[s1e2] Compulsion ✭ 〈Exclusive〉

The BAU is called in after a series of fires at a local university result in the death of a student named Matthew. Initial evidence is scarce because fire often destroys physical clues, forcing the team to rely heavily on psychological profiling to find the "unsub" (unknown subject).

The second episode of Criminal Minds , titled "," originally aired on September 28, 2005. It takes the team to a college campus in Tempe, Arizona, to track down a serial arsonist who has escalated to murder. The Case: Arson on Campus [S1E2] Compulsion

"Compulsion" also deals with the psychological aftermath of the pilot episode for : The BAU is called in after a series

: The team initially struggles to determine if the victim was targeted or simply in the wrong place. They eventually realize they aren't dealing with a typical "serial arsonist"—who usually finds pleasure in watching things burn—but rather a serial killer who uses fire as a weapon. It takes the team to a college campus

: This episode marks early bonding moments for the team, including the first shared scenes between Penelope Garcia and Jennifer "JJ" Jareau. Notable Quotes

: The breakthrough comes when Dr. Spencer Reid identifies a ritualistic behavior. He recalls a science lab assistant, Clara Hayes , who displayed obsessive-compulsive traits, specifically counting in threes.