The ep actually was better than usual, but this isn't why I watch MacGyver. We already have Criminal Minds and 20 other crime drama shows doing these stories. Half of which air on this same network.

I actually enjoy shows that weave some reality into their story lines. When they add just enough of the real facts with some creative writing it can be quite effective. Doctor Who does this a lot and "Leverage" did it with the DB Cooper story.
That's what we need - ridiculous odds, and just a speck of hope that someday, we'll beat it

All police procedurals use real life crimes usually several times a season. "Criminal Minds" did a Zodiac Killer story that was darker thin this. "CSI" did a season long arc about BTK. "Criminal Minds" also did an episode about a kidnapper/killer in Canada that kidded his victims and put them in the pigpen to get rid of the bodies. It prompted a warning about Canadian pork 'may have human in it'. It's standard. And it also helps the general public to be more aware because some of these guys have never been caught.

This is not the first scripted crime show to do this.