Lalaland

One could argue that the show which was already in poor health prior to Morgan and Hotch leaving, has had its impending death hastened somewhat by their absense. The rapid and significant decline in viewship over the last few seasons and the unwaning popularity of both characters (and actors), including the calls for the return of both (however unlikely that might be) for the final season, would seem to suggest they were pretty important to the series, irreplaceable even?. I have said this many many times. The writing was so bad in the last few seasons of Hotch and Morgan, that had it not been for the solid team of actors pulling it through, though visibly struggling at times, then I believe this show would have folded 4 seasons back. I agree with your comment about the last few seasons had Hotch nothing more than window dressing. Pretty shameful treatment of a pinacle character and a subject of much frustration, I can tell you. It certainly seemed like the writers at that time just did not know what to do with the character, not so much the rest either. Shameful. As for the Morgan interactions with Garcia, again, thats on the writers. Its much easier to write fluffy garbage like that or write a scene that has nothing more than blowing up things, than to actually come up with proper dialogue. The writers for the last 4/5 seasons have been way below par and how any of them got a gig on a show like CM, is questionable to say the least.

He's been involved with WW for a long while. He does lots of promotion for them. EmC's at their big event every year. I was there about 2 years ago with a friend who is a Vet, and he was there. He was great on stage. Got a great response. Its a big fund raising event that gets lots of celebs involved. He's also close friends with some of the Vets who are involved. One guy in particular seems to be really friendly with him and his kids.

Ah you might be right. I never watched BB beyond...the introduction via the mothership. Still though, Simmons and his homelife have had alot of time, for a newbie.

Me again...! I tried adding this to my first post but something would not work...probably me. Anyhu, just to add a few points to my original comment. I have seen some posters comment that there was a touch of fanfiction about this particular episode - indeed there was, and of the fanfiction gone wrong sort. Now don't get me wrong. I spent almost 4 months in hospital a few years ago. Fanfiction helped wile away many long hours of incapacitation. I only ever read CM related FF and some of my favorite stories were of the 'shippy' variety. The difference was, those ships were only in FF AND they were well written and believable. This was not. Its not the first time I've had a feeling some of the CM readers have been sniffing about FF. I'd be slightly cautious of Messers suggestion that AJ and MGG were totally on board with this turn of events. Was this really the most stressful situation that either JJ or Reid have been in? I mean, are we to believe that JJ really thought that this was it, this was her last hurrah and it was now or never? I don't buy it one little bit, not with all that has gone on with each of them in previous seasons. The fact that its Simmons wife that is pregnant, suggests to me that he will feature quite alot next season. I saw someone share a pic on twitter from the little boy who plays his son. He is on set for the episode theyre filming right now. I'm gonna take a crazy guess and say this will be babies arrival episode. Something that struck me was the comment he made saying it was his 7th appearance on CM. WOW. Thats alot of Simmons. Beautiful child and Daniel Henney is VERY easy on the eye, but Erica, please, you're so transparent. What about the bad guy chasing Rossi. I totally missed all those episodes, so going just on what you folks have talked about on here. But I was expecting some mention of it in this episode, or some hint that next season was going to be ...interesting. Finally, most ridculous part of all. The fact that 99% (okay so maybe not exactly that, but you get where I'm at), of commentary on here, from what I've heard is ongoing on other social media and interviews with Messer post episode, are about a fricking love declaration, is such baloney. Sad to see a once great and UNIQUE show brought to this level of soap opera. Grrrrrr

Managed to watch this episode. Call it some sort of morbid curiousity. I'm really not sure what to say. Even without the Jeid mess, this was bad. I mean, they've known this was going to be a season finale for quite a while. If they'd produced this mid season, it would have been bad. As a series finale, it was just awful. I'm still talking about the actual 'bad guy' story line here. And that wedding....LOL As for the Jeid mess, not at all suprised Messer (apt name) has gone this route. She has been desparate to go this way since she took over. She did not get her way with Hotch/Prentiss (thank you TG). The only logical option in a totally ilogical tale, is JJ and Reid. 14 years in and a limited final season, and this is where they go....LMFAO. As well as pandering to Messers idiotic whims, it tells me much about the depth of imagination of the writers. To those of you looking forward to the last season with high hopes.....ouch. This show should have lost the right to use the title Criminal Minds many seasons ago. You know, much as my comment probably comes across as mad, I'm not really. I'm considerably more amused. Its like a really bad comedy show at this stage. I simply don't care enough to be mad.

