Ep 22. The Storm

The Storm is the twenty-second episode of the eleventh season of the American police procedural TV show, Criminal Minds. The episode revolves around the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they investigate a series of murders in Oregon that are tied to a human trafficking ring.

The BAU team is called to investigate the murders, which are taking place during a massive storm that has caused a power outage in the area. As they start investigating the case, they realize that the murders have a connection to a human trafficking operation. The team is under time pressure due to the storm, as well as the fact that the traffickers may be planning to move their victims to another location.

The episode starts with a woman who has escaped from the trafficking ring, pleading with the local police to help her find her missing friend. The BAU team arrives at the scene to find that the storm has severed all forms of communication between the police and the team. The team starts interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence, hoping to find leads that will help them track down the traffickers and their victims.

The team soon realizes that the murders are being carried out by the traffickers to eliminate anyone who might have information about their operation. The team narrows down the search to a farm that is owned by a suspected trafficker. They find evidence of human trafficking, including shackles and bloodstains, at the farm, but no victims.

The storm continues to worsen, hindering the team's efforts to track down the traffickers and their victims. They receive a call indicating that the traffickers may be transporting their victims through a sewage tunnel during the storm. The team quickly organizes a search, taking advantage of the momentary break in the storm.

As the team searches the tunnel, they locate a victim hiding in the sewage, who leads them to the trafficker's truck. A dramatic car chase ensues, with the traffickers trying to escape the police. Eventually, the BAU manages to stop the truck and arrest the traffickers.

Back at the farm, the team discovers hidden chambers where the victims had been held captive. They also discover two more victims who they had not previously known about. The episode ends on a bittersweet note as the team celebrates the rescue of the victims while also acknowledging that they could not save all of the victims from the trafficking ring.

Overall, The Storm is a suspenseful and action-packed episode that highlights the BAU team's skills and resourcefulness in the face of immense challenges. The episode showcases the team's determination and commitment to their work, even when faced with external obstacles such as the storm. The theme of human trafficking is also explored, highlighting the challenges involved in fighting this heinous crime.