Ties That Bind

what happens

Ritualized murders are occurring in Atlanta and in neighboring states. The victims are stabbed and their homes are vandalized with gang-like graffiti. The VCTF is called in and their investigation soon focuses on the son of two of the victims. His calm, dispassionate demeanor suggests to Sam that the man may be a suspect in his own parents' murder. Further investigation reveals that the son is under the influence of a ""Heaven's Gate""-like cult. Sam goes undercover to infiltrate the cult, but is deemed her unworthy for their collective. Sam theorizes that the cult's leader is making his disciples kill their families in order to prove their loyalty to him. The team sets up a sting to capture the leader, but are foiled when the cult's member, aware the VCTF is closing in, commit mass suicide by blowing up their compound. Frances causes discord between John and Bailey.

guest cast

Billed for this episode only — the turn people remember an episode for.

• Lela Lee as Kathy Jung
• Ron Taylor as Fat Cat
• Michael Learned as Helen Waters
• Will Yun Lee as Andrew Young
• Traci Lords as Jill of All Trades
• Dylan Neal as Philip Nichols
• Peter White as Charles Waters
• Dennis Christopher as Jack of All Trades