Next season, The Tenth!!!, our team will again must face the Question: do we add someone else, or we don't?
Your turn to help them make the best decision. Politely, and within reason, please...
Do you think Criminal Minds should add another agent to their roster? If so, Who, when?
I think one issue with Alex Blake was the inability for a complete background of her character to be created. Hense people didn't understand her or where she was coming from.
ReplyDeleteI understand that it is hard to create so many different levels for so many characters. And I applaud the work that's been done to date... However, that said. I think it is in the best interests of the characters remaining if writers only have to concentrate on them, rather then try to fit yet another person into the fold, complete with background and back story.
Hotch, Rossi, Morgan, Reid, JJ and Garcia along with reoccurances of Cruz, Will, Beth, Jack, Henry, and even Anderson are more then plenty to keep this long time fan a happy camper for Season 10 and hopefully beyond!
I shall accept what 'is'.... and move forward to what shall be".... author unknown!
In normal circumstances I would say not as they have enough profilers in the team. However, after the massive overload of JJ last season, I fear that if she is the only female profiler on the team we would get even more of her next season and I doubt I could watch that. It is such a shame that Blake has gone as she was a believable character with the right qualifications and had such potential.I think they should bring in another experienced female team member and write for them properly this time.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree. I cannot take anymore of JJ dominating every single episode. I would not mind having someone new, but if there is no one introduced, I will watch--but only if JJ is not too present. I hated this past season
DeleteIf it was Paget Brewster in a lot of episodes -would you people say the same thing!! I think you would. A lot of us fought to keep A.J Cook on the show. She is a fantastic actress and down to earth person. A shame you guys feel that way-she's part of the original cast.
DeleteWe too fought to have AJ and Paget back, we too did sign the petitions, posted about it, called CBS over and over to get them back.
DeleteWhat does AJ being down to earth have to do with how people react to her character? How an actor/actress is have no bearing on how people will perceive a character. Someone could be a nice person or total bastard and it doesn't matter because the conversation is about the character not the person playing the character.
As for JJ, the writers and AJ herself have gambled that fans would love the changes in the characters, some have other have not. The writers and AJ should be asking themselves why so many do not like JJ now.
As for the original cast, STRICKLY speaking of those who were in episode 1 season 1, no AJ was not, only TG, MGG, SM and KV were.
E.J.
DeleteIt's NOT AJ Cook that people are railing against... Yes, the person maybe very down to earth in real life, I don't know. What is happening is that people are railing at the character.... JJ has become little miss perfect on the show and it's just not an accurate portrayal of a human being much less a modern woman. If fans of the show wanted Alias like female characters we would have watched Alias and maybe that show would still be on the air.
I think the problem that AJ fans have is they can't separate AJC from JJ any longer... and THAT is part in part the actress's fault. Did AJC push for this type of portrayal of her character??? Is it easier for her to play a character that maybe more in tune with her real life persona??? Maybe, but that just shows her acting limitations in my mind. I don't know for sure... but one thing I do know is that S9 effectively ruined the character of JJ for me. I loved JJ's character in S1-5, she was warm, she was smart, she was endearing. She could shoot with the best of them, and still remained composed. Now, she's a dime a dozen ass kicking female character, who Erica Messer has used to upsurp the true heads of the BAU (Hotch & Rossi) heck even Derek and Spenser is above her. Yet throughout the season we were shown every member of the so called team deferring to JJ. And frankly that's not right.
And now because of what was done to the character, because of the implausibility of 200 I no longer care about the character returning to the show or not... and I too signed the petition to bring her back. Hind sight being 20/20 I wonder how many fans would do it again?????
S10 should get back to what made CM a great procedural show and steer clear of the gimmicky science fiction like story lines that happened this past season...
Just my 2 cents worth.
I should add, the reason many are irritated with JJ is that her rise to prominence was made at the expense of many of the fans beloved characters, Reid, Hotch, Rossi who have all seen their screen time shrink as JJ saw hers increased. Of course Reid, Hotch and Rossi fans will complain but what is even more telling is that fomer fans of JJ are too complaining, this more than anything else is revealing of how badly the changes with JJ are a miss.
DeleteOhh and P.S - I personally disliked and distrusted Emily Prentiss from the first episode she appeared in. I was not and am not sorry to see her go. I wish the writers would have done more with Seaver and Blake instead of what I think was intentionally limiting the characters to make them unappealing.
DeleteBarbara Reilly,
DeleteI do agree with you about Blake, they could have done so much more. She was a believable FBI agent, not some character out of the hunger games/some comic book character. I do not know if the actress left on her own accord or her contract was just not renewed but I was sorry to see Blake go.
But I was not sorry to see Seaver go. A cadet had no place on the elite team of the FBI. Yes, Reid got on the team pretty much out of school but Reid got on the team for his intellect, Seaver because she was the daughter of a serial killer. This at best should have earned her some interviews with the BAU nothing more.
As for Prentiss, no I didn't trust her when she did show up BUT she did gain my trust by proving over and over that she was trustful.
AJ Cook actually did an interview around the beginning of season 9 where she was dissing the original JJ, calling her something along the line of a wimp.She also said something about this JJ being a lot closer to who she is in real life.So it sounds like to me that AJ Cook just basically wanted to play herself. Now I do believe the actress backtracked a bit on her harsh assessment of the original incarnation of her character,but it was probably only because of the backlash over what she said.
DeleteI agree with you about Seaver... the character could have been brought in in a whole ton more plausible ways.... and that's the fault of the show runner/writers etc... Seaver was doomed simply because of her 'stated' background and how she came to the BAU....
DeleteI didn't like Prentiss from the minute they brought her in. Especially when it was looking like she was going to be Strauss' mole... Guess I'm narrow minded that way but I was always expecting a back stab to come from her....
As for Blake... I know we'll never know who initiated her not coming back. But I have to wonder if an actress of her caliber just had enough with being set draping rather then actual acting role...
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI get what you are saying... however, I don't think that if there is only one more season left, that bringing in a new character, who would take away from those already there, is a wise idea. A new profiler would have to be introduced much better then Blake was, or even Seaver and that takes time and multiple episodes. I'd rather see concentration put onto our beloved characters that stll remain.
