Criminal Minds: I have had numerous requests to start a Criminal Minds blog thread for fans to vent on and here it is.....vent!
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June
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- CRIMINAL MINDS: BIRTHDAY CARD FOR THOMAS GIBSON
- CRIMINAL MINDS SPIN NEWS
- CRIMINAL MINDS INKS DEAL WITH PAGET BREWSTER
- CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK TWEETS
- CRIMINAL MINDS: SAVE OUR LADIES DAY!
- CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY KRIS ORR
- CRIMINAL MINDS ARTICLE IN MARIE CLAIRE
- CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY SARAH WINCHESTER
- CRIMINAL MINDS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALBURGA!
- CRIMINAL MINDS: KIRSTEN VANGSNESS IN "VAMPIRE MOB"
- CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY LEA SABAU
- CRIMINAL MINDS: LOOK AT A.J.'S SHIRT
- CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK & PAGET BREWSTER BY NEOS...
- CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK BY ALEXANDRA SPARCO
- CRIMINAL MINDS: PAGET BREWSTER BY MICHAELA
- CRIMINAL MINDS SEASON FIVE DVDS!
- CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK BY LORI QUEIROLO
- TSW 720 with Matthew Gray Gubler
- To iO West and Beyond! - TOP STORY! WEEKLY
- CRIMINAL MINDS: A RITE OF PASSAGE
- CRIMINAL MINDS: ANYONE HAVE AN OPINION?
- CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ BY BLAIR BURNEY
- CRIMINAL MINDS: YOUR FAVORITE PRENTISS MOMENT
- CRIMINAL MINDS: YOUR FAVORITE JJ MOMENT
- CRIMINAL MINDS: AJ COOK -ONE FAN'S PERSPECTIVE
- CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. Cook Could Make Brief 'Minds'...
- CRIMINAL MINDS: KIRSTEN INTERVIEWS MATTHEW!
- CRIMINAL MINDS - AJ COOK - BY MICHAELA
- Criminal Minds to become Criminal Studs?
- CRIMINAL MINDS: BAD BUSINESS? BY JACKIE C.
- CRIMINAL MINDS FANS CAN PHOTOSHOP LIKE GARCIA!
- CRIMINAL MINDS: CONGRATS TO JOE MANTEGNA!
- CRIMINAL MINDS: GREAT INFO ON TWITTER TRENDING
- BLOGGER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR COMMENT COUN...
- CRIMINAL MINDS: IS THIS A GENDER ISSUE?
- CRIMINAL MINDS ACTORS & FANS STAND UNITED
- CRIMINAL MINDS: CALL NINA TASSLER AND VENT!
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- UPDATE: CBS' 'Criminal Minds' Cuts Female Cast But...
- CRIMINAL MINDS TRIMS CAST
- CRIMINAL MINDS: KIRSTEN VANGSNESS IN NEW WEB SERIES
- CRIMINAL MINDS FAN TIM CURRY
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- Shemar Moore Settling Down? - The Ellen DeGeneres ...
- CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK RADIO INTERVIEW
- CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR
- CRIMINAL MINDS REBROADCAST OF "PUBLIC ENEMY"
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1,445 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 1445 Newer› Newest»i think that taking away two of the top female figures on tv could potentially shock the show. these women are strong, authoritative, bold, smart and sexy without having to show skin.
it is NOT a good decision to take Paget& AJ off the show...i think they will lose money!! f*ck the CM spin-off too btw..WE WANT THE ORIGINAL!
emily and jj seem like personable people on the show, not afraid to show who they are. females, not just teens, but females of all ages need someone like them to look up to on tv these days. they are strong characters and far from the HBO crowd that need to remove clothing to prove points, or to heighten scenes. they heighten them with talent and class. please don't alter the roles, the outcome may not be your desired effect with fans.
i am very shock , i feel they are very wrong to do this. they don,t care if they have a hit show, all they care is money
Criminal Minds producers, no need to keep fresh anything, dropping A.J. Cook and Page Brewster means I'm already gone. Good luck trying to gain a new audience on your sixth season, LOL! Cancellation waits around the corner.
For some CM fans like me, it is the only show they make time for, the only thing all week to look forward to, repeat or new. So watching this cast, from pilot to repeats every week, these people are like a family away from home. People relate to tv characters, find likeness in them, find solace and comfort. Please don't take these women away from us, good strong women who don't feel the need to take off their tops to solve a problem i every episode, women who we common-folk can look up to.
