The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is called to Atlantic City after two women are found dead and posed in public places that represent childhood—a playground carousel and a swing set. The victims are physically well-cared for but have been kept in a drug-induced, conscious coma for months.
Unlike many of the show's more malicious killers, Samantha is portrayed with immense pathos. [S5E12] The Uncanny Valley
Samantha uses a wheelchair lift in her van to abduct victims. She dresses them in meticulously tailored chiffon clothes and even sews wigs directly into their scalps to ensure they perfectly match her lost dolls. The Heartbreak: Samantha’s Trauma The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is called to
The team identifies the unsub as a "collector" with a deep-seated psychopathology, likely stemming from damage to the pre-frontal cortex that prevents her from distinguishing between living beings and objects. Samantha uses a wheelchair lift in her van to abduct victims
When her father gave away her original doll collection, Samantha's fragile psyche snapped, leading her to "replace" them with human surrogates. Key Moments and Themes
The episode features a notable performance by Jonathan Frakes (of Star Trek fame) as the predatory Dr. Malcolm, and a chillingly moving performance by Jennifer Hasty as Samantha. S5E12 - “The Uncanny Valley”