While I don't want to go through another season of JJ my guess is that if SM truly is leaving after this upcoming year that he will be prominent in the storyline.
JJ was toned back quite a bit since 200 aired, and I like to think that TPTB did read and hear the complaints of long time fans and did that intentionally.
I hope you are right Barbara! However, if they are considering CM going beyond Season 10 - which they might given the lack of anything to replace it - they need to open it up with another character at least. I can't see Joe going beyond next season as he is well over the credible age for a field agent and Shemar has already said he is going. If they are thinking of winding up next season I'm a bit scared of just how schmoopy they finish it! Weddings and babies and lots of fanfiction stories! I guess we may get a clue about their thinking from the terms of Matthew's new contract
DeleteJoe has said that he will stay with CM until it's over. Yes, I realize in real life he would be over the age limit of a field agent. However, this is hollywood, and they can and do take creative license.
DeleteIf season 10 is it... all I want is for our intrepid team to go out 'happy'... To leave us fans with a sense that they are out there, doing what they do best.
JJ has been toned down since 200?? yeah right, did you see "What Happens in Mecklinberg"? It was all JJ all the time. Never watching that episode again
DeleteCriminal Minds has had 4 lovely talented actress's for that position, who've come & left for various reasons. I don't think it's fair to ask another actress to try & fill their boots or try & win over the dedicated hard core fan following Criminal Minds has, that's a huge ask. Leave the well oiled team / cast as it is, even though that means AJ / JJ will be the only female field agent, but with her new profiler, kick boxing character, I have a feeling she'll manage. D That's only my opinion though, one voice in thousands...
ReplyDeleteJACKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome Home Honey!!!!! :) :)
DeleteI agree with you, it isn't fair to ask another actress at this stage to step in and try to replace those who've left. Especially if there is only one more season left. If they get wind that there is a S11 or even S12 then yes, do justice to another agent and go ahead and add one. But don't make the same mistakes that were made with Jeanne T... and Alex Blake.
Well said, Jackie. I completely agree with you!
DeleteI hope they don't bring on new agent. Alex was the best.
ReplyDeleteI really would like to see Paget (Prentiss) back. We need another female, I think and Emily was perfect when she was on with the team. I miss her so much. She can come back from England with intel knowledge of ...I don't know. .. some lunatic and well the story line can go on from there. What do you guys think? I don't get enough of her episodes. I just checked out season 3 Volume 2 & 3 from the library. These are the episodes where Rossi joins the team & Penelope gets shot by that jerk. UGH! Even though I know the out come, I still go through all of the emotions.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm just putting it out there. My hubby and I would love to see her back. This group did make a GREAT team and I hope you all do too.
Take care and God bless.
Hi Melanie,
DeleteI understand that there are alot of Paget's fan's that would love to see her come back to CM. However, from interviews she's done she's indicated that she isn't interested in anything more then a 'guest' appearance.
"I shall accept what 'is'.... and move forward to what shall be".... author unknown!
I love Paget dearly. She was the main reason besides Thomas that I became a fan of this excellent show. Never cared for Gideon *Sorry if I stepped on toes here* but Paget brought in something strong yet feminine.
DeleteI know she does not care about returning besides a guest appearance or 2 and I'm ok with that. Though I dearly miss her.
Hey,
DeleteI would like to see Paget come back, because just now with Saint Francis not continuing the production she is available again. (YAAY !!!!) It would be too awesome to be true!
Because I think nobody except Jeanne T or Paget would fit in there again. It is too hard to introduce ANOTHER female character.
Even though I know Paget said she has no intention of coming back, but that was when she had a contract for Saint Francis. Soo it will be a thrilling summer time, right?
I've had a really hard time understanding CMRT's aversion to Paget Brewster
ReplyDeletewho's been in 126 episodes in 7 seasons. If she never makes another return, she
deserves more respect than this site has ever given her. Even if she never
returns as a regular, she has repeatedly stated she'd be willing to make guest
appearances. Your picture with the subscript "forever gone" completely ignores
that. Unless you have inside knowledge from Erica Messer and Paget that they
decided not to invite her back. Paget she be given more deference than what is
given to every recurring character.
You don't even find her worthy enough to include her twitter account on your
site; although you include all the bit players under the guise of "recurring
character" even though we know characters like Maeve and the actor who plays her
truly is, forever gone.
I've long been a fan of Criminal Minds Roundtable but you do Paget and her fans
a disservice by treating her as if she is somehow unworthy.
As a main character Prentiss is effectively "Forever Gone" because Paget has said time and again that she doesn't want to come back as such. The possibility of her re-playing the role in 1 or several episodes as a recurring character has no bearing in the decision the writers/producers have to make starting today about expanding once again the main cast or not.
DeleteThis post is a place for the fans to express their opinions precisely about that, because we think is a very important decision and we think the fans have the right to have their say.
Nobody who isn't currently working (if only in some episodes, when is sure they will be) on Criminal Minds has their Twitter accounts included, but you're right, Maeve died and we forgot to eliminate that account from the list; mishap corrected now.
First, we do respect Paget a lot like everyone who are or have been associated with CM. After all we did take a big part in the campaign to get Paget and AJ back, we posted links to the petition
Deletehttp://criminalmindsroundtable.blogspot.ca/2010/06/keep-aj-cook-and-paget-brewster_15.html
actually look at all our posts under June 2010 and until Paget and AJ came back, you will see we were very supportive of Paget.
As for her twitter account not listed, we do not list the one of the people who left the show. Yes Beth Riesgraf is listed, our mistake, should have been removed. But remember this is a fan site and we do what we can WHEN we can.
We do not consider Paget unworthy, if she was to come back we would be happy but she made it clear she did move on and wants to do other things, thus the 'forever gone' mention. So we choose to concentrate on the cast that are still part of the show.
When Elle and Mandy were with the show, Twitter had not been created, so not including them is certainly understandable. As far as I know, Mandy still doesn’t have a Twitter account; but because this is a fan site, the diplomatic thing to do would be to include all of our CM favorites rather than coming up with reasons to exclude them. Instead of eliminating Beth, Paget should have been included. They’re both lovely ladies with dedicated fan bases, and they have contributed positively to the CM legacy. Paget’s contribution and investment in CM’s success is undeniable and cannot be easily duplicated. And the rationale that Paget is no longer a fulltime character makes the omission appear to be unappreciative or punitive.
