It started out as the perfect Criminal Minds conspiracy theory episode, with the latest killings hailing back to the assassination of John F. Kennedy This is exactly what the BAU team's first conclusion was for Criminal Minds Season 9, Episode 3, titled "Final Shot."

There are a lot layers for this episode, starting with the couple who seem determined to run away from an unseen villain. Make sure to never take your eyes off of them until the end--they are that important.

As with any Criminal Minds episode, Final Shot starts off with an immediate body count of five people dead via sniper shooting, one who was critically wounded, and the memorable Dallas, Texas as the setting for the murders. It was easy to see a copycat offering homage to the anniversary of the assassination.

Connections start to arise, with the team's tech wonder Penelope Garcia (Kristin Vangsness) bringing up the possibility that this was a racial killing. JJ (A.J. Cook) and Morgan (Shemar Moore) test this theory on The General, the incarcerated racist who turned out to be a dull lead.

A sniper attack has the BAU questioning whether the Kennedy assassination anniversary is driving their UnSub. (CREDIT: CBS)

Looking at more details in the case, BAU team boy genius Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) found that that the timing and order of the shootings was a big clue that narrowed down their victims list. The second case for Criminal Minds Season 9 is turning out to be more underground than previously thought of.

A sniper causes a panic in Dallas. Can the BAU stop him? (CREDIT: CBS)

With the help of guest star Eva La Rue (CSI: Miami) who plays Agent Mays, the team quickly realize that the real conspiracy lies with a hired hand targeting community angels that help women who have been abused and are trying to escape from their abusers.

The case quickly turns on its heels as the BAU team zeroes in on the suspect's techniques and sees patterns leading them to believe that the killer is a very methodical sniper, and one who keeps close watch on his victims by playing a fantasy in his head--one where he is there to protect the victim before pulling the trigger.

And that couple at the start? Guess what the role of the man is. The BAU team of Criminal Minds steps in merely seconds before any harm was done to the targeted victim, ending the episode with a quote from John F. Kennedy himself, perhaps as a way to commemorate the historic event.

Foreshadowing the upcoming events for JJ?

Those with a sharp eye may have noticed that one moment when Spencer mentioned the keywords "secrets," "danger," and "everyone involved" to JJ, who in turn froze and started pacing the room. He had been talking about the case, but obviously, JJ had other things in mind.

It's easy to profile JJ's actions right here--is it a nod to the upcoming secret that will be revealed about her for Criminal Minds Season 9?

Criminal Minds Season 9, Episode 4 is looking to be a very exciting episode, especially since Esai Morales will be making his debut as new section chief Matt Cruz and potentially the bearer of JJ's secrets.

Stay tuned next week for another round of Criminal Minds Season 9 recap, spoilers, and reviews!

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