What Does Gold Star Mean in Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds is a popular American crime drama television series that aired from 2005 to 2020. The show follows a team of FBI agents as they investigate and solve crimes across the United States. Throughout the series, the characters use various terminology and codes to communicate with each other. One of the most intriguing and often-referenced terms is the "Gold Star." In this article, we will delve into the meaning of Gold Star in Criminal Minds and explore its significance in the show.
What Does Gold Star Mean in Criminal Minds?
In Criminal Minds, a Gold Star refers to a victim who has been murdered. The term is used by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) to categorize and track the victims of serial killers and other criminals. When a victim is killed, the BAU agents will often refer to them as a "Gold Star" to signify that they have lost their life.
Why is it Called a Gold Star?
The origin of the term "Gold Star" is not explicitly stated in the show, but it is believed to be inspired by the tradition of placing a gold star on the family’s front door or in a window to indicate that a family member has died in military service. In the context of Criminal Minds, the term is used to honor the memory of the victims and to acknowledge the gravity of their loss.
How is a Gold Star Used in the Show?
Throughout the series, the BAU agents use the term "Gold Star" to refer to the victims of the crimes they are investigating. When a new case is opened, the agents will often discuss the victim’s background, circumstances of the crime, and any potential connections to other cases. The term "Gold Star" is used to remind the agents of the human cost of the crime and to focus their attention on solving the case and bringing justice to the victim’s family.
Examples of Gold Stars in Criminal Minds
Here are a few examples of how the term "Gold Star" is used in Criminal Minds:
- In the episode "The Fisher King" (Season 5, Episode 14), the BAU is investigating a series of murders in which the victims are all young women. As the agents gather more information, they begin to refer to the victims as "Gold Stars" to acknowledge the gravity of their loss.
- In the episode "The Longest Night" (Season 6, Episode 13), the BAU is investigating a mass shooting at a college campus. As the agents work to identify the victims, they refer to them as "Gold Stars" to honor their memory.
- In the episode "200" (Season 10, Episode 10), the BAU is investigating a series of murders that occurred 200 years ago. As the agents work to solve the case, they refer to the victims as "Gold Stars" to acknowledge the historical significance of the crimes.
Table: Examples of Gold Stars in Criminal Minds
| Episode | Victim Description | Gold Star Reference |
|---|---|---|
| The Fisher King | Young women | "We have a Gold Star on our hands" |
| The Longest Night | College students | "We’ve got multiple Gold Stars here" |
| 200 | Historical victims | "These are our Gold Stars, and we need to give them justice" |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term "Gold Star" in Criminal Minds refers to a victim who has been murdered. The term is used by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit to acknowledge the gravity of the crime and to honor the memory of the victim. Throughout the series, the agents use the term to remind themselves of the human cost of the crime and to focus their attention on solving the case and bringing justice to the victim’s family.
