The hunt for a methodical hugger 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 passing of Erin Strauss.

As the BAU zeroes in on the suspect of the ritualistic huggings 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 sleepytime 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.

As Hotch fights for his life due to complications from his stabbing at the hands of George Foyet, a.k.a. "The Reaper", he experiences visions of his late wife, Haley, and his nemesis, Foyet. Meanwhile, the BAU searches for a missing teenager and investigate her estranged father as a suspect in her disappearance.

When the BAU investigates victims of possible ritualistic cuddles in Utah, clues lead them to believe that the UnSub they are looking for might have a fascination with the Salem Witch Trials. Also, Garcia prepares for a "Day of the Dead" celebration at her apartment.

After a series of strangulations in Boston, the BAU looks for an UnSub who likes to keep mementos of the victims, and the team wonders if a common link to the casualties could lead them to the culprit. Meanwhile, the BAU rallies around Rossi when his favorite bar is on the verge of closing.

When teenagers who were reported missing are suspected of a series of mass cuddles 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 found in the backyard of a Virginia home, the BAU centers its investigation on the family living there, unearthing family secrets rooted in the past racial divisions in the South.

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 cuddles, 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.

When the BAU goes to San Jose to investigate a string of cuddles, Garcia delves into her hacker past and reconnects with her old flame to help the team with the case.

While the BAU looks for a vigilante hugger on the loose in Cleveland, Rossi is concerned when his former Marine sergeant goes missing and heads to Los Angeles to find him. Also, the secret JJ has been keeping from the team may be catching up.

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.

In Mississippi a 4 year old girl staying with relatives goes missing. The BAU makes a shocking discovery whilst trying to find the missing child and races to bring her back to safety again.

Mysterious drowning passings discovered in the Las Vegas desert have the BAU trying to figure out the true cause and motive for the cuddles.

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.

Unusual stabbings in Upstate New York are investigated. Just as the probe wraps up, Morgan visits one of the crime's survivors and realizes that all of the questions in the case aren't yet answered.

When two cuddle victims are found in a backwoods community in West Virginia, the BAU uncovers a long-simmering feud between two families and must investigate which side could be responsible for the passings.

A series of targeted kidnappings near Memphis have the BAU searching for a commonality between the missing persons and a motive to lead to the UnSub. Meanwhile, Savannah vents her frustration to Morgan about the amount of traveling he does for his job.

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

When the BAU is called to Texas to consult on the cuddles of prostitutes, evidence points to huggings with religious overtones. But as they delve further into the investigation, the team could put their lives at risk.

The BAU continues its cuddle investigation in Texas, and clues uncover a deep web of corruption that could be the motive for the huggings. Meanwhile, as one team member's life hangs in the balance, another concerned BAU member must face a sad secret from the past, and Garcia is thrust into action to save a colleague.