K
Has anyone considered that maybe they're being moved to the spin-off? It's hard to keep a show going for this long and casting change-ups can be great for creating more drama. CBS is not having money problems and they are not stupid enough to get rid of top talent (I mean come on, they're no NBC). I'm calling marketing ploy and it'll all turn out fine.
This is beyond outrageous...I feel if they take away these two they are taking away from the show. It will not be the same as before, while yes I love the cast I believe you cannot have a whole with two pieces missing. I do not care to watch the spin off...the episode with the two casts was charming but the orginal will always be better to me. I think this a monumental mistake on the part of CBS and believe they will lose instead gain in this course of action.
BOYCOTT.
I am disappointed that someone would even think about removing two actors from Criminal Minds. The insane dumbass who thought this one up needs to think again. Did he/she honestly believe that the fans would be okay with this? That the fans would still support Criminal Minds fully without Paget or AJ? Well, he was wrong. We all know that the cast is like a family and season after season we've literally watched their relationship grow. If they dare take AJ and Paget away for their shit spin-off show then they will inadvertently be losing that money they're trying to save. Yes, I completely support Matthew, Shemar, Joe, Kirsten, and Thomas but I know that Criminal Minds will not be the same for me. I won't be buying the merch and constantly reccomending it to people because I know it won't be the same.
Hey CBS, this is bullshit. Your spin off doesn't interest me. It doesn't interest the majority of CM fans. So take your cheap writers back, WE-DON'T-WANT-THEM!
No one gives a flying fuck about Criminal Minds:Suspect Behavior.
-Megan
Anonymous said:
"Criminal Minds is not and should never be the FBI version of Grey's Anatomy.
One of the things I enjoy most about the show is that there are no romantic relationships between the characters. I have loved that the show can show men and women being close friends and co-workers and not have them make googly eyes at each other."
Thank you, I forgot to mention that in my original comment, and I wholeheartedly agree.
I can't believe cbs would get rid of A.J. and reduce Pagets role. I love strong women characters that kick ass. Even though I love Matthew Gray Gubler, I'm not sure how much I would watch without the ladies. Just give up on the horrible looking spin off and keep the cast together. It works. You don't need spin offs for every show that's made.
AJ and Paget are the hearts of CM...
without them, it would never be the same!
I think JJ balances everything in the team....
how bout canceling the spinoff, and keep AJ?????!
Hi All,
Like all of you, this decision has made me feel very sick. It is one thing if A.J. Cook and Paget Brewster asked to be released from contract or have their episodes cut for whatever reason, it is quite another for a network / producer to make a decision that does not compute.
Rather than just complain - I have made a Facebook group in the hope that real people with real faces and opinions will join to express their outrage at this news.
Please join, and spread the word: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125496860822243
There is also a petition available via this group or the Criminal Minds fan page that is going crazy with signatures. Please sign this also and send a message that we Criminal Minds fans will not take this decision lying down.
Thanks so much for your support of this amazing cast and amazing show!
Cheers, Phil
(Australian Criminal Minds fan)
I honestly cannot believe this is happening. For a show that consistently does so well in the ratings, with cast members who are not being payed as much as CBS' other top shows anyway, to cut one and severely reduce the screen time of two of the three women on this show is atrocious. This will ruin the show's dynamic, turn Criminal Minds into a practically all male cast.
Apparently CBS doesn't think there's any need to have two strong, competent, female characters on a show set in the still male-dominated field of law enforcement. Because hey, women obviously aren't as important as men to CBS.
Ok, people, petitions are great but we need press, we need media outlets, we need to get this out and get it some real attention.
How do we do this? Does anyone know anyone in the media?
I like many others feel that a great injustice has come upon AJ & Paget and that the powers that be are making a grave error in judgement. "Why fix something that ain't broke?". As explained, to save $$$, which is fair. It takes alot of $$$$$$ to make this show happen. We don't like it, but what can we do? If it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen.
I'm sure this was not an easy decision, and Yes, it will break up one of the ABSOLUTE best cast ensembles in TV history, but to threaten to stop watching?? Who really suffers?? YOU!! Yea, the ratings may fall a bit from those keeping their promise to not watch, but overall I think it will be just fine.
I wish AJ & Paget well and am truly sad for the CM's Family loss, but I'm gonna KEEP watching cuz I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this show...just wish Reid would get more storylines!!!!
