When Luca becomes convinced a serial killer believed to be dead is still alive, he must find a way to prove his suspicions to the rest of the team before the man starts killing again. At the same time, Hondo grows more concerned about Buck's mental health following his firing from S.W.A.T, and Cortez continues to receive personal threats regarding her planned reforms.
Tropes
- Crazy-Prepared: The Vanity Killer rigged his home with plenty of traps for when S.W.A.T. came knocking.
- The Dog Was the Mastermind: It turns out the person making threats to Cortez was Rocker's wife.
- Faking the Dead: How the Vanity Killer was able to escape S.W.AT. for two years.
- Fat Bastard: The Vanity Killer is a rather hefty man. Luca notices him at the market due to recognizing his large girth.
- I Owe You My Life: Luca keeps in touch with the female victim of the Vanity Killer they were able to save. She's very friendly with him for this reason.
- In Medias Res: The episode begins with a flashback to two years earlier, and 20-Squad's previous encounter with the Vanity Killer.
- My Greatest Failure: Two years on, Luca still regrets he wasn't able to save both of the Vanity Killer's last victims.
- No-Holds-Barred Beatdown: Luca really lets the Vanity Killer have it when he finally gets the guy alone.
- Red Baron: The press dubbed the serial killer "The Vanity Killer" because most of his victims were aspiring actors/actresses trying to make it in Hollywood.
- Serial Killer: The team deal with the prospect of one that they thought dead is still alive.
- Taking You with Me: When 20 Squad encountered the Vanity Killer the first time, he rigged his lair to blow, and 20-Squad were forced to retreat, leaving one of the killer's victims to die before they could cut him free.
- That One Case: The Vanity Killer is this for Luca.
- You Look Like You've Seen a Ghost: Street says this word for word to Luca.
