The episode sparks debate over the "parasomnia defense," questioning whether a person can be held legally responsible for crimes committed while unconscious.
While the team hunts in Vermont, the emotional weight of the episode rests on Dr. Spencer Reid, who is struggling to survive behind bars. [S12E17] In the Dark
The "In the Dark" episode of (Season 12, Episode 17) explores the chilling intersection of trauma and parasomnia through the character of Trey Gordon. Unlike many episodes that focus on calculated malice, this story highlights a tragic "unsub" who commits violent acts while sleepwalking, a direct manifestation of a dark past and systemic failure. The Duality of the Unsub The episode sparks debate over the "parasomnia defense,"
💡 The episode’s title, "In the Dark," refers both to the literal nighttime murders and the metaphorical lack of awareness Gordon has of his own actions—as well as the BAU's struggle to "see" the truth before it’s too late. If you'd like to dive deeper, let me know: The "In the Dark" episode of (Season 12,