CRIMINAL MINDS: BIRTHDAY CARD FOR THOMAS GIBSON

Criminal Minds: Thomas Gibson, pictured on the set of Criminal Minds, is celebrating his birthday on Saturday, July 3rd. Please join the Criminal Minds Fanatic moderators in wishing Thomas a very Happy Birthday!!

CRIMINAL MINDS SPIN NEWS

Criminal Minds spin casting info courtesy of Deadline Hollywood

Janeane Garofalo is in negotiations to join CBS' Criminal Minds spinoff, while Andre Holland is set to co-star on the new NBC comedy series Friends with Benefits. Garofalo will play a new regular on the ABC Studios/CBS Studios-produced Criminal Minds spinoff, which was picked up for midseason. Also adding a new female regular following the axing of A.J. Cook is the original Criminal Minds series. Garofalo, who would co-star opposite Forest Whitaker, is coming off another drama series turn on Fox's 24. Holland too will play a regular on the 20th TV/Imagine-produced ensemble comedy Frinds with Benefits, which is recasting two of the male leads in the pilot. Holland's character is described as an oversexed personal trainer and king of the douchbags. The actor, who did another pilot for NBC this past season, Rockford Files, is repped by Paradigm.

http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/janeane-garofalo-in-talks-for-the-criminal-minds-spinoff/

CRIMINAL MINDS INKS DEAL WITH PAGET BREWSTER

'Criminal Minds' Update: Paget Brewster Inks Deal & A.J. Cook Will Make Brief Return:

It's a case of good news/bad news for Criminal Minds fans, who had been rallying to keep co-stars A.J. Cook and Paget Brewster on the show. Brewster just closed a deal to return to the veteran CBS crime drama, and she will be in almost every episode next season. But Cook, whose option for next season was not picked up, will be gone after wrapping her character J.J.'s storyline in two episodes early in the season.

I hear Brewster's pact is for "10 out of 13", which means that, extrapolated over the 22-episode season, she will be in the majority of episodes. The actress had been approached to continue as a regular on the show but for a reduced number of episodes; now the reduction seems to be pretty small. Meanwhile, Cook this afternoon tweeted the news that she will be doing two final episodes of Criminal Minds next season. "Thanks for your undying support but it's a done deal," Cook wrote. "Excited for what's next." As planned, Criminal Minds will introduce a new female regula sometime next season.

http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/criminal-minds-update-paget-brewster-inks-deal-to-go-back-a-j-cook-will-make-brief-return/

CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK TWEETS

Criminal Minds: A.J. Cook twitters about the end of her participation on Criminal Minds. http://twitter.com/ajcookofficial

CRIMINAL MINDS: SAVE OUR LADIES DAY!

CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY KRIS ORR

CRIMINAL MINDS: THE PAGET I KNOW
BY Kris Orr

Beautiful

Funny

Smart

Sincere

Engaging

Quick witted

Elegant

Self-deprecating

Yes, the Paget Brewster I know is all of these things and more. I first had the pleasure of meeting Paget about a year and a half ago. She is all the good things that people think about her and then some. I’ve struggled for days to write this because I don’t think anything I write will do her justice.

Paget is a unique individual. Equal parts elegance and panache mixed with a terrific sense of humor and casualness about her. The woman is cool.

Beautiful was the first word that popped into my mind the first time I met Paget. If you think that she looks beautiful on television, she is even more so in person. Warm, inviting, and personable are your next reactions as you speak to her. She genuinely listens to what you are saying and looks you in the eye as she’s speaking to you. She gives you her undivided attention no matter what is going on around her.

Easy to laugh, and that laugh is contagious by the way; she connects with people and makes them feel welcomed and special. She makes you feel like you are a friend. And I am a friend of Paget’s. Oh not in a bff, we do lunch kind of way, but I do belong to what I think is a small subset of people that have been playfully smacked in the rump by a riding-crop wielded by Ms. Brewster. I do know if I were to run into her on the street she would know my name and we would catch up like friends would.

I discovered that the first time Jill took me to their set. They were on location in South Pasadena and we needed to get there early so we could get through any red tape we might encounter. I was kind of nervous because I had met her before and I wasn’t sure how she would feel about me showing up in CM world. My fears were laid to rest when she happened to see me before I saw her. I’ll never forget her voice as she said, “I thought that was you,” as she approached me from behind. I turned and she gave me a big hug.

That’s the Paget I know.

Always friendly and inviting. It kills me that she has to go through this. She didn’t deserve this anymore than AJ did and, if I live to be a hundred, I’ll never understand CBS’s decision. Critics think she is one of the best things about Criminal Minds. I don’t always agree with what the critics say but I whole-heartedly agree with them here. We need more Emily Prentiss and Paget Brewster, not less. Emily is a great role model for young women everywhere. Paget plays her well, she is every bit the tough chick when she steps into Emily’s skin. I hope we get her back next season. I know a lot of us do.

CRIMINAL MINDS ARTICLE IN MARIE CLAIRE

Criminal Minds: Article in "Marie Claire" -CBS's Criminal Minds Killing Off Its Women

-CBS has decided to suddenly dismiss two of its pivotal female actresses on the hit show Criminal Minds — without any valid grounds. How could this happen?

The network is citing "creative reasons" for the release of A.J. Cook, who plays Jennifer Jareau, and the subsequent scaling back of Paget Brewster’s character, Emily Prentiss. Cook has been noticeably mum about the situation, although Brewster has been more vocal, using Twitter to state that claiming said creative reasons is "bullshit" and that the decision to fire Cook and diminish the Prentiss character are purely financial. If so, then CBS and the show’s creators are engaging in hypocritical activity, as from the get-go, the producers have always claimed that their show is unique because every actor is treated like family. Maybe Criminal Minds is then changing subject matter from FBI profilers to the Mob, as the producers are doing their best Corleone impersonations: “Leave your pride. Take the severance.”

Perhaps cutting out two characters wouldn’t be such a big deal except that there are only three females on the show. The remaining woman, Penelope Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness), is largely a periphery character. All of the stars, including Thomas Gibson, have expressed their dismay over the sudden decision, which will surely affect the story lines and the show’s audience, who have started a massive online petition to save their beloved characters.

Continued here: http://www.marieclaire.com/world-reports/opinion/criminal-minds-firing-women-stars

CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY SARAH WINCHESTER

CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER
BY: Sarah Winchester


What I don’t think people realize is how important it is to have Paget Brewster on Criminal Minds. She, and her character Emily Prentiss, are integral parts of both teams i.e. the cast and the BAU team. She is not the one who ‘makes’ the show what it is, but without her it wouldn’t be as strong or as good.