Busy few weeks has meant I have not had an opportunity to see the last 3 episodes. Reading comments here it would appear that episode 13 is probably the most important one to see? Good response to that one. I'm glad. I like AJ, glad she got an opportunity do this. As for returnees. I said my piece earlier but it should be remembered character wise, that Elle, Morgan, and Hotch are no longer agents, they are civilians, so if any of them were to come back, they could not realistcally be involved in the case as an agent.....then again, this is CM in the Messer era..... Cant quite recall Blake. Did she resign or just move to a different bureau? I really liked Blake, woefully underused character. Just saw a comment on twitter - apparently the last 10 episodes are going to be character driven, personal stories.....yawn. Does Messer just read the same script year after year?

I was surprised that Variety had not done any sort of follow up to the 'exclusive' they had last year regarding the serial sex offender allowed to roam the set for multiple seasons. It did seem to 'go away', after it appeared that StJohns was no longer involved. I had this confirmed by associates who work in the business in LA (not CM, but people, especially crew people talk). Got to be honest, I'm pretty sickened by how they seem to have been allowed to continue to brush this under the carpet, to continue the cover up so to speak (my contacts tell me the matter is very definitely not closed). Quite frankly it has completely soured my already sour taste that I had for the show. Its disapointing also that 'fans' were not as vocal about this matter as they have been on others. I work in the media and have sadly noticed that coverage and reaction to such events if the victims are male, seems to garner less outrage. The fact that the perp in this case was not in the public eye, does not minimise the seriousness of the matter. We either call out ALL perps or none. CM really dropped the ball on this one.

LOL, I was just about to type 'might be showing my age but what is SJW'....It seems I'm not the only non cool kid on the block...RESPECT! I'm almost afraid to ask anything further on that particular matter.....

Howdy doody all. So I'll be the first to admit I'm a little surprised they got this. I think it was fair to question the veracity of the information, but fair is fair, theyve got their close out 'season'. I think they've got to get this over and done with in the fall schedule. If they simply have this sitting around waiting for a suitable slot, thats gonna be a dud imo. I could see it moving nights if SEAL does not get canned. Total speculation of course. I can't say I have any special hopes for the season. Made it clear many times that the show now is but an occasional watch. What I do know is that I DO NOT want the newbies to be heavily featured in any way. Nothing personal to the actors, but they will never be CM in my view. Maybe its easier for people who only got on board late in the series, but for those of us (alot of us) who were with this show from day one, then my conversations with fellow fans are all of the same opinion. Those who are still watching want Reid, Rossi and JJ in particular to be the prominent faces of the end. Guess its a given that Morgan will be back. Obviously what I and many others would really like but are unlikely to get, is a Hotch appearance. And no, a flashback won't wash. In that regard, I have somewhat mixed opinions. While I would love some sort of resolution for Hotch, I'm not so sure I actually want Thomas to come back and for very different reasons than I guess alot of people might think. I have to say, I find it more than a little amusing that all the talk is of 'will he be asked back' or more specifically 'should he be asked back'. Good golly. He's not a fricking axe murderer and he is most certainly not the first to have a confrontation on a set....as those people well know. But what is most amusing is that all these polls and articles are assuming Thomas would come back even if he was asked. Personally, I'm doubtful on this. I think there is too much water under that bridge. Its inevitable that there will be much talk about it, and I know there are at least some people who wish it would all go away, but the fact is, the character of Hotch and the actor played an immeasurable part in bringing the show to this stage. No matter how desparate some are to ignore this, its not going to go away. So, perhaps those who are getting their extra episodes and a 'resolution' of sorts for their characters, could grit their teeth for another few months and just let those who loved Hotch have a little rant or three! Lets face it, tptb on CM are in no position to screech about 'hostile work environments', or 'crew safety'.....are they? For those still with their favs there, I really hope you guys get an ending for the show and your character that works for you. I really do, but i'd be inclined to keep my expectations ...low. Laters

Howdy. Any of you lovelies who follow proceedings with more dedication than I do currently, has there been anything resembling a follow up to the Twitter 'announcement' by costume designer BJ re: new episodes? That was a couple weeks before the holidays. If I'm correct they're filming 15 right now, the apparent final episode of the season. So what's with the silence. And next episode broadcast is 12. So it's getting kinda close. Is there going to be a big announcement from set of episode 16, 'hey, look at us, we haven't finished yet' or something. I do think if 15 was the absolute end, we'd probably have known this by now. Then again, maybe not. Strange.