I'm insanely disappointed!! I LOVE these characters :( I will diffently never watch again. OMG Look there screwing up another good show for "budget" Cheap jerks, leave it the way it is!!! I love the strength of these women! Great role modles! I love that they work great for the team! So what now, this "new" female going to be some pansy prissy who screams at a broke nail? Lets get real and keep the real women!
Save AJ and Paget. This is ridiculous!
I am at a loss as to why they would get rid of one of the most seasoned characters. The viewers have an emotional attachment to A.J.'s character. Paget is a great actress who really helps pull the chemistry of the show together. Both the women add a experience that an all male cast can not do. Vangness is my favorite actress and Garcia is one of my favorite characters, but she is not in the field and you don't see her as much. This is a sexist move. Cut the prop cost, cut the cost of assistants. Something other than what makes the show so great.
I dont understand CBS.. are they trying to quit as a network??? Who are making this desision?? Because how on earth if you have a succesfull series trying to get it off.. They need to have more public oriented people in the executives area.. Without females charaters CM.. they need an intervention.. If they want us to watch another networks we will do so.
Honestly, if CBS goes through with this, I will boycott the network entirely. This is absolutely ridiculous. Why on EARTH would they even think that getting rid of two out of the three female actresses in one of the best and most compatible tv casts OF ALL TIME would be a good idea?! If they think this will promote their spinoff, they need not worry because I wasn't gonna watch it before this catastrofuck, and I CERTAINLY won't now!
The myopic "What can we do to boost profits for THIS quarter" view can lead to damaging a very bankable asset, a hit show. Tampering with a show based on a good ensemble cast could mess it up. CBS would lose a really big draw to the network. Sometimes looking beyond this quarter can be valuable.
Hey, CBS: http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?cmwomen
Almost 6,000 signatures.
If you go through with this, YOU will ultimately be the one to suffer. Think the public is going to put up with sexism? With blatant mistreatment of people that we love?
Think again.
Dear CBS,
I will try and be as calm about this as I can, HOWEVER, I really just want to scream at yall.
I love ALL of the characters on this show, all of them.
Cutting not one, but two (sorry, but a reduction of Prentiss is as good as cutting her, sorry) & 2 of the women at that is just wrong. No really. Here's some reasons:
1. JJ is irreplaceable- We sorta figured that out when Todd stepped in while JJ was out. JJ is amazing at her job, & her job is VERY Important (we have seen how things fall apart if the media/families/public/etc are not handled well).
2. JJ has a unique view because despite having a very clear understanding of their world at the BAU she is not a profiler, & has often had insights beyond the clinical (ie: real world insight). 3. Women's increased presence in law enforcement has lead to great strides in hell, overall competency. This is not to say that women do a better job than men, or whatever, but, Women & Men think differently. Women can relate & connect better with Female victims sometimes, they can offer different views & theories that a man might not consider etc. One of the best examples I can think of, though fictional, is entirely true and verified by a prof. of mine, who is a veteran in the Forensic Psych field. In Silence of the Lambs, Clarice searches Fredericka's room herself; a room that had been gone over dozens of times by local officers, FBI, etc. But because she understands how a woman thinks she knew where things would be hidden; None of the men thought to look in the lining of the jewelery box.
4. Women are also becoming increasingly prominent in the broad spectrum of Law Enforcement, from Criminal Justice, to Forensics etc. I can personally say that in 2 universities attended, males are in the distinct minority in the Major.
5. That being said, the elimination of these characters is honestly both a slap in the face to women in the field, & in general, & an inaccurate portrayal of how the system is evolving.
Emily Prentiss is a strong, determined, witty,and smart character who's backstory is well rounded, not at all faked or phony feeling. The only time I was disappointed in Emily's character was the pilot for the spin-off, because they reduced her to a piece of ass for "Fake Brit" to hit on for "saving her life".
Sorry. No thank you, Not buying it.
Also? Emily doesn't really feel like the type to "leave" if you cut her back. Seriously, despite all her doubts about human nature etc, she is committed to her job and is an incredible asset to the team. (Who else speaks Spanish, Italian, Farsi, etc. etc. etc.)
She's not someone who's role you can really "reduce", which is why I say it's more like you (cbs) are cutting her out.
To be honest you should ADD a female character b/c when you break it down, you only have 2 women in the field, which is measly compared to the 4 boys.
