For you long time Criminal Minds fans, you may remember that the last couple of seasons, Paget Brewster had an on again/off again relationship with the show. Taking a turn for international spies and government intrigue, the show took a weird approach in explaining away Emily Prentiss’s (Paget’s character) disappearance.
But, after much fan protest, not only did Prentiss return, so did AJ Cook’s character JJ.
Now, after a total of seven seasons, Paget Brewster has decided to leave Criminal Minds. She will be taking up half-hour comedies. Apparently, facing so much criminal behavior and darkness can take a toll on a person. She tells Deadline, “After six wonderful years playing Emily Prentiss, I have decided it’s time for me to move on…I am excited about the future and other opportunities.”
I’ve been a long time fan of the show, and I can’t help but wonder about the revolving door of characters on the show.
Lola Glaudini was part of the original cast of Criminal Minds as Elle Greenway, but left because she was too unhappy in Los Angeles (not that I can blame her…). She only last two seasons.
Mandy Patkin also left the show after three seasons of playing Jason Gideon, explaining that he left the show because of how much he loathed violence and was uncomfortable with certain episodes of the show.
I can only imagine what an actor must go through when facing such darkness that this show uncovers.
Now can these awesome actors stop leaving? I’m beginning to hate getting used to new people. And, one more request, can we cut the international spy stuff out of the reason why Prentiss is leaving? That’s another yawn-ster.
