Unlike many of the show's more malicious killers, Samantha is portrayed with immense pathos.
When her father gave away her original doll collection, Samantha's fragile psyche snapped, leading her to "replace" them with human surrogates. Key Moments and Themes [S5E12] The Uncanny Valley
The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is called to Atlantic City after two women are found dead and posed in public places that represent childhood—a playground carousel and a swing set. The victims are physically well-cared for but have been kept in a drug-induced, conscious coma for months. Unlike many of the show's more malicious killers,
Dr. Spencer Reid plays a pivotal role, using a gentle, empathetic approach to talk Samantha down without handcuffs at the end. He eventually returns her original dolls to her, which immediately makes her docile. Samantha's fragile psyche snapped