Criminal Minds: The Big Wheel

Introduction

Criminal Minds is a popular American television series that premiered on CBS in 2005. The show follows a team of FBI profilers who use their unique skills to track down and apprehend some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. In this article, we will be discussing one of the most memorable episodes of Criminal Minds, “The Big Wheel.” This episode aired in the fourth season of the show, and it continues to be a fan favorite even today.

The Plot

“The Big Wheel” follows the team as they investigate a series of murders that seem to be connected to a carnival. The killer, who has been dubbed “The Ferris Wheel Killer,” is targeting young women and leaving behind cryptic clues at each crime scene. The team must race against the clock to decipher the clues and catch the killer before he strikes again.

The Cast

One of the things that makes “The Big Wheel” so memorable is the strong cast of characters. The show stars Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner, the team leader, and Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan, the team’s hunky and charismatic agent. Other notable cast members include Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid, A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, and Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia.

The Killer

The Ferris Wheel Killer is one of the most chilling villains to ever appear on Criminal Minds. He is played by actor Brad Dourif, who delivers a truly haunting performance. The killer’s motive is revealed to be a twisted desire for revenge against the carnival owner who he believes is responsible for his daughter’s death. He uses the carnival as a cover for his crimes and leaves behind clues that are designed to taunt the FBI.

The Profiling

One of the key elements of Criminal Minds is the team’s use of profiling to catch the killer. In “The Big Wheel,” the team analyzes the killer’s behavior and the clues he leaves behind to build a psychological profile. They use this profile to narrow down the suspect pool and eventually identify the killer. The profiling scenes in this episode are some of the most interesting and suspenseful in the entire series.

The Action

Another thing that sets “The Big Wheel” apart is the intense action sequences. The team races against the clock to catch the killer, and there are several heart-pumping moments throughout the episode. From high-speed car chases to tense standoffs, this episode has it all.

The Ending

Without giving away too much, the ending of “The Big Wheel” is one of the most satisfying in the entire series. The team manages to catch the killer and bring him to justice, but not before a few unexpected twists and turns. It’s a fitting end to a truly memorable episode.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Big Wheel” is a must-watch episode of Criminal Minds. It has everything fans love about the show, from strong characters to intense action and suspenseful profiling scenes. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to add it to your watchlist. And if you have seen it, it’s definitely worth revisiting.