DeleteTo answer the broader question, if we can’t get Paget back as a fulltime, recurring or guest character; leave it at six and give more screen time to Thomas Gibson. He’s a brilliant actor ,and Hotch has been sorely underused.
teenybit,
DeleteYou say "but because this is a fan site, the diplomatic thing to do would be to include all of our CM favorites rather than coming up with reasons to exclude them."
To my knowledge NO ONE has come up with reasons to 'exclude anyone'.
Yes this is a fan site. But this post is asking whether Alex Blake (Jeanne Tripplehorn) should be replaced now that she's no longer on the show and a part of the cast. This post isn't asking if the site should dedicate this thread to actor's or actresses no longer here.
As other's have said... this blog follows the current cast and crew as it pertains to each season. There have been many writers, producers, crew as well as cast who've left the CM fold which the blog doesn't follow either. It's not a slight to them at all. It would be an enormous undertaking to keep up with every actor/writer/producer/crew member who has ever worked on CM and adequately report on their current projects. In my mind it is simply much easier to keep up with the current then it is to try to keep up with everyone from the past.
I'm sorry if you think anyone is slighting those who are no longer with the show. I hope my opinion/explanation maybe helps you understand the 'why' of it.
Barbara,
DeleteCouldn't explain it better.
teenybit,
DeleteWe do not list Ed Bernero, Simon Mirren, Jayne Atkinson, Lola Glaudini who are all on twitter and were at some point on CM. This is a choice we made, as Barbara said we cannot list each and everyone who have been part of CM way too many people to list, and beside were would we draw the line? At Cast? Crew? Writers? Guests cast? It is fair to draw the line at those who are the current cast on CM, after all this blog is about current news about CM.
I have mixed feelings about it. I think the show could benefit with a smaller cast. Besides any new character is going to automatically be rejected simply because they are not Prentiss. And whose to say that EM and her writers would even bother to take the time to define the character,since they didn't bothered to do it with Blake.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I am very wary of JJ being the lone female agent. I feel it would give EM and these writers an excuse to continue to focus excessively on this unlikable Mary Sue.
Paget "should" be given more deference than what is
ReplyDeletegiven to every recurring character
If season 10 really is the last season, I don't think they should introduce another character.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Blake (she was exactly what I was waiting for after the Seaver disaster), but she was clearly under used and that's a shame.
I think they should keep the team as it is, and take the opportunity to give more screen time to Hotch, Rossi and Reid.
Just go with who is there now.
ReplyDeleteI dont think they should bring in anymore people. I think they should have let Alex stay
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed her on the show.
As for some of you who have said, last season was foccused much on JJ.. I do agree with you.. kind of..
And Joe did say he would stay untill the show is completely finished.. only Shemar Moore said he would leave after 10.. but there are more Loved Charactors in the show.
Even if Matthew did sign a contract for anothet 2 seasons doesnt mean there is going to be another 2 seasons. His contract can be cut if CBS cancels after this season.
If the ratings stay as high as they did in season 9 for season 10.. its a good sign CBS will keep Criminal minds going.
I actually thought it wouldnt last after season 8. That season really dissapointed me.. as for
Season 9 I thought was sooo good am still trying to get over the ending
Also people keep going on about how Emily left and bring back Paget..
ReplyDeleteRemember it was her choice to leave.. not CBS..(this time)
Also if you look nacl at the last 8 season tjey hasnt been alot centered on JJ...
I think they should leave the team as is. The writers would have known for a while that JT was leaving so I wonder if the "overload" of JJ in the latter half of the season had more to do with the writers showing us AJ would be female lead and JJ would be sole female field agent...a breaking in period if you will? From the moment Paget left I thought they should have moved on with the cast as it was. At the very least they could have waited a few eps into S8, given just the 6 a go to see how everything worked out and then if they felt they still needed to bring someone on they could. They could do that with start of S10 but I really think they should just leave well enough alone. AJ can handle being the female lead without a doubt imo. It's sad because I liked Blake and especially JT but the writers never gave her anything, until her final moments on the show, to work with. She was always on the peripheral and I think a lot of that had to do with the writers at this point in the show's run being comfortable writing for certain characters or veteran characters of show in general and they either found it hard to weave Blake in or were just set in their ways and went with what they knew...which are the character(s) they like to write for. Also leaving the team as is could mean more screen time for others as there would be one less person to write for therefore more screentime could be spread around to the remaining 5 field agents. show should just continue on with current cast as it is already a well congealed group and while JT seemed to fit in nicely it hasn't been the same since Paget left and given that things should just be left alone and show should move on with 6 cast members- show will manage just fine.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with what you said.
DeleteShould add that while if they decide to have AJ as the lead they should remember that many have complained this season about an overload of JJ this past season.
DeleteI think all of the people that would like to see Paget back should say so. If she doesn't want to return, then we will full understand but this is a question for the fans and I think it's harmless to let her know we still wish for her return. If she chooses not to, that is her decision and I, for one, will accept that, but it's an open invitation for CM to hear the fan's opinions and as fans we have a chance to have a part in the decision, if our opinions are actually significant when the decision is made. People change their minds all the time and with this question, I don't see that we are pressuring her at all. If she doesn't wish to return, I wouldn't suggest bringing in another new character unless there will be another season after season 10.
ReplyDeleteI believe Paget's made herself clear in several interviews that she does NOT wish to return to CM full time. She chose to quit after season 7 even after CBS reversed themselves and gave her an excellent contract to return and stay. I believe it was the same contract as JT was offered when she came aboard in Season 8. She was honored they wanted her for her guest appearance in 200. But after that she would see what was offered. Erica and Paget have both said while it would be 'nice for Paget to come back, it would depend heavily on the storyline. She herself has moved on and rarely comments on CM.
