In an era where our fears about the internet continue to grow, the rebooted Criminal Minds: Evolution has taken those anxieties to a new level over three gripping seasons. This series dives deep into the unsettling realities of the digital age, introducing us to alarming themes such as online grooming and organ trafficking. Notably, it reveals the chilling existence of serial killer chat rooms, adding a new dimension to the list of potential threats lurking in the dark web. In the first season of Evolution, the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) uncovers a disturbing online network of killers who not only share their most gruesome homicidal fantasies but also exchange tips on how to commit murder. This grim platform allows both aspiring and confirmed killers to refine their skills while providing mentorship to one another.

The Sicarius network stands out as a particularly fascinating element of the storyline involving serial killer Elias Voit (Zach Gilford). Its uniqueness, coupled with the terrifying reality that killers can continuously evolve, makes it a captivating aspect of the series. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Criminal Minds has explored the concept of a serial killer network. In Season 10, when Kate Callahan (Jennifer Love Hewitt) became a member of the BAU, the team stumbled upon a disturbing website concealed within the dark corners of the internet, which posed a grave threat to Kate’s niece/adopted daughter. Although this particular network did not focus on mentorship, its chilling implications could arguably surpass those of the Sicarius network in terms of horror.

In the dramatic Season 10 finale of Criminal Minds, Kate’s daughter, Megan (Hailey Sole), and her best friend fall victim to abduction after attempting to meet a boy they encountered online. This scenario exemplifies a classic cautionary tale, reminding viewers of the dangers of online interactions and the grim reality of grooming. As the BAU investigates this troubling disappearance, the team grapples with the possibility of ransom or trafficking, but soon uncovers even darker motives. Earlier in the season, Kate had been unable to shake off a previous case; although they had apprehended the killer, she was convinced he had an accomplice, a theory that lacked proof. Unbeknownst to her, her investigation was drawing closer to a terrifying truth. It becomes evident that Megan was targeted due to her connection to Kate, and alarmingly, she was not taken by a mere partner but rather the orchestrator of an entire network.

As the investigation progresses and the BAU pieces together the connections to earlier cases, they uncover the chilling reality that this was not just an ordinary trafficking network; the unidentified suspect (unsub) was abducting and selling victims directly to serial killers. Why engage in the arduous task of hunting victims when they can be effortlessly purchased online? The unsettling nature of this process is depicted through the manipulative tactics employed by the unsub, who alters the appearances of the victims, meticulously stages photos with artistic lighting, and initiates an online auction where criminals who prefer the thrill of the kill over the hunt can place their bids. This sinister operation not only satisfies the unsub’s sadistic urges but also serves as a lucrative business, with one former victim, bonded through trauma, assisting in the cruel endeavor. Thankfully, the BAU’s efforts during this episode culminated in the ability to track down each buyer, resulting in a significant takedown of multiple killers.

How Jennifer Love Hewitt Intensified the Terror in This ‘Criminal Minds’ Storyline

This marks a significant moment in Criminal Minds, as it showcases a large-scale network among serial killers that facilitates the coordination of their murderous activities. The horror stems from the same premise that drives the Sicarius network: it streamlines the process of torturing and murdering for serial killers. However, one key difference with the Season 10 network is its accessibility; it was not as available to killers lacking financial resources when compared to the Sicarius network, where Voit often provided the necessary materials. Additionally, the Sicarius network typically engaged in carefully planned attacks, as evidenced by the recent season’s portrayal of a terror cell-style activation protocol. In contrast, the Season 10 network predominantly focused on fulfilling the demand for victims, limited only by the unsub’s ability to abduct individuals, and given the number of girls listed on the site, this occurred at a concerning pace.

Moreover, another layer of intrigue in the Season 10 narrative is the element of revenge intricately woven into the plot. In Megan’s case, her abduction serves as collateral damage in the unsub’s personal vendetta against an inquisitive FBI agent. This concept evokes a chilling sentiment of “be cautious about whom you offend, or you may find yourself sold to a serial killer”, but it is the performances of Hewitt and Sole that amplify this sense of terror. Kate instills in her daughter the lesson that one should never exhibit fear to a sexual sadist (a lesson that no parent ever hopes to teach), and her own training enables her to maintain composure under pressure. Consequently, both characters exhibit a facade of neutrality, but underlying emotions of fear, guilt, and shock seep through, transforming the situation into a deeply visceral experience.

The intense emotional stakes, perilous situations, and tension that characterized the three-season Sicarius storyline seem to be encapsulated within this singular, fast-paced, and profoundly disturbing episode. Criminal Minds effectively balances intimate stakes with broader threats during this episode, allowing the horror and absurdity of a centralized marketplace for serial killers to unfold. For those seeking a more sinister take on the Sicarius network, now that it has been dismantled, revisiting the Season 10 finale is highly recommended.

All episodes of Criminal Minds are available for streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.