At the time of its initial release, the episode was watched by 12.92 million viewers[2] and received mixed reviews but television critics praised A.J.

In a flashback to the U.S. Operations Camp in Afghanistan in 2010, JJ meets with Section Chief Erin Strauss (Jayne Atkinson).

JJ meets Mateo Cruz (Esai Morales); Michael Hastings (Tahmoh Penikett); and Tivon Askari (Faran Tahir), her interpreter.

In the present day, the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) learns of her disappearance and that she previously worked with their new Section Chief, Cruz, who is also missing.

Under Secretary Jackson reveals Tivon Askari as the perpetrator, but, to avoid government scandal, bans the BAU from the investigation.

Despite the ban, Hotch calls in reinforcements: Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), former BAU agent, now head of Interpol.

On September 30, 2013, it was announced that former cast member Paget Brewster would return for the 200th episode and reprise her role as Emily Prentiss.

[3] On January 21, 2014, it was announced that Battlestar Galactica star Tahmoh Penikett had been cast in a key role as Michael Hastings.