In a rare moment of hope for the show, Nick and Dr. Robbins perform an emergency C-section on-site, successfully saving the unborn baby.

The trail leads the team into a subculture of people who act like animals. To navigate this world, Langston and Sara turn to (Dr. Heather Kessler), a long-time friend of Grissom who is now working as a sex therapist.

The primary investigation begins when a woman, identified as social worker Iona Vail, is found seemingly mauled to death by a mountain lion in the woods. However, Langston and Sara quickly realize the scene is staged—Vail was wearing a leotard in rugged terrain and had been restrained and attacked with a stun gun before the animal got to her.