An agent in the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit develops profiling techniques as he pursues notorious serial killers and rapists.
In 1977, frustrated FBI hostage negotiator Holden Ford finds an unlikely ally in veteran agent Bill Tench and begins studying a new class of murderer.
Holden interviews the eerily articulate murderer Ed Kemper, but his research provokes negative feedback at the Bureau.
Dr. Wendy Carr joins Holden and Tench in their first success, when their insights lead to an arrest.
Bill and Holden consult with Dr. Wendy Carr to begin classifying their subjects. They receive surprising news.
Holden and Bill return to a perplexing case in Pennsylvania where a set of clues leading in multiple directions leaves no shortage of suspects.
Wendy considers an offer. Holden and Bill struggle to communicate the meaning of their findings to the judicial system in the baffling Altoona case.
Wendy takes a career risk to relocate and join the team full time. Holden and Bill find it harder to keep the emotional intensity of work at bay.
Bill and Wendy interview candidates for a fourth member of the team. Holden is intrigued by complaints about a school principal's odd habit.
Holden's methods during a disturbing interview with mass murderer Richard Speck create dissension among the team and kick off an internal FBI probe.
The team cracks under pressure from an in-house review. Holden's bold style elicits a confession but puts his career, relationships and health at risk.
Amid sweeping changes at the BSU, Holden deals with severe repercussions from his close encounter with Ed Kemper.
To glean insight into the elusive BTK killer, Bill and Holden interview the Son of Sam, who makes a startling admission.
Bill gets drawn into a horrifying crime that hits close to home. Holden receives an intriguing offer while in Atlanta to interview a pair of killers.
Holden develops a controversial profile in the Atlanta slayings. Wendy conducts her first interview and finds being on the front lines suits her well.
Bill's devastating family situation spills over during his interview with Holden's holy-grail subject: Charles Manson. Wendy's new romance heats up.
The FBI officially sends the BSU to Atlanta to investigate the missing and murdered children. Wendy second-guesses her interview methods.
Hitting a dead end, Holden suggests a bold plan to draw the killer out. Bill's family faces more scrutiny. Wendy chafes as her job begins to shift.
Red tape hinders Holden's plan to narrow his suspect pool. A weary and heartsick Bill tries to connect with his son. Wendy rethinks her relationship.
The investigation zeroes in on a prime suspect who proves surprisingly adept at manipulating a volatile situation to his advantage.