Deleteaaronemilylove CM,
DeleteNo problem with people asking for Paget to be back or Seaver or Gideon or Elle etc...We are open to all suggestions, this thread is for people to speak up, think of it as a wish list, we can ask for all we want do not mean we will get it but no arm in asking :)
Very true! Thank you. :-)
DeleteAlthough I wasn't keen for Jeanne Tripplehorn to join the cast in season 8, I grew to really like her. I think she was screwed by the writers. Erica didn't want her there and I think the writing reflected that. They barely gave her anything to do. I was sorry to see her go, but I don't blame her one bit for leaving.
ReplyDeleteI agree that not replacing the character would leave more time for the others and that season 10 will likely be the last one, so there's not much point in introducing a new character at this point. Maybe they could involve some female local field agents or local law enforcement more in several of the episodes as they did in earlier seasons. But I also agree with those who have had it up to the eyeballs with JJ. I certainly don't want to see her get any more focus than she's already had the past 2 seasons. So I wouldn't mind if they brought another female in. But they have to use that person wisely and bring in a character that has some real beneficial skills/area of expertise
Yes, I agree with everything you have said!
DeletePlease done bring anyone new in. I feel like the team needs lots of time to let the news of Alex, Emily, and even Erin sink in a lot more than you have let them.
ReplyDeleteBring someone new in will just make them push their true feelings away.
If they are planning on ending the show after season ten I do not see the purpose of adding a new cast member to the show for just one season. Usually it takes a little while for fans to get used to a new member. Like with prentiss and rossi. But bringing someone new in only for one season doesnt seem logical unless they end up continuing the show after season ten. I dont really can't either way. But to introduce a new character at the end seems kind of pointless to me.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy with the team "as is" however adding another female to the team would also be great. As a fan, I have a hard time picturing what that character would look like (physically of course, but also the character herself). When I picture Paget, I think of the perfect character to fill the void. I'll be happy no matter what the writers / producers decide... They haven't let me down this far! CM10!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think they should bring a female profiler and potential love interest for Reid. He's over Maeve by now.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I currently despise JJ these days, I don't think bringing in a new character would necessarily solve anything, unless the writers make a conscious effort to highlight the other characters. Erica never wanted to hire Jeanne. That was a decision forced on her by CBS, and it reflected in the (lack of) development of Alex and the limited amount of screentime she received. I fear that any new character would likely suffer the same fate, so at this point, why bother?
ReplyDeleteIf they do choose to hire a new cast member though, I would prefer it if that person went into the media liaison role. There is simply not enough profiling work for the core five profilers plus a newbie, particularly if the show continues to spend so much time showcasing the unsubs. At least the media liaison role would be different.
As much as I love Paget and Emily, I personally don't see any plausible way to bring her back to the show as a series regular, not with the way they wrote her exit story. I mean, it's one thing to fake your death and go into protective custody and when the threat is removed, return to the BAU. But Emily chose to leave the FBI to go run the London field office of Interpol. I can't see any plausible reason why Emily would give up a sweet job, a job with prestige and power, to be some subordinate team member in the BAU again. She already quit the FBI once because it didn't feel right to be on the job anymore, and coming back stretches credulity. So I am perfectly content to leave Paget as is, and just move on.
Agree with everything you say 100%, I only want a new team member because I fear otherwise even more focus will be on JJ as the female on the team and last season totally finished my tolerance of JJ 2.0.
DeleteLeave it alone - we went through a lot of wondering if they would bring another female in . I see there is a lot of JJ/AJ bashing. It's a shame that we bash one of original characters because of her appearance in majority of the episodes. I'd rather see more JJ than a new character. We all went through enough character changes over the years . Leave it alone and go with the flow of characters we have .
ReplyDeleteDon't add a new character, and keep JJ toned down. Bring back the team dynamic, and give Hotch, Reid and Morgan more quality time onscreen.
ReplyDeleteAnd leave AJ where she is in the credits, behind Matthew...
PREACHHH!!!
DeleteReally if they can't get Jeanne back, and can't get Paget back I would prefer they give more screen to the woefully underused Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, and Matthew Gubler. I really hope they don't do another season of JJ overload, I don't think I could take it.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more. It would have been one thing had they just given JJ a story arc and maybe a little extra focus like they did with Matthew in season 8,but the excessive focus on her got beyond ridiculous.It made the season damn near unbearable for me to watch.
DeleteAnd can we please have Hotch back as the boss full time,instead of that Mary Sue acting at times as if she were the boss
I understand that some fans have found JJ to be very dominant in season 9. But after Blake's exit I don't think it would be fair for a new actress to come in and try to fill the spot. Many actresses have come and gone since Elle's exit and some have been audience favorites while others weren't. But to introduce a new character when the show is going into its tenth season and fans love the characters. I think they should stay with the characters they have and divide up the screen time between all the characters. Given the fact that JJ is a stronger character since her return in season 7 she can probably handle being the only female field agent.
ReplyDeleteJJ may very well be able to handle being the only female agent,but I honestly don't know if I can handle it.Especially if it to gives EM and her writers an excuse to continue shoving her down our throats.
DeleteI think they should keep the team they got. They have a great team, no more new people. I don't think they show too much JJ drama. I love JJ she is one of my favorite females, her and Garcia. They should leave the show the way they do it now, it is great the way it is. JJ gets the same amount of attention as the rest of the team. They have all had their share of grief.
ReplyDeleteActually in Season 9 JJ got practically as much attention as the entire rest of the team put together! So much so that for the first time ever I am not pre-ordering the DVDs for my collection. What with the dominance of the icy, arrogant Mary Sue and the often juvenile storylines - like the ridiculous fitness story with Reid and Garcia - and of course the worst episode ever made in "200" I am waiting a year to get the DVDs at a knock down price, If I get them at all. Although there were some great moments it was all overshadowed by the overload of JJ. I really hope that next season we see more of the team and much, much, much less of her.
DeleteDuring Season 9 the storylines for Alex Blake were not as good as Season 8. I believe that if the team does decide to bring in someone new it should be someone who has worked with the team before, but was not apart of the team. I am still a huge fan of the show. I also will be adding Criminal Minds Season 9 to my DVD collection.
ReplyDeleteJust please stop it with JJ in every single scene dominating everything and being shoved down our throats. We get it Erica Messer--You are in love with AJ Cook, but to be honest I still have not grown a liking to JJ since season 1. The was always the least interesting character ever, and pretty boring. And this new MarySueNinjaBarbieMom version is so awful, I do not want to rewatch season 9.
