The team determines that the Sandman is likely an intelligent and meticulous killer with experience in law enforcement or the military.

Meanwhile, Agent Rossi is struggling with his own personal demons as he deals with the aftermath of his divorce. His vulnerability leads him to reach out to his ex-wife for support, but their conversations are strained and tense. Rossi takes on a more personal role in the investigation as he bonds with one of the victims' wives, attempting to comfort her and gain insight into the killer's motivations.

As the BAU closes in on the Sandman, the tension builds to a thrilling climax. The team uncovers a shocking connection between the killer and his victims that leads them to a final showdown in the desert. In a race against time, the BAU must stop the Sandman before he kills again and puts his own life in danger.

The Sandman is a gripping episode that showcases the BAU team's expertise and the complex personal dynamics between its members. The tension is palpable as the team races to stop the killer before it's too late, and the emotional stakes are high for Rossi and the other characters. With its intricate plot and solid performances, The Sandman is a standout episode in the series.