Numb3rs: Killer Chat

"Killer Chat" is the 11th episode of the third season of the American television show Numb3rs. 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.