Paget Brewster brings to us every week one of the best female role model on television. I cannot find a similar character in terms of values, morals and dignity in another television show on CBS or not. Emily Prentiss is a strong woman, but not the stereotypical overbearing woman we sometimes see. She is silently strong, confident in herself, knowing who she is and what she can do. She doesn’t have to shout it out to the world; we all see it in her. How many actresses can do that? To portray a quality that doesn’t even need to be spoken about? In addition to being a strong woman, she portrays an incredibly intelligent woman who can hang in there with all the other men and handle herself. Again, we know these women are out there in the real world, but how many do we see on television? Hardly any.

She shows us (us being the millions of woman who watch the show every week) that you don’t need to be a man to be in certain careers; that you should be proud to be a woman because we can do anything, which includes being an FBI profiler. Also, she gives us hope. Hope that we can all make something of ourselves and to step out of the boundaries we, as women, usually put ourselves in.

There is another reason why Emily Prentiss is so important. She is the only female profiler. The BAU team needs that balance. She has certain understandings that a man just might not get. Most of the victims on Criminal Minds are women; most in the world are women as well. So how can CBS reduce a vital part of the team to a few episodes? She has so many talents to bring to the team that can’t be easily dismissed.

When I found out that AJ Cook was being cut, I was terribly sad. When I found out Paget Brewster was being reduced I was furious. What kind of message is that to an audience full of women? That they [women] are dispensable, reducible and forgettable? Obviously that fans do not think so, which should be a compliment onto the cast of Criminal Minds (and foremost Paget Brewster and AJ Cook) for creating characters that people are so attached to. It makes no sense to me of replacing AJ Cook, and furthermore cutting down the ONLY female team member.

I cannot say if I will continue to be a fan of Criminal Minds. With the cast changes, I do not see how it can continue to impress me every week. I am sure the male cast will do its best, but without the female presence of the cast it will not have the same effect that it usually does. It will seem to me like a broken team with terrible dynamics that isn’t worth watching because it is so awkward it’s painful. I truly hope these decisions will be reversed, before it’s too late for CBS will realize how much damage they have done to a solid performer television show.

As James Brown once sang, “It’s a man’s, man’s, man’s world. But it would nothing, nothing, without a woman or a girl”.

CRIMINAL MINDS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALBURGA!

Criminal Minds: Happy Birthday to Criminal Minds Fanatic moderator Walburga, pictured with Criminal Minds writer Breen Frazier in the writers room. We all hope you have a wonderful birthday Walburger!

CRIMINAL MINDS: KIRSTEN VANGSNESS IN "VAMPIRE MOB"

Criminal Minds: Kirsten Vangsness

“Vampire Mob” An Original Web Series Comedy Premieres in Los Angeles and Online

LOS ANGELES (June 07, 2010) - “Vampire Mob” an original, episodic comedy web series, with cast members from “The Simpsons,” “Boardwalk Empire” and “Criminal Minds,” premieres June 30, 2010 on the web (http://www.VampireMob.com), with a preview screening party June 27, 2010.

“Vampire Mob” follows Don Grigioni, a hitman and vampire, who just found out his mother-in-law is moving in, for eternity. Don became a vampire because “it was a good fit” for is nocturnal life of crime. He never planned on biting his wife, Annie, and making her immortal, “but then I got hungry.” Annie felt bad that her mom would die one day and bit her, never discussing it with Don, and now mom needs a place to stay and blood to drink. With Don’s hit business slowing down, the last thing he needs is more “grocery shopping” to do.

Actress and author, Marcia Wallace, the voice of Mrs. Krabappel on “The Simpsons” is the mother-in-law, Virginia Jones, and her daughter, Laura is played by Kirsten Vangsness, known for her role as Penelope Garcia on “Criminal Minds.” Chris Mulkey (Twin Peaks. Friday Night Lights) who will be seen in HBO’s upcoming “Boardwalk Empire” appears in ‘Vampire Mob” as the owner of Marty Five’s Castle & New Life Organic Dispensary.

The lead role of hitman and vampire, Don, is filled by John Colella (CSI: NY, The West Wing), a graduate of the Goodman School of Drama, who will also be seen in the upcoming Sebastian Guitierrez film “Girl Walks Into a Bar,” premiering on YouTube and Hulu, and starring Carla Gugino, Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito, and Zach Quinto. Reamy Hall (General Hospital, Bowfinger) plays Don’s wife Annie Grigioni, who guest starred this past season on “Criminal Minds” and will also be on screen in Sebastian Guitierrez’s upcoming “Girl Walks Into a Bar.”

continued here: http://www.vampiremob.com/

CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY LEA SABAU

CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER
BY: Lea Sabau

I want to see more of the steadfast, caring friend that Emily Prentiss is to everyone on the team. I want to see more of the excellent profiling skills Emily Prentiss brings to the BAU. I want to see her kicking down doors and I want to see her cracking cases.

I want to see Emily doing it all, because she does it better than anyone else. I simply want more of Emily Prentiss, not less. Less Emily Prentiss on screen would be a disaster. This team would lose its balance and to me it would make the show completely unwatchable.

I am not sure in what bubble CBS execs must live in not to see all these sensational things we see. I’m not sure these people even watch the show to have a clue the kind of damage they are doing. What I am sure of is that Paget Brewster and AJ Cook do not deserve this treatment. And for me the support goes to the actresses.

I haven’t had the honor to meet Paget Brewster. I wish I will be that lucky one day because I would like to thank her in person for being the amazing person that she is.

I would like, however, to share the little indirect experience I have had and the joy of creating a special project for her has brought to my life.

When I joined the CMF message board, I noticed the lack of Emily Prentiss fan art.

One day, I decided to embark on a special project for Paget Brewster. That special project was a custom calendar. I simply wanted to make something special for my favorite actress. This great, unassuming, down to earth, hard working, incredibly talented and funny actress, who was far from being the fans’ favorite and deserved so much more.

It was such a small thing but the sheer joy and excitement with which she received my project, was overwhelming. Her kindness and generosity in thanking me has touched my heart like nothing before, and it is something I will always treasure.

It pains me greatly to see such a great person receive such an unfair treatment from CBS. They should thank the stars for the privilege of having Paget Brewster on their show. But instead, ungrateful as ever, CBS has proven they never value true character. It’s sad to see and it’s not something I wish to endorse.

I’m not good with words, I never was. I started writing this about 10 times trying to find the perfect words to do justice to such an incredible actress. Needless to say I failed. This is why I thought I’d use the image and the quote above to illustrate my point. Nothing better than the words of the woman herself to make a point.

This is what it boils down to…the strength and elegance of a fantastic character that would be severely missed on the screen if her presence is reduced.

CRIMINAL MINDS: LOOK AT A.J.'S SHIRT

Criminal Minds: Look at A.J. Cook's shirt in this picture posted by Kirsten Vangsness on twitter last night. http://yfrog.com/hqyi3qj

CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK & PAGET BREWSTER BY NEOSHIA R.

CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK AND PAGET BREWSTER
BY: Neoshia Roemer

When I first read about the decision that the head honchos at CBS had made not to pick up AJ Cook and to reduce the number of episodes of which Paget Brewster would appear during the sixth season of Criminal Minds, I was very confused. I literally called my best friend and vented for a good 30 to 45 minutes. I had no idea what was happening. I read the article several times. I just couldn't wrap my mind around this. I have only been watching Criminal Minds since this past September. Since then, I have caught up on each and every episode of the show. Each episode I watched of the show only captivated me even more. I have seriously never seen an episode of Criminal Minds that I could say I didn't like. Obviously, there are some that I like more than others, but the show is just great. For this reason, I still cannot figure out to this day why in the world CBS would want to fix something that's obviously not broken.

I didn't fall in love with Criminal Minds just because of the subject matter. Although the subject matter is what keeps me enthralled with the show, I love the show most of all for its unique ensemble aspect. It is a team in every meaning of the word. The team of people who make this show great became more evident after news of these casting changes was made public and several members of the cast commented showing their support for their fellow cast members. I just can't imagine the show without one of those players, let alone the two most prominent female members of the cast. I love all of the Criminal Minds ladies: AJ Cook, Paget Brewster, and Kirsten Vangsness. I think each of these ladies brings something special to the table. The fact that CBS has basically said that they aren't needed on this show has upset me tremendously. From what I understand, the only reason that Kirsten Vangsness was able to retain her status as a regular is because of her strong following. Well, Paget and AJ also have a strong following. They are two of the most positive female role models on television right now. I think that it is wrong for CBS to assume the male characters on the show are more popular. It is simply not true. As a true fan of the show, I love them all.

I am heartbroken by the decision that CBS has made to not allow AJ back and to reduce Paget's episodes next season. It was great to have female role models on television that were not just the typical girls usually shown on screen. These are two great actresses who have earned the love and support of fans around the world. I am a proud Criminal Minds fan, and I am proud to say that I support AJ and Paget. I think they are just as valuable as other members of the cast, and they should be treated as such. I will continue to watch Criminal Minds regardless of what CBS does, but I will do so with gloom as I remember the talent and heart that this show is losing with AJ Cook being gone and Paget Brewster being in only a reduced number of episodes.

Neoshia R.

CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK BY ALEXANDRA SPARCO

CRIMINAL MINDS – A.J. COOK
BY Alexandra Sparco

I never planned on watching “Criminal Minds” when I saw the promos. Frankly, it seemed like just another cop show, and “Without a Trace” was my cop show obsession back then (unless you count “Alias.”)

However, when I was flipping through the channels one day, bored to death and thinking nothing could perk me back up, I spotted something. Backtracking, and then stopping on the program in question, I noticed that it was A.J. Cook on my television screen. I had just discovered “Tru Calling” on DVD, and to be completely honest I immediately became a fan of A.J.’s and her character Lindsey after she uttered a slightly profane greeting to her friend (portrayed by Eliza Dushku) on the phone. I kept CriMi on for the rest of the night, and loved the entire thing. I still remember the exact episode, 1x02 “Compulsion,” as it was A.J.’s first episode, and it remains my favorite to this day.

The second episode I ever viewed completely was 1x12 “What Fresh Hell,” and I didn’t even know it was Criminal Minds. Being that it was set in my home state of Delaware, and our little state is rarely featured in anything mainstream, I decided to watch as soon as I saw the location title. Soon thereafter, I realized that it was “that show with A.J. Cook in it”, and made a note to watch the show every week until the end of the season. “What Fresh Hell” was also the episode that cemented JJ as my favorite character on the show, as I loved the snarky remark she made to the Pennsylvania reporter regarding his tie.

After season one ended, I made sure to catch every new episode of CriMi as it aired. During season two I started to realize that Criminal Minds wasn’t “that cop show with A.J. Cook in it,” but rather “Criminal Minds – that cop show with the awesome characters, episodes, and everything else in between.” That season also brought us Paget Brewster as Prentiss, who - actress and character - also became another favorite of mine (although it honestly took awhile since I was a fan of Lola Glaudini’s character “Elle”). I also became a member of the online fandom for the show during that time, discovering the CMF blog, and realizing there were other fans of JJ, A.J. and the show whom I could talk to. Soon thereafter, I started to help maintain a separate fansite, and officially started using “jareaufan” as my moniker on most online websites. JJ was the coolest, and just because “everybody else” loved Reid, Morgan, Gideon, and Hotch didn’t mean I had to hide the immediate fact that JJ was my favorite any longer. Google also became a good resource during the 2006-2007 year, as I was determined to know who exactly A.J. Cook was. I was a fan of Lindsey, and now JJ, and I had yet to figure out who portrayed them. What I found informed me that Ms. Cook was just a normal person who just happened to be an actor, she stayed out of the limelight, and was just simply herself. I respected that about her, as most celebrities just seemed to be seeking fame and attention, and she immediately became my celebrity role model. Someone who wasn’t afraid to just be herself, and live her life to her standards, not those that Hollywood seems to force on people.

Season three, season four, and season five allowed us slightly more insight into JJ’s life, as she gained a boyfriend, son, and we found out that she had a family and why she joined the FBI (although I still refuse to believe that scene ever happened).

I was sure that season six would have showcased JJ even more, she had gained a pretty steady following, and had never really received a “backstory episode” comparable to any of the other characters.

In summation, without A.J. being on the show, I would have never started watching it, I would have never appreciated JJ and the rest of the characters, fell in love with the show, or found out how much of a great celebrity role model A.J. was.

Without JJ/A.J on the show (even if I do continue to watch it), the show won’t be the same – and not just for JJ/A.J. fans like myself. One part of the ensemble that made Criminal Minds so special will be gone. This character and actress departing is not just another “cast change” to me, I sat through two of those already. Removing Ms. Cook is like loosening a bicycle chain, the rest of the machine just won’t work properly.

CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY MICHAELA

CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER
BY: Michaela

When I first heard that there was going to be a new character in season two of Criminal Minds, I was worried. Would this ruin the show? Would this shift the dynamic of the group? Would this stop me from wanting to watch the show?

Then Paget appeared.

And I am happy to say that none of the above happened. In fact, if anything happened when Paget joined the Criminal Minds team, it was that the show finally hit its stride and became the show that we know and love. Paget not only gelled the characters of the show together, she brought the best of the other actors too.