Gotta say, I'm with you on this. Absolute Hotch fan, but honestly could not understand the hatred towards the character of Haley. I mean, she put up with ALOT. way back when I was more engaged with the fandom, I had this very debate with a fan. This fan was so vitriolic against Haley, but their arguments were nothing more than superficial naieviety. The idea that she should be thankful and just shush up because Hotch was handsome, in the FBI and doing a dangerous job, really pissed me off. one scene that always annoyed me and made me somewhat annoyed at him, is the scene (can't remember episode). Haley turns up to office as he's going out. Despite much pushing, it takes along time before he 'remembers' his child had a hospital appointment. Even then his 'they can go without me' seemed half hearted, because he knew she would tell him to go, and that would let him off the hook so. I mean, she had a right to be annoyed....did she not?

Loved the original team. Adored the original team. Joe taking over from Mandy worked out well. This is the team (and Mandy) that got me on board and kept me. Character wise, No1 for me will always be Hotch. 2. Reid. 3. Blake, woefully underused. No particular order on the rest, although if Garcia had gone at any time, it would have been the least problematic. I don't have any interest in the newbies, hence no comment. As for actors, - TG always. Long term fan way before CM, that hasn't changed, so probably goes a little towards my having him as fav character. That said, Hotch was an epic character, no one can deny that. Always liked JM. Had no knowledge of the others til CM. I have no issue in saying I don't like PB and I have my own reasons for this, not specific to CM. In relation to CM however, In my opinion she should not have returned after she and AJ were dismissed, which I might add was a disgrace and they were well within their rights to be pissed off and to fight back. But she did and for a while I liked having Prentiss back on the team, it brought some familiarity back to things. I never was very enamoured with SM and still am not, but I really liked Morgan. He was an integral part of the team and I was sorry to see him go. Gubler, Cook, Vangsness. First two I've always liked in CM, both character and actor. So like others, I have favourite characters and favourite actors. In other shows I have actors I like but hate their character and I have characters I like but not fond of the actor. I think it's perfectly fine to have those views. Do I dislike PB or SM enough to write vile stuff to them or about them, say like setting up social media accounts and that type of thing....NOT A CHANCE.

Word on the street...was that there had been more episodes ordered. The exact number of extra episodes seems to be a little confusing. Some say 10 more, others 5. My feeling is that if any new episodes have been ordered, its no more than 5. I also believe that this will be the final season. Heres why. 5 would bring this season upto 20 episodes. Running the extra 5 as far of a normal season run would have the season finale on 6th March and I have a feeling this might be a 2 hour finale. (This would be a very tight filming schedule so that could be problematic). We know for sure that SEAL is taking the 10pm slot on March 13. If there are another 5 episodes after this as some have suggested, where would they go? Would they hang around until some random Summer slot comes free? Or maybe take up a slot on Sunday night? Neither of these seem logical, but more than that, what a crappy way to end it. Could there be a Season 15 - yes I guess anything is possible, but in my opinion, this is very unlikely. As well as all the other issues that come with an old show, as far as I know, ALL the cast are up for contract renewals this year, so thats an extra 'problem'. Maybe they will given them an extra 10 episodes and label it as a 'Season 15', but I just don't see it. I thought CBS would have made some sort of announcement this week, but CBS does seem like its got a lot going on right now. With the exception of the 'SEAL at 10pm', everything else is just my opinion and guess work. I'm totally open to correction and been proven wrong!!

Maybe misunderstood my comment. I did not mean that they would stretch out the last few episodes to March. I'm still not convinced that the order is for 10 extra on top of the 15 confirmed. I could be wrong of course, but it just sounds odd. my feeling until an OFFICIAL announcement is made, is that there is 5 more episodes. BJ said 'we have 10 more episodes'. To me this feels like she was saying 10 more to broadcast, which would account for 11-15 and then 5 new ones. That would bring the order up to 20 for the season. She also said they weren't getting a S15, so the idea that there would be 10 other episodes hanging about, just seems weird. If they are back filming early January, I do believe they could turn around 5 new episodes between then and March. Very tight, but not unacievable. Feature films often only have a 6 week production run. This is all guess work off course and like I said, I'm open to correction. as for the confusion, I think I've laid that out as to why it's there. Also the fact tat there's been conflicting stories in media publications.