ReplyDeleteNext season I want to have more focus on Reid and Hotch as they were barely present in the entire season9. and please I heard rumors of a Jane Lynch visit--No Thank you--I couldn't care less about Reid's mom.
So if they want a newbie--which I don't expect to happen--I will be indifferent. But if they keep the team at 6 members DO NOT CONTINUE TO SHOVE THAT HORRIBLE JJ DOWN OUR THROUTS PLEAS. I am begging right now!
I was actually fond of the JJ in the earlier season. I even petitioned to get her back.Unfortunately we ended up with this obnoxious unlikable Mary Sue whom they preceded to shove down our throats.
DeleteI still blame CBS more than anyone.If they hadn't so stupidly messed with the cast,there is a good chance we'd probably still have Prentiss and JJ would still be our media liaison.
I myself wouldn't mind seeing Diana Reid again.I'm just very leery as to how EM and this writers would handle it.I found that brief story line about her in the episode "Persuasion" rather implausible.
I would love to see Jane Lynch reprise her role as Reid's mom - as long as they write it believably this time. The Grand Canyon story in Persuasion was frankly ridiculous - but these writers are good at stretching credibility beyond the breaking point.
DeleteOh I would love more Jane Lynch if they can get her. I found it an interesting dynamic.
ReplyDeleteI vote NO for add on's if this is to be the last season. Spend the time on Thomas Gibson's role and ensuring a strong cohesive team with emphasis on TEAM without these exaggerated character changes that have knocked out logic and subtlety. And please return to intelligent stories that once were a major reason why CM was so distinguishable from the multiply crime dramas.
ReplyDeleteWow, I wonder how Aj Cook feels knowing that she was so loved and is now so hated. Must be tough, I hope she doesn't take that stuff home with her, Jeanne clearly did.
ReplyDeleteI honestly doubt a.j cook feels bad. Sure there are people who dont like her but thats how it is with anything. There will always be people who dont like you. And being a celebrity you even get more critique. There are still plenty of people out there who do like a.j cook so I'm sure shes fine. I myself dont get involved in the celebrity drama. Criminal minds is a good show. They have a good cast. And overall a great story line. Thats why I watch it. Everything else makes no difference to me.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call the JJ debate a "celebrity drama". For me, and for many others who have watched the show for 9 seasons and become invested in the characters, it was a slap in the face to have petitioned for JJ.s return only to be presented with a completely different character . Then in "200" we get the desperate and juvenile retconning to try to explain why the character has completely changed which was such a terrible waste of a milestone episode that should have celebrated the team. It is frustration, anger and disappointment, You cannot watch a show faithfully for all this time without feeling something for the characters.
DeleteIve been watching criminal minds as well since 2005. I just don't honestly think about stuff like this. I'm not hating. Im just stating my opinion. I watch the show because I love the show. There may be an episode I dont care for but overall the show is still worth watching to me. I agree j.j was in season nine alot but I think it was because they wanted to give more background on her. We know the background on morgan getting molested and we found out about emily being pregnant at 15. They had a big thing on emily with ian Doyle. They always try to give background info on all of the characters. This season they focused on j.j.. and her being "super woman" honestly isnt impossible. People really do move up in their feilds and also with a good trainer and the right amount of training anyone can turn into a good fighter. I for one wouldnt want to mess with any woman or man in the fbi or swat. J.J isnt my favorite but id Still rather see a original character on the show then have her be replaced by a new character. Shes been in it since season one... yeah shes changed but in real life people change. I dont see the point on hating on her. Shes not the one who writes the scripts and we as an audience cant do anything about it except stop watching if we hate it that much.
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, all due respect to your opinion, seriously. I do not mean disrespect to AJ Cook. She is a lovely young woman. The thing is she has never had"it" for me, that magic something that some people have that draws us to them. She is just another blonde actress to me, having no "je ne sais quoi". Stars have different fan bases because people have so many differing tastes in what is appealing. It makes your opinion or strong fans of AJ Cook's feelings no less valid She has never appealed to me. I was not watching the show back when she was fired but I am very certain I would have been fine with her firing. Had they replaced her with someone more interesting than the Seavers character she might well have remained fired. I know I would not have missed her. It will not matter what superpowers they give the character she sill remain not terribly interesting to me. We have a saying at work: If you paint a turd it is still a turd. No disrespect and no I am not comparing Ms. Cook to a turd. She is physically very lovely, just very vanilla to me.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, it might be wiser if the writers would write a one or two show arc around a character and then moved on rather than devote an entire season to a character. They turned my feelings for AJ from mildly disinterested into a fairly strong dislike because I have felt she was shoved in my face all season. It isn't fair to her really.
Oh my gosh, Thank you for writing this. I agree with everything you have said! I never found JJ interesting and she is vanilla and just another REPLACEABLE blonde.
DeleteOh I mean I agree. I'm not even standing up for a.j cook. I like reid. Hes my favorite. I was just making the case and point that to me it doesnt really matter if shes on the show or not. I love criminal minds. If she leaves, whatever. If she stays, whatever. Her action stuff doesnt bother me overall the story line is still good. I still enjoy watching the show and will continue to watch it until I no longer do. I wasnt a huge fan of alex blake, to me she had no personality. But I didnt mind that she was on the show because I still enjoyed the story line and the other characters. They are like a family in the show and in real life. To me, Blake never really fit into that family scene. Reid, rossi, prentiss, j.j, hotch, and morgan are like family on and off set. I think thats cool, thats what makes the show good. The cast has great chemistry they are great at working with each other. I'm not an a.j cook fan by any means. She just doesnt bother me either. I like criminal minds. Simple as that.
DeleteI never found JJ all that interesting either.But at least I was somewhat fond of her. However I too probably would have been fine with her firing had they bought in a more interesting character to replace her.These days I absolutely cannot stand her.
DeleteAnd no disrespect intended Gabrielle,but we did not need to have this obnoxious unlikable Mary Sue shoved down our throats all season long in order to get some info regarding her background.