I have been sitting here for some time, trying to put into words what Paget means to me and to Criminal Minds as a whole, but the thing is, there are no words that can completely sum her up. She is an intelligent, charismatic, witty, beautiful woman and just seeing her on screen never fails to make me smile. And although I have never had the honour of meeting Paget, she seems to me like the kind of person that you would want to be around. Like the kind of person that would go out of their way just to say hello. Just from comments she has wrote for the blog, or on Twitter, it’s clear that she is the kind of person that can make you smile through even the darkest of times, and I know for me, she has.

And as an actress…well, I don’t even know where to start. If Paget was after fame and glory there is no doubt that she could be one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood. You only have to look at the range of different parts she has played to know that. Yet, much like AJ Cook, Paget is acting for the love of acting, and that is one of the reasons why we love her. She has kept her integrity and stayed loyal to a show, and her fans.

Then there is Paget’s portrayal of Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds. I can’t even begin to tell you the type of confidence boost it gives me to see such a strong woman doing the job that is my goal. She plays the role of Emily Prentiss with such poise and grace, and while she may be the tough chick on the show, you just have to watch Bloodline or Solitary Man to see that she has an empathy with the victims that one of the male team members just couldn’t have.

Criminal Minds without Paget – or AJ in every episode, will not be Criminal Minds. They are both integral roles to the success of the show. They bring some light to the dark, and fans look forward to the interaction between all three of the female leads. I hope, that we will have many more of those moments to look forward too, from the ladies that we love.

CRIMINAL MINDS SEASON FIVE DVDS!

Criminal Minds: CBS DVD and Paramount Home Entertainment have today officially announced a 6-disc release of Criminal Minds - The 5th Season. The street date provided by the studio is September 7th. Running 977 minutes, you'll get 23 episodes with guests like Gavin Rossdale, Tim Curry, Forest Whitaker, C. Thomas Howell, DB Sweeney, James Fallon, Bud Cort, and Gabrielle Carteris.

More info here: http://tvshowsondvd.com/n/13949

CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK BY LORI QUEIROLO

CRIMINAL MINDS - AJ COOK
BY: Lori Queirolo

It wasn’t until I started watching CRIMINAL MINDS a few years ago that I realized that I’ve been a fan of AJ Cook’s for quite awhile now.

Years earlier, my older sister had pretty much forced me to watch a show called HIGHER GROUND with Joe Lando in it. It’s really not my kind of show, but the Shelby Merrick character was so wonderfully screwed up, that I couldn’t stop tear my eyes away from the screen. There was an arc on the show where Shelby was forced to go home and face up to her abusive step-father. To this day, that remains one of the most intriguing and compelling things that I have ever seen on TV. And what made it work? The acting of a very young woman named AJ Cook. She played Shelby as tough and angry, but vulnerable and looking for love. It showed acting chops far above the typical talents of one so young. It promised great things for AJ.

A few years later, my sister once again pushed me into watching a show – this one called TRU CALLING, which starred Eliza Dushku. AJ played the sassy best friend. Her character Lindsey was spontaneous and fun – the complete opposite of Shelby. When season 1 ended with Lindsey leaving the chair, a great deal of my interest went with her. The show never saw a second year and I’ll be honest, I didn’t mind near as much as I’d thought I would.

Before I reacquainted with AJ in CM, I’d seen her in a few horror movies – most notably FINAL DESTINATION 2, in which she clearly showed that she could carry a cast.

And then came JJ.

JJ could be such a paper doll if not for AJ’s fantastic work. She plays JJ so compassionate, but tough. On a show built on logic, she’s the emotional heart of the cast. Really, think of some of the most loved eps of the show – REVELATIONS, PENELOPE, MOSLEY LANE – what scenes do you remember? Chances are you remember JJ and Reid’s hug or maybe JJ and Em’s hand-hold? What about JJ fighting to take on a case because she believed in it and the people affected by it. And really, who didn’t cheer when the tired team came home to see JJ in the BAU Room with little Henry in her arms?

A few months ago, I had the pleasure to get to meet AJ on set. As Kris had already notated, she was friendly, outgoing and kind – she went out of her way to engage, which let’s be blunt here - she didn’t have to do. We always like it when our favorite actors are good people, but it’s not a requirement. It is, however, quite the plus.

While on set and watching the filming of SLAVE OF DUTY, I was trying to stay out of the way and she made the effort to say hello and to hold an coversation that actually had some depth to it. The one thing that really stuck in my head, however, was a comment she made a comment about how this show would be entirely different if any of the cast was lost – she couldn’t be more right.

Without AJ – and Paget for that matter – this show is going to be something completely alien. Completely wrong.

AJ Cook is more than just a name on a call sheet. She’s certainly more than an actress who can be easily replaced – she’s a vital and integral part of this show. She brings humanity to the darkness- she reminds everyone that there can be a sunny smile at the end of a hard day.

I’ve been a fan of AJ Cook’s for years – I’ll be a fan for as long as she chooses to act. I desperately hope that includes a few more years on CRIMINAL MINDS, but if it doesn’t, that won’t change the fortune I’ve had in getting to watch her wonderful career.

TSW 720 with Matthew Gray Gubler

Criminal Minds: topstoryweeklyvideos — June 21, 2010 — Dr. Spencer Reid discusses the Criminal Mind of BP CEO Tony Hayward with Phillip Wilburn, on the news segment twice as important as AC 360, TSW 720. This was part of the June 20, 2010 Top Story! Weekly at the iO West in Hollywood.

Credits
Matthew Gray Gubler
Phillip Wilburn
Melissa Okey
Kipleigh Brown

Directed by Michael Hughes

To iO West and Beyond! - TOP STORY! WEEKLY

Criminal Minds star Matthew Gray Gubler!

CRIMINAL MINDS: A RITE OF PASSAGE

Criminal Minds: "A Rite of Passage" - The BAU team heads to Texas to track a serial killer who is targeting illegal immigrants attempting to make safe passage into the U.S., on a rebroadcast of CRIMINAL MINDS, starring Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler and Kirsten Vangsness, Wednesday, June 30 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Originally broadcast 4/14/10)

CRIMINAL MINDS: ANYONE HAVE AN OPINION?

Criminal Minds: I have had numerous requests to start a Criminal Minds blog thread for fans to vent on and here it is.....vent!

CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ BY BLAIR BURNEY

CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK
By: Blair Burney

AJ Cook is the kind of woman I'd like to be when I am older. I want to be strong, to be classy, to preservere, to be humorous, to be loving to everyone, and to inspirate, just like she has been. No matter what the circumstance, I have never heard about her freaking out and causing a scene. She has a good head on her shoulders and just pushes forward, not back.

As a person entering into college in a couple of months, I find it dire and crucial to have a positive role model in mind. That person for me is AJ. Her modesty, and her down-to-earth, laid-back personality are both shocking and highly admirable. Kris' post just emphasizes how real AJ is. She's a person, and doesn't believe that she's a step higher than someone else.

