Supernatural:
Season:     8     / Episode:     23    
Sacrifice

An unidentified man (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) is found shot and sexually assaulted in an alley outside of a gay bar. Detectives Benson and Stabler try to come up with possible motives and suspects. They learn the victim came from a small town in Arkansas. They then enter deeply inside the porn industry, only to realize the motive was more uncommon than what they thought: acting in porn films pays for the couple's dying daughter's mounting medical bills. The lead witness (Kevin Geer), who is a recovering drug addict, angers Fin who then has to re-think his police role. Elizabeth Banks guest stars.

The LAPD calls upon the NCIS team when a raid links a Mexican drug cartel to a wanted terrorist. Meanwhile, Sam's most prized possession is stolen.

Witch hunter Samuel comes to town with a message for Blackwell about Eben's plans; he is trying to resurrect the demons that Blackwell summoned to Chance Harbor sixteen years ago, and plans on making a human sacrifice. Meanwhile, Diana continues her relationship with Grant, but it is revealed that her magic is not the only secret in their relationship. Faye and Melissa compete for the attention of a jock at the Boathouse, while Adam tries to deal with no longer remembering why he loved Cassie.

After completing a five month long assignment, the team is called upon to stop an assassination plot targeting the president-elect and vice president-elect. The situation raises suspicion among high-level government officials. Back at the base, the Unit wives are relocated for their own safety due to the sensitive nature of their husbands' mission.

As Lagertha is unable to conceive another son, Ragnar takes his family and followers to the temple at Uppsala to attend a great rite to the Æsir and Vanir. He pledges fealty to King Horik, who charges Ragnar with an embassy to Earl Borg, a rival encroaching on Horik's lands. Siggy chides Rollo for not paying attention to his own advancement and sleeping with other women. Priests question Athelstan, now in Viking garb, about his faith. Athelstan denies Christ three times. They discern that despite his claims, he has not renounced Christianity, and they declare him unfit to be sacrificed to the gods. Leif, Ragnar's follower, volunteers in Athelstan's place for this signal honor and is sacrificed by King Horik at the climax of the rite together with eight other men and numerous animals.

Ryan is uncertain about what to do, when Wilfred attempts to convince him to stop being selfish and give up a new joy in his life in order for the rest of the people around him to continue on with their happiness at the cost of his own. Opening quote: "Love is a willingness to sacrifice." - Michael Novak