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Reviews
Criminal Minds: JJ (2010)
Saying Goodbye
Yes, I'm writing this in 2023. I've watched and re-watched this show so many times. It's a fantastic show and, while I don't agree with the show-runners decisions, I do love the way the writers and the actors dealt with the departure of AJ Cook.
I can understand why this episode might be hit or miss with some people. Personally I found the dynamic between the unsubs really interesting and I loved the show of strength from Kate (the victim).
However, this episode was truly about JJ.
The way the majority of this episode was written, it feels like the writers and the actors are talking directly to the bosses, producers - whoever made the decision to cut AJ Cook from the cast.
They make it clear that JJ (AJ Cook) doesn't want to leave, and the characters (actors) feel that the team (show), will suffer as a result of her departure.
The writers and actors are sending a clear message here that they don't want this but, just like with the character JJ, the decision was taken away from them.
Hotch's line: "I'm hoping I can get you back" speaks volumes here.
Criminal Minds had a fantastic team dynamic. The show-runners wanted to change things up, but why fix something that isn't broken? Many seasons run with the same cast for much longer. I wonder why then the show-runners felt the need to do this?
As I said at the beginning - the way the writers and actors handled this was brilliant. "They can't just take you away" from Reid I think really summed up how they felt about the decision. It was honest and defiant and excellent and sad.
Overall, a solid episode.