So, as AJ has given to me as a person and an actress, I give back as a die-hard fan. I will continue to support her and to appreciate her, whatever comes her way.

I can think of no better inspiration than Andrea Joy Cook.

CRIMINAL MINDS: YOUR FAVORITE PRENTISS MOMENT

Criminal Minds: Lets remind CBS of why Paget Brewster is so important to the success of Criminal Minds. Comment about your favorite Emily Prentiss scene/line and every night I will email your comments to Nina Tassler at CBS.

CRIMINAL MINDS: YOUR FAVORITE JJ MOMENT

Criminal Minds: Lets remind CBS of why A.J. Cook is so important to the success of Criminal Minds. Comment about your favorite JJ scene/line and every night I will email your comments to Nina Tassler at CBS.

CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK -ONE FAN'S PERSPECTIVE

CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK – One Fan’s Perspective
By: Kris Quiroz-Orr

I have been asked many times before why and how I became a fan of AJ Cook. Since she was released from the show, I’ve been thinking about this subject a lot so I thought I’d share the reasons with you.

First of all, I will say I have never been the person that likes the obvious fan-favorite best. I’m dating myself here but when I was a kid, everyone liked Ponch on CHiPs while I liked Jon. Everyone loved Farrah Fawcett on Charlie’s Angels; I was a Jaclyn Smith fan. Which is not to say I didn’t like Ponch or Farrah but I don’t always pick the most popular character on a show as my personal favorite.

So you see on Criminal Minds, Hotch would be so easy to be a fan of. How could you not like the strong leader of this group? Or even Matthew with his offbeat quirkiness and his little kid brother likeability or Shemar just because he’s so physically attractive. Even the other women on Criminal Minds are extremely easy to love. Kirsten and Paget both are beautiful, funny and warm.

So why AJ? Well the first time I met AJ Cook was at an event for Criminal Minds at The Paley Center. The entire cast was there and they were all so personable and quite funny. I remember being surprised that AJ was there having just given birth to her son less than two months before. But she was a trooper and was there, looking a beautiful as ever. My first reaction…she does not look like a woman that just had a baby.

The panel was extremely entertaining and we spent a lot of time laughing as we listened to their tales from the set and about their lives. You could tell the seven of them were tight and seemed to genuinely like each other. You could also tell that AJ had been missed by her castmates while she was out on her recent maternity leave.

Afterward, the cast signed autographs and posed for pictures; everyone was so gracious with their time. Honestly it made me love the show ever more. The group then migrated to the lobby of The Paley Center

The friend I’d gone with and I decided to go say hello to AJ. At the time I liked the character of JJ just fine. I was one of those fans who was more of a fan of the entire team than of any one character. All that changed with a simple conversation.

AJ Cook was lovely to speak with; so open and honest, so kind. We spoke a bit about that night, about the show, about how much JJ deserved a great storyline. AJ had not yet announced anything about her son. We only knew she had given birth to a little boy in September. I asked her about her son and she couldn’t have been prouder to speak about him. She told me his name and how blessed she and her husband Nathan felt to have him in their lives. AJ had just returned back from her leave and she spoke about how hard it was to leave him and how tired she was.

Quite frankly, talking to AJ was like talking to a friend. If you didn’t know she was an actress, you would have just felt like you were talking to a pal. She makes you feel like that; she makes you feel like you are a friend. There is nothing fake about her.

I’ve had a couple of other conversations with her since that night. Once at the studio when I paid a visit with Jill and another time when I was a guest at the party for the 100th episode party at The Breeder’s Cup. AJ has always been warm and friendly and let me tell you, it is not an act.

Ask anybody about AJ Cook and they will tell you she is the salt of the earth. She is very laid-back and easy going. The woman is not a diva or a nightmare like you hear other actresses are on the sets of other shows. She is simply a wonderful light God put on this Earth. She did not deserve to be treated like this.

So when I watch AJ on Criminal Minds, I always root for her. I will miss her tremendously if she is not brought back. There is no replacing this wonderful actress in the Criminal Minds ensemble or in the hearts and minds of the fans. We should all feel bad when someone as kind and warm as AJ is treated like this. She deserves better and, if I can’t root for her on CM, I will root for her wherever she lands.

I have also had the pleasure of meeting Paget Brewster and can’t wait to share some of my thoughts on our favorite dark-haired agent with you soon.

CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. Cook Could Make Brief 'Minds' Return

Criminal Minds- From Deadline Hollywood - Criminal Minds fans launched a massive campaign to bring back co-star A.J. Cook, whose option for next season wasn’t picked up, including an online petition that has gathered more than 35,000 signatures. Well, I hear she might be coming back in the fall but only for one episode. CBS has been firmly standing by its decision to part ways with the actress, and there is no deal in place with her, but I hear showrunner Ed Bernero is behind the idea to get Cook back for one episode so her character JJ’s story could be tied up and given a proper exit. Cook had been largely quiet on the controversy besides tweeting a note to the show’s fans last week, thanking them for their support. Meanwhile, her co-star Paget Brewster is in discussions with CBS over the network's offer to keep her on the show as a regular but for reduced number of episodes.

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood

CRIMINAL MINDS: KIRSTEN INTERVIEWS MATTHEW!

Criminal Minds: Kirsten Vangsness interviews Matthew Gray Gubler in the July 2010 issue of Juxtapoz Magazine.

Kirsten Vangsness of Criminal Minds is an avid art collector and has a great eye! She interviews her friend and co-star Matthew Gray Gubler in the July 2010 issue of Juxtapoz Magazine.
Kirsten and I met up with Matthew on the set of Criminal Minds and hung out in Matthew's trailer where they talked about Matthew's obsession with drawing and how and why he does what he does. After they were done with the interview Kirsten went into the Hair and Make up trailer to get ready for her work day and Matthew and I trolled around the studio looking for fun places to shoot portraits of him. We had so much fun. It was my first time hanging out at a big studio like that. Everyone was so accommodating and nice, it really seems like they all love their jobs and each other. After Matthew and I were finished shooting, I got to watch Kirsten in action. It was mind blowing to watch her work. Honestly, she is amazing, belting out her lines as if it were nothing. Kirsten loves acting and it shows!

http://lindseybyrnes.blogspot.com/2010/06/kirsten-vangsness-interviews-matthew.html

CRIMINAL MINDS - AJ COOK - BY MICHAELA

CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK
By: Michaela Hapgood

The first thing I think about when I hear the name AJ Cook is beauty. I don’t mean the kind of outside beauty that most people would associate with her. Yes, while she is a beautiful woman, she is also strong, intelligent, faithful, loyal, talented and so much more. Even without thinking AJ has dedicated more time to her fans then needed – and she has never asked for anything in return. Even when she had her young son at home, AJ spent the time making sure each and every one of her fans felt special. Even when I am sure she would have rather been at home with her son, she turned up to set to do her job. Not to make money. Not to make herself famous, but to make a show for the fans, for the simple love of doing it. AJ seems to have this beautiful sense of humanity and although I have never been lucky enough to meet her, it is clear that she treats everyone with love and respect, and if that doesn’t show a beautiful person, I don’t know what does.

