The title refers to the psychological theory that human-like figures (like dolls or robots) become increasingly unsettling as they look more, but not perfectly, human.
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. [S5E12] The Uncanny Valley
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” The title refers to the psychological theory that
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. The episode features a notable performance by Jonathan
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.
" The Uncanny Valley " (Season 5, Episode 12) of Criminal Minds is widely considered one of the series' most unsettling yet heartbreaking episodes. It explores the tragic case of Samantha Malcolm, an "unsub" who abducts petite women and uses paralyzing drugs to transform them into living dolls, recreating a childhood doll collection she lost years prior.
Samantha uses a wheelchair lift in her van to abduct victims. She dresses them in meticulously tailored chiffon clothes and even sews wigs directly into their scalps to ensure they perfectly match her lost dolls. The Heartbreak: Samantha’s Trauma