Criminal Minds

10 Best Episodes of Criminal Minds - Season 2

Criminal Minds is a crime drama show that follows an elite team of FBI profilers as they attempt to analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds. The show first aired in 2005 and is now available on Paramount+. With 17 seasons, it can be difficult to know which episodes are the best. That's why we have ranked the best episodes of Criminal Minds so you can get the most out of the show.

From the pilot episode to the series finale, Criminal Minds has offered fans many memorable episodes. From thrillers to heart-breaking moments, it’s hard to pick the best ones. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the best episodes ranked from top to bottom.

Whether you are a fan of the show or just getting started, our list of the best episodes of Criminal Minds will help you get the most out of this amazing show. So settle in for a thrilling ride with Criminal Minds as you watch some of the best episodes the show has to offer.

Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 20, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Criminal Minds - S2E5

#15 - Aftermath (Season 2 - Episode 5)

The BAU investigates a serial rapist who had been attacking young women at religious schools and stopped for six weeks. He has resumed his attacks, but is now targeting a different demographic of women. Elle makes a decision that could end her career with the BAU.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 677 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E18

#14 - Jones (Season 2 - Episode 18)

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A case involving a serial killer believed to be copying Jack the Ripper takes Gideon to New Orleans after three victims are found with their throats cut. Once thought to have been killed in Hurricane Katrina, the discovery of a fourth victim in the French Quarter confirms the murderer is still alive. All the evidence and files had been lost in the flood, so the only clue the team has is the word "Jones" that the lead detective wrote on the wall just before he drowned. Meanwhile, Reid meets up with an old rival as he continues to struggle with the aftermath of being held hostage.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 617 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E9

#13 - The Last Word (Season 2 - Episode 9)

The daughter of high-powered diplomats, Special Agent Emily Prentiss joins the team, and she must convince Gideon and Hotchner she deserves the job based on merit and not on her family connections. The BAU is then called to St. Louis to investigate two serial killers who appear to be competing with each other. By setting a trap based on one killer's profile, the team creates a media event by which to capture the second killer.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 653 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E19

#12 - Ashes and Dust (Season 2 - Episode 19)

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Criminal Minds episode "Ashes and Dust" presents an investigation with the BAU into a serial arsonist targeting homes of upper-middle-class families. It is revealed that the arson victims are linked to corporate development companies that have been accused of building on contaminated land. This episode's intro is noted to be haunting, and it certainly contains events that make it so. There is a strong emotional response to the realization that these arsonists are targeting innocent people in their sleep.

The events of this episode have been met with mixed reactions from viewers. The scene of the family trying to escape through their house instead of a window has been met with criticism, as it seems an illogical decision. Similarly, the involvement of environmental activists has been met with disdain, as it is seen as an act of terrorism. Spencer's involvement in the episode has lost some viewers confidence, as they disagree with his actions.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 576 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E21

#11 - Open Season (Season 2 - Episode 21)

In the episode “Open Season” of Criminal Minds, the BAU is called in to investigate after the discovery of several bodies in a remote region of Idaho. Through their investigation, they are able to determine that the killers have been hunting humans as a sport.

The episode was praised for its commentary on the power of fighting back. The criminals had been preying on the innocent and vulnerable, but when one of the victims has the courage to fight back, it shows that even in the worst situations, there is still a chance of survival. This scene made many viewers feel empowered and inspired, knowing that no matter how dire the situation, they can still fight back.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 566 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E7

#10 - North Mammon (Season 2 - Episode 7)

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Criminal Minds' episode North Mammon focuses on a man who has kidnapped three teenaged girls and locked them in a cellar. He then tells them only two of them will live and they must choose which one will die. The BAU team takes the case when the mother of one of the girls travels to Quantico to ask JJ to intercede with the FBI on the girls' behalf.

This episode has made a deep impression on viewers, as it has been deemed one of the most disturbing episodes of the show. Despite this, it is also one of the most beloved episodes due to the great focus on JJ and her ability to intercede with the FBI on the girls' behalf. This episode is a great example of JJ's strength and determination in helping those in need and a great example of Criminal Minds' ability to create a powerful and meaningful story.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 670 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E10

#9 - Lessons Learned (Season 2 - Episode 10)

In the episode of Criminal Minds titled "Lessons Learned," Gideon, Reid and Prentiss travel to Guantanamo Bay to interrogate a leader of a terrorist cell who has possession of a chemical weapons dispersal device. Thanks to Prentiss' fluency in Arabic, the team is able to effectively examine the suspect.

This episode was written during a time where media was able to portray terrorists in a negative light and make them look cowardly. This episode shows how the team is able to take down the terrorist despite his best efforts. It's a great episode that shows the strength and dedication of the team in the face of danger.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 648 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E11

#8 - Sex, Birth, Death (Season 2 - Episode 11)

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In the episode "Sex, Birth, Death" of Criminal Minds, the BAU is tasked with investigating a series of murders targeting prostitutes in Washington D.C. Reid suspects a teenager he had asked for help is the culprit, further complicating the case when a congresswoman threatens to take away the case if Hotchner calls a press conference.

