Criminal Minds

10 Worst Episodes of Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds is an American crime drama television series that follows an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the behavior and psychological patterns of the most twisted criminal minds. It first aired in 2005 on CBS and it is now available on Paramount+. This crime-drama series has 17 seasons and it is time to rank the worst episodes of the show.

In this article, we will look at the Criminal Minds episodes that were not so well-received by the fans and critics. We will analyze the episodes that did not meet the expectations of the audience, taking into account the plot, the acting, and the overall atmosphere of the episode.

We will rank the worst episodes of Criminal Minds and explain why they failed to keep the audience engaged and entertained. We will also look at the elements that made these episodes stand out from the rest of the series. So, let's dive in and explore the worst episodes of Criminal Minds!

Warning: the following content contains spoilers!

This page was generated using automation technology and thoroughly edited and fact-checked by an editor on our editorial staff.

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Criminal Minds - S11E3

#1 - 'Til Death Do Us Part (Season 11 - Episode 3)

When brides-to-be in Savannah are killed on the eve of their nuptials, the BAU suspects a jilted UnSub is at work.

The episode was rated 7.40 from 1098 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E5

#2 - The Night Watch (Season 11 - Episode 5)

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In the episode of "Criminal Minds" entitled "The Night Watch", the BAU team investigates a series of macabre graffiti art in Detroit which seem to incorporate bodies as part of the artwork. Suspecting an elusive yet notorious street artist to be the UnSub, the team members delve deep into the case. Meanwhile, Dr. Lewis struggles to balance her relationship with her fiancΓ© and her work, a major focus of the episode.

The case itself was alright, however the focus on Dr. Lewis and her personal life was not received well by viewers. The majority of the episode revolved around her and her fiancee, with Morgan and Reid taking a backseat. This lack of action and suspense was a major detractor for the episode and left viewers feeling unsatisfied.

The episode was rated 7.48 from 1089 votes.

Criminal Minds - S13E21

#3 - Mixed Signals (Season 13 - Episode 21)

The BAU is called to Taos, N.M. to investigate an UnSub who is targeting his victims' temporal lobes.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 1019 votes.

Criminal Minds - S10E17

#4 - Breath Play (Season 10 - Episode 17)

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The BAU team is called to Wisconsin to investigate a series of mysterious murders. With few clues to go on, the team must look for connections between the victims in search of the UnSub. As the team investigates, they find themselves in a race against time to stop the killer before they strike again.

Meanwhile, Kate is struggling to handle her niece Meg's rebellious behavior. Meg is acting out and Kate is at a loss for how to help her. When Meg's actions threaten to interfere with the BAU's investigation, Kate finds herself torn between her duties and her family. Can Kate find a way to balance the two and keep her niece out of harm's way?

The episode was rated 7.49 from 832 votes.

Criminal Minds - S10E11

#5 - The Forever People (Season 10 - Episode 11)

The BAU team is sent to investigate the mysterious frozen bodies found floating in the water in Nevada. They suspect that these victims could be part of a cult which could be behind the deaths. As the investigation deepens, the team finds themselves up against the formidable cult. It's up to the BAU to uncover the secrets of the cult and find out who is behind the deaths.

The episode also deals with JJ's inner turmoil as she confronts her old demons from her abduction and torture last year. She must find a way to cope with her traumatic experience and move forward with her life. As the BAU team investigates, JJ must also confront her own inner struggles and work through her past. Through her journey, she finds the courage to face her fears and move forward.

The episode was rated 7.50 from 659 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E13

#6 - The Bond (Season 11 - Episode 13)

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In Criminal Minds' episode "The Bond," the BAU is searching for an UnSub when victims are discovered in truck stop restrooms throughout the South. The investigation leads to a creepy bond between a serial killer and her mother. This episode keeps viewers on their toes with a captivating and suspenseful plot.

The episode culminates in a climactic ending that leaves some viewers feeling unsettled. The final scene reaches a visceral level of intensity that some viewers did not expect. Nevertheless, the intriguing plot and gripping suspense make this episode a fan favorite.

The episode was rated 7.50 from 1120 votes.

Criminal Minds - S12E11

#7 - Surface Tension (Season 12 - Episode 11)

Reid has returned from Houston, where he was visiting his mother who is in a new facility on an experimental drug program. He is called back home from the office while the rest of the team heads off on their next case. It isn't until the team is in the air that they learn that Diana is no longer in the Houston facility, but that she is now living with Reid, as the trial drug was not having the intended effect.

The episode was rated 7.50 from 1835 votes.

Criminal Minds - S10E20

#8 - A Place at the Table (Season 10 - Episode 20)

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In this episode of Criminal Minds, the team is tasked to solve a particularly troubling case. A Maryland family has been found murdered at their dining room table, leaving the team to uncover any secrets that may have led to this tragedy. Hotch must also deal with the discovery that his father-in-law, Roy, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

The team must now race against the clock to uncover any hidden secrets that may have lead to this tragedy. As the team investigates, Hotch must come to terms with his father-in-law's diagnosis and how it may affect his own family. The team must also take into account the possibility of a vendetta against the family, as the evidence begins to point to the potential for such a motive. With the stakes so high, the team must work together to uncover the truth and bring justice to the family.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 831 votes.

Criminal Minds - S10E14

#9 - Hero Worship (Season 10 - Episode 14)

In the episode "Hero Worship" of Criminal Minds, the BAU is called in to investigate a bombing of a coffee shop in Indianapolis. Fortunately, someone emerges from the wreckage as a hero, and the BAU must protect that person and their family from further harm.

As the team investigates the bombing, they come to suspect a UnSub may be responsible. Working to protect the hero and their family while searching for the UnSub, they must find the culprit before they can cause any more destruction. This episode shows the lengths the BAU will go to protect innocent lives, and how they work together to solve cases.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 669 votes.

Criminal Minds - S10E4

#10 - The Itch (Season 10 - Episode 4)

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The episode "The Itch" of Criminal Minds starts off with a series of mysterious deaths in Atlanta. It is quickly revealed that the murders were likely committed by an UnSub with an obsessive skin disorder. This UnSub is on a killing spree and the team must act fast in order to catch them.

The team works hard to identify the UnSub and start to uncover clues that help them in their investigation. They are able to track them down and apprehend them, bringing the case to a close. This episode was a super interesting one and the team was successful in the end. It was a great example of the team's intelligence and determination in solving a case.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 838 votes.

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    Last updated: mar 02, 2023

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