And speaking of said background,what they did with JJ was so ridiculous,so over the top and so implausible that it probably did they opposite of what EM and the actress had been hoping.People like myself who had already been seeing her as a Mary Sue now saw her as an even bigger one.People who hadn't seen her as a Mary Sue before were now seeing her as one.And then there are people like Tammi and Zayrina who found JJ to be bland boring and totally uninteresting and they still view her character the same way.And last but not least you have the people who were still fans of JJ's in seasons 7 and 8, who now hate her because of what went on in season 9.
IMHO season 9 didn't do the actress or her character any favors.Because even if AJ/JJ did manage to gain some new fans this season it was probably offset by the fact she also ended up alienating many people and losing them as fans.
Gabrielle, I do so wish I could be more like you in regards to JJ. It probably would've made the show way more enjoyable for me this season.Unfortunately I can't, because I hate the character(not the actress) with ever fiber of my being.
DeleteYeah I mean I hope I dont come across as rude. I like hearing yalls opinions. I was just stating mine as well. I enjoy criminal minds because I like crime shows. I also like that the cast is like a family. And on top of that I like that they throw humor into the show to lighten it up so its not all dark. Reid is my favorite. All in all I watch the show because it makes me happy. It always has. Season nine wasn't my favorite season but criminal minds to me is still worth watching. And ive always been a fan of actors over actresses. I dont hace a problem with anyone in the cast but ive always liked reid, mogan, rossi, gideon, hotch, etc. Over prentiss, j.j, seaver, blake, garcia, etc. My favorite female has always been garcia out of all of them. But as ive said none of them have ever bothered me enough to dislike the show.
ReplyDeleteAlso, people are going to like who they like regaurdless of the script. Some people simply wont like a character and thats with any show. As I said I didnt care for blake. I just didnt announce it. But ive been on other criminal mind blogs where everyone is cutting down reid. Saying how "no one can be that smart and he is inhuman" ive heard probably just as many people cut down reid as ive heard people cut down j.j. and alot of people dont like blake as well. But then there are alot of people who do like them as well. Criminal minds has a huge fan base considering how long it has been on. There will always be people who dislike a certain character. But no show is perfect. Some people love the new j.j others hate her. Some people love reid some people cant stand him. With anything you cant please everyone. And criminal minds has had the most veiwers this season out of any. I'm just the type of person who doesnt care about any of it. If I like it I'll watch it if it gets to the point if annoyance then I'll stop watching it. ( but also keep this in mind. This stuff probably doesnt bother me because I'm not a tv person. Criminal minds is literally the only show ive ever watched.) I like it enough to keep watching even if some episodes arnt as good as others.
ReplyDeleteI get what you are saying and it's a valid point.All the characters,even a huge fan favorite like Reid,have their share of people who don't like them.But I am guessing the people who you see cutting down Reid have always disliked him pretty much from the beginning.In JJ's case we have a lot of people who use to be fans,but can no longer stand her.
DeleteIndeed the ratings for Criminal Minds were quite good this season and I am very happy about that. I always want my show to do well, despite some of the problems I have with it.
But I got to say I seriously doubt they'd be able to sustain those ratings if JJ is allowed to dominate season 10 the way she dominated season 9.And don't forget ratings aren't always an indication of the fans' approval or disapproval of things.Perfect example:We know the majority of the fans hated Seaver,wanted her gone and were demanding the return of JJ.Yet despite that the show saw no decline in it's ratings.In fact I believe they may have even increased a bit.
One more thing, I guess Im just trying show a different perspective to the j.j. thing. To those who dont like her if you dont like her so much that it ruins the show for you stop watching it... but if you still enjoy the show but she just annoys you, watch it for the other characters and enjoy it for other reasons like I do. Just because alot of people dont like her, (I'm neutral) alot of people do like her. Therefore, as it may upset some to keep her on the show, others would be upset if she were taken off. Just like as I mentioned above alot of people I've seen cut down reid as well. I'm sure alot of you (myself included) would be upset if he got taken off the show. There will always be problems with every show because it is difficult to make everyone happy. My advice would just be if you like the show, through your aggrivations look at the positives and see if its worth watching. if it bothers you this much, stop watching. If you still find yourself enjoying it, even with the changes, Continue to enjoy it regardless of one character. Enjoy the other 5. :)
ReplyDeleteI do see your point and I will of course always watch to see my favourite characters. However, we do know that they do sometimes take notice of fans feedback so I will continue to do so. Of course I still enjoy much of the show but when they totally change a once liked character, or try to bring in too much cheese into the team moments, or use completely inane plots like "200" it does make me angry and I have to comment. Feedback and criticism is important in everything. I think this surge of dislike for JJ is getting to be even more than there was for Seaver - and we all know what happened to her!
DeleteCriminal Minds is absolutely my favorite TV show, and I will continue to watch as long as I find it interesting to me, or until Thomas Gibson leaves. I am one of the former JJ lovers who has definitely changed my mind about her, I just don't like this new personality of hers, she is too Mary Sue perfect and a know it all.
DeleteAnd, sad to say, I've never liked Morgan's or Reid's characters, but I'm one of the elder women of the tribe and I don't like bald, muscle-bound types, nor do I like the skinny, nerdy types, but I do recognize that many others do, and it takes all kinds to populate our world, so I'm good with them. I certainly wouldn't stop watching my favorite show just because it had a couple of characters on it that I didn't like. The only time I came close was when Mandy Patinkin was on and I hadn't become invested in the show yet. I hated Jason Gideon with a passion.
I have yet to understand what in the world Erica Messer was thinking in bringing that particular 200th episode to the screen. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A TEAM EPISODE, not a JJ episode. It even failed in showing us why JJ was brought to the Pentagon...to help catch bin Laden...laughable!
My personal preference would be to bring Prentiss back, but I don't think that will happen and I can understand why it won't. She and Thomas Gibson were my favorites on the show, so of course, I would like to see that team back. I would like TPTB to at least wait a few episodes to bring anyone on board; I think they should have done that when they brought Jeanne Tripplehorn on board. I think if they had done that, she might have been accepted quicker...of course, if the writers had written for her better. I've always wondered if Erica Messer gave them the message that JT should not have a particularly good "presence" on the show...just sayin'. Food for thought. Anyway, my two cents worth.
