The team hunts for a copycat serial killer who is recreating the techniques used by famous killers of the past.
Malcolm and Stevie's families invite disaster by going on holiday together on a houseboat. While Steve's parents are caught in a fight, Malcolm is stuck with Hal fishing. Inspired by Eric, Francis decides to leave school and move away.
The Banfields attend an informal session at an adoption agency, but the meeting goes awry when they fall out with another couple at the event. Elsewhere, Carter is initially confused by the new procedures, medication and technology introduced since he last worked at the ER, but ultimately his experience and intuition stand him in good stead, and Brenner has concerns about the behaviour of Lucy's new foster father.
Gates and Morris help an elderly man who was assaulted on the street, Brenner and Dubenko clash while treating a mother thought to have late-stage cancer, and Dr Morgenstern returns to the ER to assist a seriously ill former mentor.
Benson comes under fire from fans of a convicted serial killer after a body turns up that greatly resembles his work.