The episode leaves viewers feeling sympathetic for Reid, especially when he reacts to Nathan at the end. It is clear Reid has a personal connection with Nathan, and the audience can feel his inner turmoil. The episode shows how far Reid will go to find justice for victims, even if it means sacrificing his own personal relationships.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 670 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E13

#7 - No Way Out (1) (Season 2 - Episode 13)

Criminal Minds episode "No Way Out (1)" pits Gideon against the most terrifying murderer of his career. When the BAU team meets the sadistic killer in a diner in the Nevada desert, the local authorities are eager to make an arrest. However, Gideon is determined to find out the whereabouts of the woman the killer is holding hostage before making a move. He attempts to persuade the criminal, who has sworn not to be taken alive, to reveal the details of the woman's location.

The tension in this episode of Criminal Minds is palpable as Gideon races against the clock to save the woman. As the BAU team and the local authorities grow impatient, Gideon stands his ground and attempts to talk the killer into revealing the woman's location. It is a thrilling episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as Gideon tries to outsmart the villain and save the day.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 634 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E14

#6 - The Big Game (1) (Season 2 - Episode 14)

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The BAU team is put to the test in the episode "The Big Game (1)" of Criminal Minds. After a wealthy couple has been murdered in their home following a Super Bowl party, the team is called in to investigate the mysterious case. As the team races against the clock to uncover the perpetrator of the crime, they must also battle the pressure of the public eye, as the high-profile case has attracted a great deal of attention.

As the team begins to sift through the evidence, they soon discover a string of clues that lead them down a dark and twisted path. With the stakes higher than ever, the team is pushed to their limits as they strive to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims. The episode is filled with suspense and intrigue as the BAU team uses their experience and skills to solve the case and put a stop to the killer's plans.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 624 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E22

#5 - Legacy (Season 2 - Episode 22)

When homeless persons begin to go missing in Kansas City, a local detective calls the BAU to investigate. Criminal Minds: Legacy follows the team as they unravel this mysterious case and try to find out what happened to the people who have disappeared. With no leads, the team must use their knowledge of profiling and crime to find the source of the disappearances and bring those responsible to justice.

The episode takes the team to Kansas City, a new environment which introduces them to a variety of suspects and motives. As the team begins to search for clues and interview potential culprits, they must use their investigative skills to try to piece together the puzzle. This episode follows the team as they take on the challenge of finding out what happened to the missing homeless persons. With a few leads and some guesswork, the team must use all their resources to solve this difficult case.

The episode was rated 8.03 from 569 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E1

#4 - The Fisher King (2) (Season 2 - Episode 1)

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In this episode of Criminal Minds, the BAU team continues to follow a trail of clues left by a psychopath in order to save his latest victim. Gideon decides to focus on the profiling of the killer, while Reid stays behind to search for any personal connections that could help them solve the case. Meanwhile, one of the team members is fighting for their life.

This episode marks an exciting moment for fans of the show, as Penelope has finally been added to the intro! Her presence on the team is a great addition and helps to add a different dynamic to the show. Fans of Spencer are also in for a treat, as he takes on a key role in this episode by staying behind to look for any personal connections related to the case.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 757 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E12

#3 - Profiler, Profiled (Season 2 - Episode 12)

In the episode of Criminal Minds, "Profiler, Profiled", Morgan goes home to his family in Chicago and is then arrested as a serial killer. The detective making the arrest had used a profile provided by Gideon, so the team travels to Chicago to help the local authorities find the real killer and exonerate Morgan.

The episode received mixed reviews, with some viewers finding it to be a "crappy episode", while others found it to be an amazing episode. The episode had an emotional impact on viewers, especially when Morgan was arrested, and further emphasized the bond between the members of the team and their commitment to each other.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 652 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E23

#2 - No Way Out: The Evilution Of Frank (2) (Season 2 - Episode 23)

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This episode of Criminal Minds starts off with a bang, as the team's own Gideon is suddenly thrust into the role of target by the prolific serial killer Frank. With the BAU team's leader now in danger, they must profile both Frank and Gideon in order to find them. As they frantically search for clues, they must also prepare themselves for the possibility that Gideon may not return.

The tension in this episode is palpable, as the team must use every tool at their disposal to locate Gideon and Frank. With their usual methods of investigation and profiling not yielding any results, the BAU must think outside the box in order to find their missing leader. As the minutes tick away, the team members must face the reality that Gideon may not survive this encounter with Frank.

The episode was rated 8.17 from 582 votes.

Criminal Minds - S2E15

#1 - Revelations (2) (Season 2 - Episode 15)

Criminal Minds’ episode “Revelations (2)” is a two-part special in which the BAU team races to find a serial killer and save Reid, who is being held captive and tortured. As Reid’s tortured body is broadcasted on the internet, we get to learn about his troubled childhood as he drifts in and out of consciousness.

This episode left many with a heavy heart. It revealed the horror of someone being tortured and the trauma of Reid’s childhood. It was a powerful episode, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding. As the show’s quote states, “Wild animals never kill for sport. Man is the only one to whom the torture and death of his fellow-creatures is amusing in itself.” This episode showed us the importance of respecting the life of others.

The episode was rated 8.23 from 664 votes.

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