The Silencer

"The Silencer" is the first episode of Season Eight of Criminal Minds.

Summary
When a Texas prisoner escapes during a transfer, he leaves behind victims with his unique trademark, sewing their mouths shut, a signature the BAU remembers as unique to the infamous serial killer "The Silencer". While they investigate who he was and who he's become, the BAU also gets to know the newest member of the team.

Guest Cast

 * Jayne Atkinson - FBI Section Chief Director Erin Strauss
 * Jarrod Bailey - John Myers
 * Matt Beck - Tyler Parker
 * Meagan Campbell - Laura Tucker
 * Aidan Collins - John Myers
 * Bianca D’Ambrosio - Kelly Tucker
 * Tracy Fraim - Kevin Jensen
 * Sam Hennings - Marshall John Tilghman
 * Troy Michael Kotsur - John Myers
 * Ray Mirabal - Mitch Gregory
 * Jessica Ires Morris - Julie Myers
 * Julia Silverman - Dr. Janine Ainsworth
 * Brian Slaten - Danny Tucker
 * Kayla Tabish - Girl at Rest Stop

Referenced Criminals

 * Theodore Kaczynski, The Unabomber
 * Gary Ridgway, The Green River Killer
 * Amerithrax

Music

 * "When the Music's Not Forgotten" by Deadman

Bookend Quotes

 * Aaron Hotchner: "As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do." Andrew Carnegie
 * Aaron Hotchner: "A man is known by the silence he keeps." Oliver Herford

Trivia

 * Alex Blake, Emily Prentiss's replacement, is introduced for the first time in the episode.