Criminal Minds season 13 episode 18 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In this episode, the BAU team investigates two murders where women are stabbed and left with a red rose in their mouths. Meanwhile, Rossi deals with personal matters, reconnecting with his third ex-wife, Krystall, as her daughter's wedding approaches. As the team delves into the cases, they discover unique patterns and suspect a late-night radio DJ might be involved in selecting victims. The investigation reveals a complex situation involving love, betrayal, and jealousy. The episode juxtaposes the BAU's professional dedication with Rossi's personal introspection and rekindled connections.

Full Episode S13E18 Recap

### Scene: Muriel's Tragic Discovery and Rossi's Personal Request - **Muriel's Home**: The scene opens with a man, presumably Muriel's husband, returning home and discovering a fire, indicated by the beeping smoke alarm. - **BAU Office**: David Rossi requests time off, surprising his colleagues. Emily Prentiss jokingly suggests they've entered a parallel universe. Rossi reveals he plans to meet his ex-wife, Krystall, in D.C. for her daughter's wedding. ### Scene: Rossi's Past and the BAU Case Briefing - **BAU Briefing Room**: The team discusses two murder cases involving red roses left in victims' mouths. They note the lack of sexual assault and the different victim profiles. The team decides to leave immediately to investigate. ### Scene: Exploring Victim Backgrounds and Rossi's Reunion - **BAU Office**: The team delves into the victims' backgrounds, revealing contrasting lifestyles. Meanwhile, Rossi reunites with Krystall and learns about her daughter's upcoming wedding. He agrees to attend as her plus-one. ### Scene: Murder Investigation Continues - **Crime Scene Analysis**: The team examines the crime scenes, discussing possible messages the killer is sending and concluding the victims likely knew their attacker. They notice unique patterns, like cigarettes in an oven and alcohol splattered on a victim. ### Scene: Rossi's Bonding and Wedding Preparations - **BAU Office and Rossi's Home**: Rossi bonds with Krystall's future son-in-law at the firing range. Later, he invites Krystall and her family for dinner, preparing linguini. ### Scene: Unraveling the Killer's Patterns - **BAU Team Analysis**: The team identifies a pattern in the murders, linking them to specific song titles and concluding the killer might be using late-night radio to find victims. ### Scene: Confrontation with the Killer - **Killer's Lair**: The team tracks down the killer, discovering a complex situation involving betrayal, love, and jealousy. They manage to prevent further tragedy. ### Scene: Rossi's Personal Dilemma and Resolution - **Rossi's Home**: The episode concludes with Rossi reflecting on his past and present, playing poker with Krystall, suggesting a rekindled connection. Throughout the episode, the focus alternates between the BAU's methodical approach to solving the murder cases and Rossi's personal storyline, offering a blend of professional dedication and personal introspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Muriel and what happens to her?

Muriel Gourse, 47, of Chicago, is found dead, stabbed in the back, with a red rose in her mouth.

What personal matter does Rossi deal with in this episode?

Rossi plans to meet his third ex-wife, Krystall, in D.C. for her daughter's wedding.

How does the BAU team react to Rossi's request for time off?

The team is surprised, with Prentiss joking about entering a parallel universe, indicating that Rossi rarely takes time off.

What are the common factors in the murder cases the BAU investigates?

Both victims are women stabbed in the back with a red rose left in their mouths, with no signs of robbery, sexual assault, or break-ins.

What is the age and profession of the second victim, Muriel Gourse?

Muriel Gourse is 47 years old and a middle school teacher.

How does the team speculate the unsub chooses victims?

The team suggests the unsub might be romantically connected or rejected by the victims.

What unusual signature is found at Muriel's crime scene?

A carton of cigarettes burning in an oven is discovered at Muriel's crime scene.

What leads the BAU to consider late-night radio in their investigation?

The team connects the murders to specific song titles, leading them to suspect a late-night radio DJ might be involved.

What is revealed about Rossi's ex-wife Krystall?

Krystall was a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas, where she and Rossi got married in a drive-through chapel by an Elvis impersonator.

What personal developments occur between Rossi and Krystall?

Rossi and Krystall reminisce about their past and he agrees to attend her daughter's wedding, hinting at a rekindled connection.

Criminal Minds season 13 episode 18

The Dance of Love