To put it plainly, CBS, cutting JJ & reducing Prentiss to a reoccurring character could possibly be the worst thing you could ever do to CM. You have seen the fan response, & honestly, it will only get worse, because we, the fans, support your advertisers, who in turn, support you...just wait until the fallout.
On a slightly different note: here's an idea of how to not have financial issues: Cancel the Spin Off.
Seriously, read the blogs, the tweets etc that came from the spin-off pilot. there was so much less than love.
Don't like that Idea? Okay, fine. Here's a better idea: Fire Whittaker. You will save $ by not paying someone with a "real name". You will note that this tactic did not work for CSI when you brought in Lawrence Fishburn for Grissom--just because they're more famous, doesn't mean the fans will like it. Please, learn from history.
I am trying to be as nice about this as I can, but, hell hath no fury like fans with internet connections. Seriously. Save yourself while you can.
Sincerely,
Topetine.
I am still in shock but am trying to digest this as best I can. Is this truly budgetary? What d-p s--t is behind such a decision? My first thought was all the money they offered to that scumbag Charlie Sheen to keep him on that show and yet penalize two wonderful actresses and make a truly stellar show suffer for a bit of money? And if it has any- thing to do with the spin-off and paying Forest Whitaker big bucks, then guess what? I won't watch the spin-off or Season 6 of CM.
The ladies are an integral part of this show and bring balance, sensitivity and humanity that is absolutely necessary amidst all the horror the entire team must endure daily. I would be willing to bet that none of the male team members wants to see this happen and would vote to keep their "better halves" around because they are like family. They are a close-knit ensemble cast who truly are friends and work so well together and that caring SHOWS ON THE SHOW and makes it the quality that it is. You can FEEL this caring everytime you watch and I am disgusted that they would make such a move. Unless AJ and Paget actually are on board with this move for some reason we are not learning (other offers, movies, etc.) I just do not get it and will jump on board to scream and rant and act like the very P.O.d person that I am right now. Count on me to make a call, sign a petition, send e-mail or fax or all of the above. I am NOT OK with this and I have been a faithful follower for over 4 years and own every CM DVD and watch the re-runs on the other nites a new epi is not on. I am a FANATIC and we FANATICS need to band together and to make noise like we have never made before. Let the rant begin...
This is such a shock, just after 2am and I still haven't taken it in...!!! My TV world is Thomas Gibson and Hotch at the moment but losing these two characters/actresses would be ruination of this show, if not the end for Criminal Minds!!! Please don't do this...please reconsider!!!
I have called CBS six times already and I am going to have everyone at work call them too! This must be stopped.
I will not watch this show without AJ Cook and Paget Brewster. I was about to purchase the S4 dvd set, but now am reconsidering because I do not want to support CBS because of this decision.
Criminal Minds has always showcased geeks with guns, men and women who use their considerable intelligence to solve crimes. It has shown with it's female characters that they are just as good at profiling and taking down the bad guy as any of the men and I would hate to see that trend ending.
I really hope the decision makers at Criminal Minds rethink this and bring back AJ.
This news is terribly disappointing. Criminal Minds won't be the same with AJ Cook fired and Paget Brewster forced to a reduced role. I believe someone at CBS seriously underestimated how much fans care for these two actresses and the roles they play.
WE KNOW YOU'RE READING, CBS. You're about to lose A LOT of fans with this move.
These women are amazing, and the actual dynamic of CM will change once you remove them. Yes, we love our boys, but our boys are nothing without the WOMEN.
And I swear, if you even go near Garcia...
AJ and Paget must stay. Cancel the horrible spin off but keep the actrice from the first show.
Dear CBS,
If there is such a problem financially, why run with a new "spin-off" of Criminal Minds? Save the money and keep A.J. and Paget there full time!!
Maybe the Criminal Minds producers should think about moving to another network. How about ABC since Lost is no longer running?
Why mess with something that works AND gets the ratings?!?
If CBS thinks that adding a new female character will quell all the sexist comments that people are making they are wrong!!! Why did they have to fire any actors, let alone 1 female actor and cutting back on another females episodes. Why not just cut the number of episodes for the season! Cutting down the season by 2 episodes will save a lot of money and will not impact any story telling as long as the writers are properly informed!!
This is so stupid. JJ and Prentiss are great characters. Everyone on CM brings something to the table and these two are no exception!