The first time I ever saw AJ on screen was in The Virgin Suicides, I was 10 years old and I wasn’t supposed to watch the movie, but something about AJ just drew me in. I didn’t care if I got in trouble for being up past my bed time or for watching a movie I knew that was too old for me. From that instant I knew that she was an incredible special person and I knew to expect great things from her. I have follow AJ’s career since then, in each of her movies and shows leading to Criminal Minds, and it makes me so happy to say that it doesn’t seem as though the success she has had has changed her. She is a down to earth girl who acts for the love of acting. She isn’t trying to make a name for herself in the heart of Hollywood, and for me that shows a real actress.

Over the past few months especially, watching AJ on Criminal Minds has been a sort of release for me, I don’t care how stupid or silly it sounds. Life has been hard and I have been looking forward to that hour a week when she was on my screen. Her portray of JJ has also reinforced my passion to fight for my goals. Having AJ and the character she plays on Criminal Minds as a role model, I don’t think it would actually be possibly for me to fail. AJ is what drew me to Criminal Minds five years ago. Before I fell in love with the show, she was the one that drew me in every week. Her character brings an empathy and lightness to the show which it would otherwise be lacking and without her there every week, I would find it too hard to watch.

I will continue to support AJ in whatever path life may take her down, I just hope that I am able to continue to show my support for her as the character of Jennifer Jareau, because the idea of not being able too, is just too painful to comprehend.

I could sit here for hours and write about the beautiful person she is, never doing her justice, I just hope that the powers that be see how amazing she is before it is too late, but whatever happens, I just hope that AJ knows that we will always be here for her, to love and support her in whatever she does next.

---

Now, to stop crying.

Criminal Minds to become Criminal Studs?

Criminal Minds article:

The Internet is abuzz with the news that CBS is looking closely at undercutting its hit show, "Criminal Minds", by eliminating two of the three female cast members. Per the network, it's all part of a cost cutting move being directed at all ensemble shows.

What this means for the cast of the hit drama series is that A.J. Cook's "J.J. Jareau" won't be gathering the team together anymore to introduce the current depravity of the week, though there is a chance that she could be asked to return a few times to wrap up her character's story. Since Jareau is a new mother, odds are she quits such a stressful and demanding job to focus on her child.

Then there is Paget Brewster's Emily Prentiss, who is a full fledged member of the BDU team. CBS has reportedly asked Brewster to accept a reduced role on the show, which could mean either fewer investigations in which she participates or an altered role where she's more in the office than out. Per CBS, she might retain her regular status if she accepts.

Continued here:http://www.dtvusaforum.com/content/163-criminal-minds-become-criminal-studs.html

CRIMINAL MINDS: BAD BUSINESS? BY JACKIE C.

CRIMINAL MINDS: BAD BUSINESS?
By: Jackie C

I might be getting a little paranoid and not have all my facts 100% correct but I am beginning to wonder if CBS is trying to purposely make this show fail? The fact that pretty much all the major players for NCIS just got new multi year contracts makes me wonder who is paying for all this....to me, the answer is obvious....the Criminal Minds cast is. For far too long this show has been the red headed stepchild of the network. It is a true workhorse...gaining in viewers and popularity year after year and yet other shows, like the CSI franchise have dipped and lost their audiences and still they continue to get all the press and attention.

The show is co-owned with ABC and if CBS doesn't want to foot the bill for it anymore then ABC should take it and put it on their network (I would gladly follow it there as long as the cast remains intact). I have to wonder if that is part of the reason this is happening to this show because it is not a solely owned CBS show and the network has to share it with ABC. I have to wonder if CBS is asking itself, “Why are we funding a show we don't totally own when we can cut them back and save for our own shows?” Again, if that is the case, then ABC should just take the show and put it on their network.

Medium was on NBC for years but owned by CBS. NBC canned it last year and CBS picked it up and put it on their network....where, imo it belonged. I wonder if this is gonna be a trend? Networks cutting back on the shows and casts that they don't solely own so they can pay for their own shows?

While Two and a Half Men and the CSI's are owned or produced by Warner Bros or Bruckheimer, CBS still has to foot some of the bill in the area regarding sets, locations, guest actors etc. Not to mention that in order to keep the shows on their network they have to contribute in some way to paying the actors. Two and A Half Men maybe produced by Warner Bros but I am pretty sure that CBS is the one who pays the actors. Charlie Sheen was able to get so much more money because not only is he the star of the show, but he co-owns/produces the show as well....basically he is double dipping.

Alex O'loughlin is good example of CBS paying for and owning an actor. He is under contract with the network not any particular show, which is why CBS continues to try and find him a show that can stay on past 5 episodes without getting cancelled. He is an up and coming actor so they don't want to release him from the contract and lose him to a rival network. But in turn, CBS is then obligated to find him a show to star in....which, of course, costs money.

Since AJ and Paget are CBS employees, they are paid by CBS like the rest the Criminal Minds cast. NCIS, I think is solely owned by CBS so therefore they are all payed by CBS and CBS is solely responsible for all the bills. Wonder how much all those actors got in their new deals from a network crying austerity?
How much, do you think, Forrest Whitaker is getting paid to star in the spin off? God knows he didn't come cheap! And unlike the NCIS cast, AJ and Paget's contracts weren't up and they weren't looking for more money, so wtf CBS?

They may have moved CSI Miami to Sunday’s, possibly because of its ratings slip but the only person they cut was Eddie Cibrian and THAT I can honestly say was solely because of “creative reasons.” He [Eddie] was brought on last year to fill the empty space left by Adam Rodriguez when, oh yeah, CBS fired him! Now Adam is back and there is no need for Eddie’s character. So that decision makes sense. But as many have said, Adam probably didn't come cheap this time around, so there is another raise in money.

In the end this is all pathetic because it is very obviously about money and the only ones who suffer here, other than the actors themselves are the fans. I have been saying for years that these networks and the powers that be treat us fans like mindless un-opinionated drones who networks seem to feel will watch anything they put on....like we can't think for ourselves and we are just waiting for the all mighty networks to tell us what to do! Well, we are not and it is such an insult to our intelligence and totally pompous on their part. The last couple of years though it is coming back to bite them in their asses...especially given the advances in the internet and social networking. Used to be by the time fans found out an actor was being released or a show cancelled it took a long time for the news to travel and fans be able to mobilize to stop it but now with Facebook, Twitter, blogs and forums the news travels almost instantaneously and reaches millions thus allowing fans to react and complain quicker. The “new technology age” also allows for the fans to be heard by the masses. In the past, mailing letters and emailing the networks made it very easy for the complaints to get lost or fall into a black hole. But now, with all the social networking sites the networks can't escape fans complaints from being read by everyone all around the world. The more information that comes out, ie the NCIS cast getting multi year contracts just makes CBS’s lame “creative reasons” decision more, well, lame.