Hey it's all good.Not everybody likes the same characters.However in JJ's case, since so many people who were once fans of her can no longer stand her,you'd think they might want to step back and maybe reassess what they've done with the character.Of course one would have to recognize that there was a problem in the first place,although AJ Cook did recently admit that at least 50% of the fandom didn't like the changes in her character.However according to the actress the problem lies with those fans and not her character.
DeleteI agree about "200" I was positively livid when I found out she had been given it because imo she absolutely did not merit this milestone episode.The only reason JJ/AJ was given this milestone episode is because she is EM's "golden girl".
However despite the way I was feeling I decided to take someone advice and give the episode a chance.I had hoped it would be like "100" which even though it was Hotch centric still had quite a bit of focus on the rest of the team.
Of course now that wasn't what happened,but what did happen was an absolute disgrace imo. I felt like this entire episode was a slap in the face to the other cast members and their characters as well as their fans.It was as if they were saying to us that AJ/JJ was the biggest reason the show had reached this milestone episode while the other cast members had little to do with it.
I will say I did find one good thing about this piece of garbage known as "200". It has given me a new found appreciation for episode "100"
The thing is Gabrielle, that during s9 I tried to enjoy the other characters despite my dislike of JJ, however that was literally impossible as AJC was in every single scene, pointing out things that everyone else would probably notice first, and being constantly paired up with Morgan for take downs, while everyone (especially Blake, Hotch, and Reid) were disappearing. Even when they were in the same scenes as JJ the writers made it seem as if JJ was smarter and more experienced at profiling that everyone else, which is laughable. Hotch only has one line in each episode--"Wheels up"; Blake was basically furniture, I forgot she was there 99.% of the time; Reid has been reduced to setting up the evidence board and every now and then pointing things out. So how am I supposed to enjoy the characters I do still love if they are fading and no longer pertinent to the case??
DeleteWhat's with all the hate for JJ? I love what they've done with the character. She has never come off to me as being bossy or all knowing. For me, she is one of the main reasons I continue to watch. As for her being in every scene, that is just ridiculous. She hasn't gotten any more screen time than any of the others.
ReplyDelete" that is just ridiculous" Other's opinions and observations aren't respectfully referred to as ridiculous. There are many who have made the observation that AJ cook has had more screen time, and in any case been in more significant scenes than the show's leads. Our objections to this are as valid as any opinions expressed on the subject.
DeleteI didnt notice jj on more scenes. Reid and garcia were the main ones in the finale... and hotch had more than one line in each episode for sure. Yes, this season may have had jj in it more than usual... but I didnt see her overcasting anyone else. Hotch only having one line in every episode and reid and Morgan fading away is an overexaggeration. If anything, jj was just in season 9 more than the average amount.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that your perception of the finale is that Reid and Garcia were the main characters. They actually had relatively little screen time and apart from the end scene with Blake, Reid had about two short lines. JJ on the other hand had most of the action scenes as well as the extensive interviews with Dinah and conversations with Blake and the others. I still haven't forgiven whoever edited Demons for sacrificing how Rossi and Blake got out of being cornered in favor of endless scenes of JJ and Morgan running in the dark! I think the reason you think as you do is because the hospital scenes were the ones with the most dramatic tension and therefore the most memorable. But if you were to add up screen time for Demons I think JJ would come out on top - as usual.
DeleteGabrielle--I completely disagree, Reid and Garcia had three one minute scenes in the finale, as compared to JJ doing everything back at the police station when there are other members of the BAU and not just the boring blonde one.
DeleteMy perception of the finale is what Mary stated above
Tammi, Gabrielle, Mary
DeleteI had no problem with JJ in the finale overall. Yes she was at the police station doing the interview with Dinah, but who else would have done it... Blake was with Rossi (which I had a bigger problem with their cut 'shoot out' scene) and it had to be a woman interviewing her to gain her confidence. Yes, I would have liked to see Hotch in on the 'action' of the first take down, or the shoot out, but then he and Rossi were the ones to figure out that it was the corruption of the locals that was the biggest danger. But overall there was a good balance to the team. Garcia wasn't overt, yes she flew with Cruz to be with Reid, and she did have her big 'protection' scene, but I think back to what Morgan told Garcia in Exit Wounds, about how she's becoming someone stronger then she even imagined she could be and I can see the correlation to how she reacted to the threat against them. That was very well done in my opinion.
As I said in my post below, S9 is over and rehashing the good and bad won't change anything. I hope and pray that TPTB have read the well worded and respectful complaints long time fans have had with how JJ was portrayed this year and move forward, beyond and onto better things for the entire Team in S10.
Hey Everyone,
ReplyDeleteJust want to put out there that while we all have our perceptions of S9 and how the characters were portrayed, sadly we can't change what was done in S9, it's done it's over with, it's 'in the can' as the lingo goes. It does no one any good to beat the 'dead horse' so to speak. However, we can move forward.
We can discuss, should a new agent be brought in to be part of the team.
We can discuss, what types of unsubs and story lines would be interesting.
We can discuss, story lines we'd hope to see or play out in Season 10 for our cast of wonderful characters.
And while the writers can't use our actual ideas I myself find it extremely entertaining to read some of the wonderful ideas my fellow fans come up with. *Hint Hint CMRT, for a topic regarding 'hopeful storylines.*
I say all this because #1. I love this place, CMRT is like a home to me, for all my CM news, info and good discussion. #2. Season 10 very well maybe the last season we have. And while we all have favorite characters we would love to see blaze across our screens continually there are as of right now 6 main cast that deserve screen time and story lines. Not to mention Mateo Cruz who in my mind redeemed himself in the season finale and for me has become a likable character. While I don't know if Esai Morales is available next year, nor do we know if Bellamy Young, Jane Lynch, Josh Stewart or even either of the kids are available next year, I do want to see them together again.
I personally would like to see Reid move past Maeve? Maybe find a love interest for him that Morgan/Rossi/Hotch have to 'talk' with him and tell him it's alright to move forward, that Maeve would want him to be happy.
I know many of you don't like some of the side characters for various reasons, and that's fine. But what I do know is that those characters are here. They are part of cannon, and in what maybe a short 24 episodes left aren't going anywhere. So how should the writers use their storylines to benefit our intrepid team???
