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.
Dr. Spencer Reid plays a pivotal role, using a gentle, empathetic approach to talk Samantha down without handcuffs at the end. He eventually returns her original dolls to her, which immediately makes her docile. [S5E12] The Uncanny Valley
The BAU discovers Samantha was the victim of horrific abuse by her father, Dr. Arthur Malcolm. He molested her and other patients, giving her dolls as "gifts" after each assault and using electroshock therapy to repress her memories and keep her silent. 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. Spencer Reid plays a pivotal role, using a
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”