Do not even think about getting rid of these ladies!!
CBS needs to really get it's head out of it's a@#. this is a dream ensemble cast and it will possibly destroy one of the only good things on tv right now. i cannot believe they would risk making a spin-off rather than banking on a tried and true winner. it makes no sense.
can the spin-off. not the girls.
In reading some of the posts here I agree. Cutting AJ and limiting Padget is a mistake.
Do NOT however boycott CM - if you must boycott anyone boycott CBS, it was their decision.
Ratings talk - and let their rating for ALL their shows drop and they will get the message quickly.
Don't limit this to just this blog, but your family, your own personal blogs, websites, youtube, let the fans in Europe know.
Only numbers will help keep our beloved CM on the air.
Let the exec's know we won't stand for this.
Organize!!!
Shirley
Alabama
This is a terrible decision to remove Ms. Cook and reduce Ms. Brewster's role in CM. This will go down as one of the DUMBEST ideas in television history and that's saying a lot! Viewers will leave in droves on what was a Top 15 show.
This kind of short-sighted action is rampant in corporations. I suppose we should not be too shocked. The drive to increase profits THIS quarter blinds everyone. The problem with this mentality is that if you damage a profitable asset, like a show that draws an audience, the profits will decrease in the long run. Much of the appeal of the show is the fine ensemble cast. They help give life to the characters that draw us to watch. Upsetting the balance for sort term financial goals can come back to bite you in the wallet. We know your wallet is your chief concern. Think about the future, CBS. The future is beyond this quarter's financials.
In reading the comments I agree, cutting AJ and limiting Padget is wrong.
Don't however boycott the show, but do boycott CBS.
If the only show that has any ratings is CM, CBS will be forced to listen to its fans.
Ratings talk and even exec's have to listen to them.
Don't limit your complaints to this blog, take them to your email friends, your personal blog, your website, youtube, anywhere you can get the word out.
Organize!!! Keep AJ and Padget and make CBS listen.
Shirley
Alabama
I hope the show crashes and burns. AJ is amazing. Paget isnt so bad her self. They deserve better. The show will be nothing with out the girls there to make it more interesting. As soon as AJ is done im done.
I LOVE YOU AJ! you rock.
The show will not be the same without them... so saaaad!
Badly done CBS! JJ is my fav character and without AJ and Paget, CM don't be the same. This is so disrespectful a trully shame. Go back!
Dawn,
What is happening to my favorite show? what are you doing CBS? Are you trying to make us fans stop watching CM? I sure will if AJ Cook is not rehired and Paget Brewster is not a full time cast member!
Oh and I was planning on watching the spin off, I love Forest, but I will not! Not after what you just did to the CM ladies!
Dawn
NY
I don't know what to say that hasn't been said already, but... I'll weigh in. Please please please don't take away two of my favorite people on TV. It's just stupid.
I find this absurd decision & CBS' attempts to claim it is not blatant sexism or about money but for 'creative reasons' incredibly insulting. I'm starting to think an organised viewers boycott of CBS might be in order.
I will stop watching the show, if AJ leaves. I have never done, or said anything like that before, but now it's time to...
It's a good show, but nothing without her. Plus, it'd hurt too much to watch it with the best thing about it missing!
No, No, NO! This I will not accept! Emily is my fav character on CM and I want her in EVERY episodes!
and no more JJ??? no acceptable!
CBS, you better reconsider or I am going to watch SVU next season!
Vivian
This is crazy. CBS Execs are a bunch of Bozos! They will totally destroy the winning formula of this show's chemistry by cutting A.J. and reducing Paget's time on the show.
Twitter is going nuts right now! Co-stars Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna and kirsten Vangsness are tweeting up a storm themselves and have already signed the petition to "Save A.J. Cook and Paget Brewster on Criminal Minds"!
Here's the link - probably been posted already, but can't hurt.
http://www.petitiononline.com/cmwomen/petition.html
If enough people get behind this, including their co-starts, MAYBE those morons at CBS will listen!
I know this, it won't be the same show without these women - and it doesn't need a "new" female cast member like they're talking about now. If they're having budget problems they need to scrap the spin-off but LEAVE OUR CM ALONE AND INTACT!