Now here's the thing, should TPTB know we're getting more then S10, should they maybe bring in another profiler? And if they do, how should that person be introduced and when.
I guess what I'm trying to say here, is that all the JJ, Beth, Cruz, TBTB, bashing in the world isn't going to change what's happened in Season 9. But, as intelligent adults we can move forward and discuss what could happen in Season 10 and hopefully beyond.
I personally do not want to see anything about Season 9 revisited. I would rather have the subtle nuances of the show prove that the characters have moved forward from 'the black hole of continuity' that Season 9 wrought.
It's summer folks, in 30 days the cast will be back at work. July 8th is the projected return date. Hopefully as in the past we'll get pics from behind the scenes, we'll get some leaks about story lines and before we know it our nerves will be ramped up for the Series Premier in September. Let's have fun along the way.
Thanks for reading
Barbara
I agree we can't change any of it.But it is still important for them to know that so many of us where unhappy with what went on particularly in regards to JJ. So hopefully there will be less chance of another season of JJ.
DeleteUnfortunately Debra while I do agree with some of what's the things said, at this point it is beating a dead horse. I don't think the cast/crew/producers/writers will pay any more attention to our opinions because we keep writing about it. Points were made, very eloquently I might add, and hopefully those who make the decisions have seen everyone's concerns.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I have to say again rehashing the past season over and over again will not change what happened and in my mind will only serve to irritate the powers that be should they keep reading the same thing over and over again.
Regards
Barbara
I understand that many are frustrated with what happened last season, I'm one of them , but Barbara does have a good point, time to move on, we have made our points, often now it is out of our hands.
ReplyDeletePlease go back on topic and tell us if you want a new agent to join the BAU (who do you suggest?), keep the team as is or promote SSA Anderson and make him a profiler on Hotch's team!
Thank you,
CMRT admin
I hear what you and Barbara have to say - but Gosh! I have to sit on my hands when people are still commenting and responding to comments in this thread on Season 9 and I want to dispute what they say! Obviously the debate rages on and we do need somewhere to vent our feelings - even if to some it is just flogging a dead horse,
DeleteWe see that! We will post a new thread where people will be able to says what they liked and didn't about season 9.
DeleteHopefully this new thread will be posted today,
CMRT admin
All I know is that I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER PROFILER. The show has more than enough of them.
ReplyDeleteIn fact imo there are too many of them in lieu of the fact that Criminal Minds does no where near the amount of profiling it did in the earlier seasons.
So unless the show can find away to introduce a new character in the capacity of being something other than a profiler,I'd just assume they'd leave the team as is with just the 6 of them.
I agree with you on keeping just the six. :)
DeleteMy point wasnt that garcia and reid were the stars in the finale. My point was that hotch had more than one line each episode. I said jj might have been in it more but saying that each character besides j.j only had one line is a huge exaggeration. That was my argument.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, reid didnt talk much in the finale because he got shot in the neck. But there was a fight scene with hotch, j.j, Morgan. There were hospital scenes with reid and garcia.... it wasnt ALL about j.j. yall act like no one said a word all season except for j.j. she may have been in it more but I wouldnt say no one else had lines. Because they did. - overall, and this was my entire point, in my opinion the show as a whole didnt have one character outweigh the others. Some episodes maybe... but overall I think they had a good balance between characters. The characters are like a family on and off set, you can tell that watching the show, and I dont think anyone was on more than others. I think they try to make the show about the team as a whole... and I think they do fairly well at it.
ReplyDeleteGabrielle Tubbs,
ReplyDeleteAs the admin I have asked people to move on and respect what this thread is about which is should the BAU add a new agent or not. If this cannot be respected this thread will be close.
Any other posts not following our request to remain on topic will be deleted.
CMRT admin
Alright, well I want the cast to stay the same. As I mentioned above. I do see your point a little bit, but at the same time I think people should be able to state their opinions of the show as long as it doesnt get completly out of hand. Although, we all had different views and oppions everyone stayed clean and respectful towards one another. I became part of this blog to talk about criminal minds and get the opinions of others whether I agree with them or not. No one cut down anyone or anything. We all stayed criminal minds cast related. But in respect, I'll stop posting. Thats just how I feel.
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, I had a similar experience, stayed clean and respectful, and stated my opinion, which was not well received. Interestingly, the sentiment that drew ire was repeated by another person, yet received no comment. It was a fun site, just not the right match.
DeleteYou do not have to stop posting altogether.Just post any opinions you have, that have nothing to do with them adding a new team member, over in the new thread they just started.
DeleteThe thread is about adding another agent or not? We understand that people want to state their opinion, this is why we open the threads to comments but when the conversation vear off topic we can ask people, to please stay on topic.
DeleteSince people were interested in posting about season 9 and what they liked or not we have opened a thread about that subject, feel free to post there, just follow the simple rules that are stated at the start of the thread.
CMRT admin
Would anybody happen to know if the decision whether or not to add a new character is CBS's decision alone.Or does ABC studios have a say in it.
ReplyDeleteMostly CBS/ABC as ABC are the one who pay the actors.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so it is a joint decision then.Do you happen to know how they split the profits made from the show.As I understand it all the profits made domestically goes to CBS, but ABC gets the profits that are made internationally.
ReplyDeleteYes, from what we know CBS makes money of showing in the USA with syndication , while ABC and Disney makes the money off international sales ( unless this was change recently)
ReplyDeleteWith me, as I said earlier as well, I dont think they should add a new person if they are only doing one more season. But I know nothing is completly definite yet and they probably wont know until towards the end of season ten if they will have a season 11 or not. If the show continues on past season ten a new person wouldnt bother me. But I also like the cast just the way it is so id be happy if it stayed the same. I just dont see the purpose in introducing someone completly new if they are only having one more season left.
ReplyDeleteCan I be the new agent?? As long as they don't kick anyone off the show then I guess im cool with it
ReplyDeleteHello from Catalonia. If you look at the page of the wikipedia Criminal Minds, Prentiss is in the 10 season as main cast.
ReplyDeleteAnd about Blake. The character has had to deal with the memory of Prentiss and the threat that a member left the team ... The fans have been relentless with her and has been unfair. She should have had more time to win the public.