Ep 1. The Silencer

In Criminal Minds season 8 episode 1 titled "The Silencer," the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) pursues a serial killer in the Washington D.C. area who tortures and murders young women. Dubbed "The Silencer" for the way he renders his victims mute, the killer has been dormant for a few years before resurfacing with a new victim.

The team, still reeling from the departure of Emily Prentiss, welcomes new agent Alex Blake (played by Jeanne Tripplehorn). She's a former linguistics professor with a keen interest in forensic linguistics, and her expertise is critical in determining the killer's modus operandi.

The episode is intense and emotional, with several twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, the team deals with the fallout from the recent events, including Reid's struggle to come to terms with the loss of Prentiss and Hotch's relationship with his former lover, Beth.

As they race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again, the team uses all of their combined skills and knowledge to build a profile and track down the suspect. The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation with the killer, and the team's efforts to prevent another tragedy will leave viewers breathless.

"The Silencer" sets the stage for another thrilling season of Criminal Minds, with new challenges and obstacles that the BAU must face as they strive to bring justice to the victims and their families. The episode showcases the team's strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as their unwavering dedication to their work and to each other.