But the question that still begs to be answered and bothers me personally the most is; why these two? Why did it have to be AJ and Paget? I am not saying it should have been someone else on the show but why TWO women? Why? It is a simple question and CBS certainly has a lot to answer for and they should be answering us because without us the show is going to go down the drain in viewer ship and quality....but ya gotta wonder too, if that is not what CBS is trying to do? Think about it, the show has great ratings and is popular you would be an absolute fool to cancel it now while it is at the top of its game. The only reason or fault the network would possibly be able to find with the show in order to be able to cancel it, is the ratings.
In the end, the question that everyone on the internet seems to be pondering, wondering and screaming is, WHY? Why would you purposefully push away fans from a frequently rated in the Top 10 of shows watched each week? What network does that?

CRIMINAL MINDS FANS CAN PHOTOSHOP LIKE GARCIA!

Designed by Amy Waldinger @waldingerz

CRIMINAL MINDS: CONGRATS TO JOE MANTEGNA!

Criminal Minds: HOLLYWOOD, CA. June 17, 2010 —A new group of entertainment professionals in motion pictures, television, live theater, and recording have been selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it was announced today by the Walk of Fame Committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. These individuals were chosen from among hundreds of nominations to the committee at a meeting held on June 14, 2010 and ratified by the Chamber's Board of Directors.

The Walk of Fame recipients for the year 2011 are:

MOTION PICTURES: Penelope Cruz, Bruce Dern, Laura Dern, Diane Ladd, Ed Harris, The Muppets, Kenny Ortega, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ridley Scott, Sissy Spacek, Donald Sutherland and Reese Witherspoon.

TELEVISION: Danny DeVito, Tina Fey, Simon Fuller, Neil Patrick Harris, John Langley, Ed O’Neill, John Wells, and Oprah Winfrey.

RECORDING: Melissa Etheridge, Los Tigres Del Norte, Rascal Flatts, Go-Go’s, Slash, Will i. Am, and Bebe & Cece Winans.
Posthumous: Buddy Holly and Louis Prima

LIVE PERFORMANCE/THEATRE: Joe Mantegna

More here: http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/index.php?page=13

CRIMINAL MINDS: GREAT INFO ON TWITTER TRENDING

Criminal Minds: Thanks to Alessa for writing this Criminal Minds blog post and sharing this valuable twitter tool. This should make trending easier. Thanks Alessa!

- Criminal Minds Fans: The outrage of thousands of fans on the budget cuts and reducing the participation of one of the characters in the cast of Criminal Minds is growing every day. Petitions, blogs and various news sites are talking about it.
To help in this campaign for reinstatement of actress AJ Cook, fans on twitter are promoting a "flashtweet", which means all Twitter users are supposed to tweet at the same time. However, a detail was precluding people who lives in different time zones to be part of this act.

We can use the "Twuffer"!

According to Twuffer description: "Twuffer allows the Twitter user to compose a list of future tweets, and schedule their release ... @GradyBritton designed Twuffer for anyone who has a need to schedule pre-written, post-dated tweets."

So, log in! Set your stuff! Let's trend #SaveTheCMLadies

http://twuffer.com/

BLOGGER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR COMMENT COUNTER. YOU COMMENTS ARE ALL SHOWING AND SO FAR WE HAVE 2,800+ COMMENTS ON THE AJ/PAGET SITUATION. PLEASE CONTINUE TO COMMENT. HOPEFULLY BLOGGER WILL FIX THE COUNTER SOON.

CRIMINAL MINDS: IS THIS A GENDER ISSUE?

Criminal Minds: Here is a wonderful article which talks about the gender issue of firing A.J. Cook and the cutting back of Paget Brewster's job on Criminal Minds.

-Procedural dramas have flourished on television over the past decade plus, and while the success of the CSIs of the world are good for both viewers (some procedurals are pretty cool) and TV networks’ bottom line, there is an unpleasant pattern that has long been developing with regards to these kind of shows. Namely, that when it comes to procedurals, any female actor not named Mariska Hartigay seems to be eminently disposable. Deadline now reports that CBS is ready to jettison most if not all of the female regulars on “Criminal Minds”:

continues here: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/popcornbiz/Criminal-Minds-Cutting-Loose-Female-Cast-Members--Isnt-That-Kinda-Wrong-96385974.html

CRIMINAL MINDS ACTORS & FANS STAND UNITED

Criminal Minds: From Deadline Hollywood -The controversy over CBS’ decision not to pick up Criminal Minds co-star A.J. Cook for next season and to reduce the episode load of another female cast member, Paget Brewster, is not blowing over as fans’ campaign to reinstate them is growing. An online petition in their support has garnered 15,500 signatures, with the number rapidly growing. Among those who have signed it are Criminal Minds co-star Kirsten Vangsness, who is returning full-time next season, as well as Kevin Pollack and Paul Tompkins.

Several other Criminal Minds cast members have voiced their opinion via Twitter. Brewster was the most blunt, taking an issue with the network’s description of its reasons for the casting changes as "creative." ""Creative Reasons" has been an Executive Bullshit excuse for DECADES,” she wrote. “It IS financial. AJ is a dreamboat. And yes, I am hurt, too.”


Here is Thomas Gibson’s tweet: “To say we're all mystified and disappointed is an understatement...” Cook, who had been silent since I broke the story on Monday, sent out a thank-you Tweet today: “Your kind words and support have made me feel wanted and loved!” Meanwhile, fans are also emailing CBS executives and have called CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler.

http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/fans-co-stars-back-minds-actresses/

CRIMINAL MINDS: CALL NINA TASSLER AND VENT!

Criminal Minds Fans: Call Nina Tassler's office and let CBS know how upset you are about what is happening to AJ and Paget. 818-655-1400. The secretary will ask if she can transfer you to another dept. Say NO. Insist you be allowed to leave HER a message!

Banner by Lea

UPDATE: CBS' 'Criminal Minds' Cuts Female Cast But Will Add New Female Cast Member

UPDATE: CBS' 'Criminal Minds' Cuts Female Cast But Will Add New Female Cast Member

CRIMINAL MINDS TRIMS CAST

Criminal Minds: Nikki Finke has an unsettling Criminal Minds exclusive: EXCLUSIVE: CBS’ Season 7 of its successful crime drama Criminal Minds is trimming the female portion of its cast for what I hear are financial reasons. I'm told the option of series regular A.J. Cook has not been picked up and co-star Paget Brewster is being made an offer to stay for only a reduced number of episodes next season, leaving fan favorite Kristen Vangsness as the only remaining full-time female cast member. I hear negotiations are underway with Brewster for a new deal that would keep her on the show. If she agrees, she will continue to be formally a regular but won't appear in every episode. Talks are also ongoing with Cook to possibly appear in several episodes next season to wrap her character Jennifer Jereau’s storyline.

