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7 Shocking Facts And Secrets Behind Criminal Minds’ 'The Last Word' Episode (S2, E9)

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The episode "The Last Word" remains one of the most pivotal and complex cases in the history of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), even years after its original air date on November 15, 2006. This Season 2, Episode 9 installment is not just a standard procedural; it's a deep dive into the psychology of a narcissistic serial killer, a fascinating look at the concept of 'competing' unsubs, and, most importantly, the dramatic introduction of a character who would become a franchise icon: Special Agent Emily Prentiss. The episode's enduring legacy is a testament to its dark, layered writing and its unflinching look at a case inspired by one of America’s most notorious real-life murderers. The case presented in St. Louis, Missouri, forced the BAU team—led by Agents Gideon and Hotchner—to quickly adapt to a unique scenario: two separate serial killers operating in the same area and targeting similar victims, a situation that drastically complicates the profiling process. This dual-unsub plotline, combined with the subtle but significant shift in the team's dynamic, makes "The Last Word" a necessary rewatch for any dedicated fan looking to understand the core of the *Criminal Minds* universe and the evolution of its most beloved characters.

The Pivotal Introduction of Special Agent Emily Prentiss

The most historically significant aspect of "The Last Word" is its role as the debut episode for Special Agent Emily Prentiss, portrayed by actress Paget Brewster. Her arrival was immediate and, for some, controversial, as she was brought in to replace the recently departed Agent Elle Greenaway.
  • A Diplomatic Background: Prentiss is introduced to Agent Hotchner in his office, presenting herself as the daughter of a high-powered U.S. diplomat. This elite background immediately sets her apart from the rest of the team and becomes a running source of tension and speculation about her true motives for joining the BAU.
  • The Test of Trust: Both Hotchner and Gideon were initially skeptical of Prentiss, believing her assignment to the unit was political rather than merit-based. The episode subtly focuses on her attempts to prove her worth and demonstrate her genuine passion for behavioral analysis, a challenge that defines her early tenure with the team.
  • A Quiet Entrance: Unlike some major character introductions, Prentiss's role in the primary case of the Mill Creek Killer is relatively minor in this episode. Her screen time is dedicated more to establishing her character's tension with her new superiors, laying the groundwork for her deep relationships and eventual leadership role in later seasons.

The Mill Creek Killer: A Narcissistic and Necrophilic Unsub

The central criminal element of the episode revolves around a deeply disturbed individual known as the "Mill Creek Killer." The BAU's profile revealed a highly specific and disturbing set of compulsions.
  • The Driving Force: The Mill Creek Killer is profiled as a narcissistic and necrophilic serial killer. His crimes are driven by an internal need for control and gratification, targeting sex workers and leaving their bodies in public areas to maximize the media attention and the sense of power he derives from it.
  • A Stand-In for a Real Monster: The most chilling fact about the Mill Creek Killer is that the character is a fictionalized stand-in for a real-life, infamous serial killer: Gary Ridgway, better known as the Green River Killer. Ridgway operated in Washington State and targeted a similar victim pool, achieving a notoriety that the show mirrored in its fictional St. Louis case. This connection adds a layer of dark realism and topical authority to the episode's narrative.
  • The Profiling Challenge: The BAU correctly profiles the Mill Creek Killer as a meticulous, organized, and internally driven unsub. The team realizes they must use the media to stroke his narcissism, essentially "calling him out" to trigger a reaction that will lead to his capture.

The Complex Case of Competing Serial Killers

What makes "The Last Word" a standout episode is the complication of a second killer, a copycat, operating simultaneously with the original unsub. This scenario is a rare and difficult challenge for any profiling unit.
  • The Copycat Profile: The second killer, whose victims are found alongside the Mill Creek Killer's, is revealed to be a former sex worker. This unsub is driven by a different motivation: a desire for revenge and a twisted sense of justice against the men who preyed on women in her profession. Her actions are a direct response to the original killer, complicating the BAU's initial pattern analysis.
  • The "Last Word" Twist: The title, "The Last Word," refers to the ultimate goal of the BAU: to get the Mill Creek Killer to reveal himself by giving him "the last word" in the media. The team uses the copycat's actions to manipulate the narcissistic original killer, suggesting that the copycat is stealing his thunder. This psychological chess game is a classic example of the BAU's unique profiling tactics.
  • Reid's Insight: During the investigation, Dr. Spencer Reid delivers a memorable line, "They always say serial killers make the best profilers," in reference to the copycat's intimate knowledge of the victim pool and the original killer's methods. This quote highlights the dark, mirrored psychology at the heart of the case and the idea that deep-seated trauma can sometimes lead to an unnerving understanding of criminal minds.
  • LSI Keywords and Entities: The episode's complexity allows for a rich array of related entities, including St. Louis, Missouri, the setting for the crimes; Agent Jason Gideon, whose experience is crucial in profiling the dual threat; SSA Aaron Hotchner, who manages the political fallout of Prentiss's arrival; The Green River Killer (Gary Ridgway), the real-life analogue; necrophilia, a key element of the Mill Creek Killer's pathology; narcissism, the trait the BAU exploits; and the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) itself, operating under immense pressure.

Why 'The Last Word' Still Resonates with Fans Today

Despite being an older episode from *Criminal Minds*' second season, "The Last Word" continues to be a frequent topic of discussion in fan communities and retrospectives in 2024 and 2025. The episode is often cited for its perfect balance of procedural intensity and character development. It not only delivers a compelling, multi-layered case involving two competing unsubs but also serves as the foundation for one of the show's most beloved characters, Emily Prentiss. The subtle tension between Prentiss and the established team, particularly Hotchner, provides a compelling B-plot that keeps viewers engaged beyond the immediate hunt for the Mill Creek Killer. Furthermore, the episode's direct inspiration from the Green River Killer case gives it an eerie, true-crime gravitas that many fans of the genre appreciate. It is a masterclass in how *Criminal Minds* blends forensic science, psychology, and dramatic character arcs.
criminal minds the last word
criminal minds the last word

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