Killer Chat

"Killer Chat" is the 11th episode of the third season of the American television show Numbers. In the episode, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents investigate the murders of several child molesters while a pair of mathematicians prepare to say goodbye to a friend. Stories about child molesters and his own experiences as a parent inspired series writer Don McGill to write the episode. "Killer Chat" also serves as the final episode of series regular Peter MacNicol before his stint on 24. As a way to send MacNicol's character, Dr. Larry Fleinhardt, off, producers and McGill sent his character into space and asked astronaut Buzz Aldrin to appear in the episode. Due to production constraints, director Chris Hardwell had to shoot one of Larry's first scenes in the episode as MacNicol's final scene. "Killer Chat" first aired in the United States on December 15, 2006. Fans and several members of the crew found themselves opposing the episode's gore. In contrast, critics gave the episode positive reviews. Plot summary Child molester John Santos (Ray Torres) is found tied to a chair and beaten to death in a vacant house up for sale, the third such victim in the past six weeks. Since a serial killer is suspected, the FBI is called in to assist with the investigation. Meanwhile, Dr. Larry Fleinhardt (Peter MacNicol) prepares for his upcoming mission to the International Space Station, which he learned some time earlier that he would be a participant in. Dr. Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz), Larry's friend and colleague, returns Larry's lucky t-shirt, which Larry had given to Charlie to keep during Larry's mission. FBI Special Agent Don Eppes (Rob Morrow) calls in Charlie and Larry for their assistance. The team learns that the three victims have been using a chat room to lure their victims and have all contacted the same chatter. FBI Special Agent Megan Reeves (Diane Farr) interview the first victim's wife, Mrs. Elaine Tillman (Robin Weigert), who denies any knowledge of her husband's online activities. Charlie suggests using a multi-attribute composition model to find the type of house that the killer would most likely use.