Among the broadcast networks, CBS has been especially trying to rein in series costs, especially on its longer-running, more expensive dramas with large ensemble casts. Criminal Minds has had seven regulars as part of its core cast. Staying on are Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler and Vangsness. With the exception of Vangsness’ quirky nerd godess Penelope Garcia, which has developed a strong following, the series has largely been perceived as a male-centered ensemble, with the boys getting most of the action.

Continued here: http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/cbs-criminal-minds-trims-cast/

CRIMINAL MINDS: KIRSTEN VANGSNESS IN NEW WEB SERIES

Criminal Minds: Kirsten Vangsness is an accomplished thespian and open lesbian. Her most well known role is as Penelope Garcia on the show Criminal Minds, but she is coming to an original web comic series called Vampire Mob beginning this 30 June. Cast members come from a variety of different hit series including The Simpsons, Boardwalk Empire and Criminal Minds. With the increase in web traffic, it should not be surprising that more professional shows will be coming to the net.

According to the press release, Vampire Mob “follows Don Grigioni, a hitman and vampire, who just found out his mother-in-law is moving in, for eternity. Don became a vampire because ‘it was a good fit’ for is nocturnal life of crime. He never planned on biting his wife, Annie, and making her immortal, ‘but then I got hungry.’ Annie felt bad that her mom would die one day and bit her, never discussing it with Don, and now mom needs a place to stay and blood to drink. With Don’s hit business slowing down, the last thing he needs is more ‘grocery shopping’ to do.” Continued here: http://lezgetreal.com/2010/06/kirsten-vangsness-of-criminal-minds-set-to-star-in-webseries-vampire-mob/

CRIMINAL MINDS FAN TIM CURRY

Criminal Minds: If you consider yourself part of a cult film’s fanbase, there’s a distinct chance you believe Tim Curry is a god among men, or at least a sweet transvestite among plainclothes comic icons. On the red carpet before the taping of the AFI Life Achievement Awards Honoring Mike Nichols, Movileline spoke with the Rocky Horror Picture Show/Clue legend about how he won his newest role as a horrifying psychopath on CBS’s Criminal Minds. It’s a slap in the face to those who claim you can’t get ahead by harassing actresses at the gym.

Curry, who says he’ll be back on the show at the start of next season, claims he got the part of disgusting killer Billy Flynn through an advantageous gym run-in.

“I’m an insane fan of Criminal Minds,” he said. “Marcia [Hurwitz, Curry’s agent] has a great friend called Jay, who used to write on it. Whenever I saw him at dinner, I’d say, ‘Can you get me on that show? It’s my favorite show, I really want to be on that show.’ Kirsten Vangsness, who plays the computer whiz, started working out at my gym. I would lurk by the treadmill and say, ‘Get me on the show.’ And finally they put me on it.” more here: http://www.movieline.com/2010/06/movieline-checks-in-with-criminal-mindss-new-sociopath-tim-curry.php

CRIMINAL MINDS: JOE MANTEGNA IN MONACO

Criminal Minds: Prince Albert II of Monaco, Actor Joe Mantegna, David Rossi on Criminal Minds, and Princess Caroline of Hanover pose as they attend a cocktail party in the courtyard of the Monaco Palace on June 9, 2010 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.

Shemar Moore Settling Down? - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Shemar Moore Settling Down? - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK RADIO INTERVIEW

Criminal Minds: A. J. Cook will be interviewed on BlogTalkRadio on Sunday, June 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET. A.J., who plays Agent Jennifer Jereau on the hit CBS program will discuss the series, and her other projects. For more information:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artistsondemandradio/2010/06/14/aj-cook

CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR

Criminal Minds Press Release: CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR stars Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker in a drama about an elite team of agents within the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit who use unconventional methods of investigation and aggressive tactics to capture the nation's most nefarious criminals. Unit chief Special Agent Sam Cooper (Whitaker) is a mentally and physically fierce natural leader who is not afraid to put his career on the line in order to stand by his convictions. Cooper strives to avoid political bureaucracy and has handpicked an eclectic group of profilers to work outside the confines of Quantico: Former British Special Forces soldier Mick Rawson (Matt Ryan), confident and handsome, works as a highly-skilled marksman with an undiluted eye for rooting out evil; John "Prophet" Sims (Michael Kelly), a former convict with a street-smart edge and a calm, Zen-like presence, who is determined to make amends for past sins; and Gina LaSalle (Beau Garrett), an attractive, tough agent armed with a cunning sense of perception. This exceptional group of FBI operatives is strong in their beliefs and steadfast in their mission to bring the country's most dangerous criminals to justice. Chris Mundy, Edward Allen Bernero, Mark Gordon and Deborah Spera are executive producers for ABC Studios in association with CBS Television Studios.

CRIMINAL MINDS REBROADCAST OF "PUBLIC ENEMY"

Criminal Minds: "Public Enemy" - A serial killer who targets random victims in highly visible places to create a sense of public fear is the subject of a BAU investigation, on a rebroadcast of CRIMINAL MINDS, Wednesday, June 9 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Starring Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler and Kirsten Vangsness. (Originally broadcast 2/10/10)

CRIMINAL MINDS: GOLF ANYONE?

Criminal Minds: We've listed some great items sent to us by Thomas Gibson, Aaron Hotchner on Criminal Minds, to auction for to benefit of the American Cancer Society. The cast, writer and crew have been so awesome about partnering with us to benefit this wonderful charity.

http://shop.ebay.com/bigcmfan1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

CRIMINAL MINDS CHAT ROOM

Criminal Minds: The Criminal Minds Fanatic chat room is open to anyone who wants to use it. It is a great place to connect with other fans to discuss episodes and to keep busy while we are in rerun season. The password is currently --- criminal minds.

CRIMINAL MINDS REBROADCAST OF "SOLITARY MAN"

Criminal Minds: "Solitary Man" - To stop a truck driver who is kidnapping women and disposing of them in random locations, the BAU must find out his motive in order to catch him, on a rebroadcast of CRIMINAL MINDS, at a special time, Wednesday, June 16 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Gabrielle Carteris ("Beverly Hills 90210") guest stars as a mother who is abducted by the truck driver. (Originally broadcast 3/10/10; previously scheduled at an earlier time)

Criminal Minds calendar for June is courtesy of Sindee. Criminal Minds stars Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler and Kirsten Vangsness.