[s7e22] Profiling 101 -

: Analyzing the victims to understand why the killer chose them.

: Mackenzie Astin as Thomas Yates and Zack Weinstein.

is the 22nd episode of the seventh season of the long-running police procedural series Criminal Minds . Aired in 2012, it is widely regarded by fans as a unique "teaching" episode that explores the history of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and one of its longest-running cases. Episode Overview [S7E22] Profiling 101

: Distinguishing between the functional way a crime is committed (Modus Operandi) and the psychological need the killer satisfies through specific rituals (Signature).

: Fans have noted that some "mugshots" shown during the presentation are actually photos of the show's crew members used as props. : Analyzing the victims to understand why the

: To secure his arrest and discover the location of his victims, Rossi strikes a deal with Yates. Every year on Rossi's birthday, Yates provides the name and location of one of his buried victims.

Throughout the lecture, the team breaks down the science of profiling for the students: Aired in 2012, it is widely regarded by

: The episode utilizes flashbacks to show the evolution of the case from Rossi's early days in the unit to the present.