Criminal Minds season 13 episode 17 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

The BAU investigates a series of murders in Colorado and Oklahoma, where victims are beaten, robbed, and uniquely mutilated with a smile cut into their mouths post-mortem. They focus on an unsub targeting strong married men with kids, suggesting patricidal and power-assertive traits. The investigation leads to the Capilano brothers, Sal and Tony, from a struggling circus family. Sal, the

Full Episode S13E17 Recap

### Opening Scene: Team Discussion - The BAU team discusses the profile of an unknown subject (unsub) who has killed in Colorado and Oklahoma. - Victims are identified as Mark Wilson and Sam Franklin, both beaten to death and robbed in their homes. - Unique mutilation observed: the sensitive side of the victims' mouths was cut post-mortem, resembling a smile. ### At the BAU Headquarters - The team theorizes the unsub's behavior and profile. - They note the unsub's preference for strong married men with children, possibly indicating patricidal and power-assertive tendencies. - Discussion about the possibility of the unsub sparing some victims, evidenced by Mark Wilson's son, Dylan, who witnessed his father's murder and reported seeing a clown. ### Investigation Progresses - Agent Reid and Simmons visit Mrs. Wilson to discuss her son Dylan's trauma and his description of the unsub as a clown. - The team deduces that the unsub's disguise might be hand-painted, based on detailed descriptions from witnesses. - Analysis of the unsub's pattern suggests a shift from robbery to murder, with a unique signature evolving. ### Delving into the Unsub's Psychology - The team discusses the psychological implications of the unsub's actions. - They speculate on a possible history of abuse in the unsub's past, potentially leading to his current behavior. - A witness report of a clown fleeing a crime scene leads to the discovery of two men involved, suggesting a dominant-submissive criminal partnership. ### Unsub's Background and Motives Explored - The team uncovers the background of the Capilano brothers, Sal and Tony, who are linked to the clown sightings and crimes. - Their history in a circus family and subsequent job loss is discussed as a possible motive for their criminal activities. - The team speculates on the brothers' dynamics, with Sal being the dominant and Tony the submissive partner. ### Climactic Confrontation and Resolution - The BAU team tracks down the Capilano brothers at an underground rodeo. - A confrontation ensues, leading to the arrest of Sal Capilano for multiple murders. - Tony Capilano, though involved, is shown to have been under his brother's influence and not directly responsible for the murders. ### Closing Scene: Aftermath and Reflection - The episode concludes with the team reflecting on the case, focusing on the impact of fate and choices in shaping lives. - The theme of family, both lost and found, is highlighted through the experiences of the victims' families and the Capilano brothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the victims of the unsub in Colorado and Oklahoma?

The victims are Mark Wilson and Sam Franklin, both beaten to death and robbed in their homes.

What unique mutilation did the unsub perform on the victims?

The unsub cut the sensitive side of the victims' mouths post-mortem, resembling a smile.

What is the profile of the unsub according to the BAU team?

The unsub is likely to have patricidal tendencies, targeting strong married men with kids, and shows power-assertive behavior.

Did any witnesses see the unsub?

Yes, Mark Wilson's son Dylan witnessed his father's murder and described the unsub as a clown.

What psychological traits does the BAU team attribute to the unsub?

The unsub may have a history of abuse and is possibly acting out a need for dominance and control.

Who are the main suspects in the case?

The main suspects are the Capilano brothers, Sal and Tony.

What is the background of the Capilano brothers?

The Capilano brothers come from a circus family and recently lost their jobs, leading to their criminal activities.

What roles do the Capilano brothers play in their criminal partnership?

Sal is the dominant partner and the primary perpetrator, while Tony is the submissive partner.

How does the BAU team track down the Capilano brothers?

The team tracks them down to an underground rodeo based on their background and criminal pattern.

What is the outcome for the Capilano brothers?

Sal Capilano is arrested for multiple murders, while Tony's role is seen as being under his brother's influence.

What impact does the BAU team reflect on at the end of the episode?

The team reflects on the impact of fate and choices in shaping lives, and the theme of family, both lost and found.

Criminal Minds season 13 episode 17

The Capilanos