I'll admit I'll probably watch the show. Thomas Gibs is such a phenom that I couldn't turn away. However, I've noticed more and more that it seems to be about how big named the guest stars/unsubs are getting. Isn't it about a budget? Like you don't go to the grocery store with an empty fridge and bring home nothing but candy! As much as I loved the 5th season and the story line but how much did they pay ; C.Thomas Howell to appear in 3 episodes? or Eric Close and Tim Curry? Gavin Rossdale? Eric Paladino, the entire Bernero's former cast of Third Watch? I'm no agent but I'm guessing these actors aren't cheap. Isn't it about the acting not the big names that it's become about? Season's 1-4 occasionally had someone you could quickly pick out and they did just fine. CBS's Criminal Minds has been a TOP primetime show BECAUSE of the cast of stars.. NOT the GUEST stars. It seems like the only people that don't get their name on the opening credits are the extras. C'mon CBS..get the priorities straight. Correct the faux pas and redeal AJ in..and have Pagett full time. Go back to how it used to be when you could make it work...with the budget and the face time of the outstanding cast!! Gibs of course more of..cause I see less and less of him too!!
~LG
This is beyond terrible. It's an insult to the cast & fans. Do they REALLY expect fans to continue watching after this insane move? If this goes through I will refuse to watch CM or the spinoff. This is a bad, bad idea. Whomever had this idea & let it go through should really be fired. They obviously don't know what the hell they're doing.
This is beyond frustrating. Creating a well-balanced ensemble cast is such a rare thing. Why fix what isn't broken? One spokesperson said "The veteran drama needed refreshening." Why do only the women need to be refreshed? A more detailed reaction: http://tinyurl.com/2flejb2
I just want to say that cutting AJ and paget is a bad Idea!! why now?? when the show is generating ratings??? this show is in its best moment!! this decision doesn't make sense!!
sigh....there goes the last show I was watching on CBS.
Thanks CBS for ruining my fav show.
unhappy CM fan
Seriously, your plan is to axe one amazing actress & give another reduced screen time....and you expect us to embrace a new female character??? Just what planet are you on???
This is totally wrong. JJ and Emily's characters are half the reason people watch the show. What kind of message are CBS trying to send? Screw the spin off, keep these the woman! Without them all it will be is a bunch of guys running around with guns - it wont be the same!!
Of course I have an opinion - it is idiotic to think that a network would completely screw up one of their top producing shows. This was a dumb, idiotic, and offensive move by CBS and they had better have a really great reason for cutting two of our beloved actresses - and I do not accept "creative reasons." They should nix their ill-advised spin-off show instead of ruining this already great show. Paget and AJ are key to the cast, and by removing (or lessening their presence), CBS is digging themselves into a great hole. There has already been talks about how this show portrays women as victims and by cutting the female presence by 2/3, those masterminds at CBS are only reaffirming this sexist mindset. Save Paget and AJ, and in the longer run, save Criminal Minds.
Who at CBS came up with the idea to fire AJ and reduce Paget screentime? Whoever that is, this person should be fired!
I am very angry at this decision. CBS, if you need money, just scrap the spin off, afteral no one will be watching it, not after what you just did the 2/3 of the female cast! Use the money to pay the CM cast, they ARE the one who made CM the success it is! They deserve it!
Tammy
Los Angeles
As a woman who once tried to make it in the FBI, and who sees so much of herself in Emily Prentiss, I cannot express the anger and hurt that I feel about this decision. In a Boy's Club genre, JJ and Prentiss are wonderful role models and strong women that we, the female viewers, can relate to and identify with.
If JJ's gone and Prentiss is in a reduced role...I doubt I'll keep watching.
I simply cannot imagine how CBS thought this would be a good idea. I'm so pissed off with all of this nonsense. CBS YOU'RE MAKING A HUGE MISTAKE!!!!
AJ and Paget are wonderful actresses and amazing women. It would be a terrible mistake to let them go or decrease their episodes! The show wouldn't be the same without them. A new cast member isn't the answer! There must be another way to cut costs! We want them both back as full time cast members!
I'm in such a bad mood now! JJ is one of my favorite characters! I don't think I would keep watching if AJ left, even though Criminal Minds is one of my favorite shows! I wasn't a big fan of Emily...for the first episode she was in! But just cuz I loved Elle. Emily is hilarious and also one of my favorites! "Financial problems" Bull crap! They do so well in the ratings!
No AJ I'm done. Does CBS not remember how fans hated her replacement for her maternity leave? Try that on a weekly bases. Does CBS really thing Criminal Minds the spinoff is really going to do well now after pissing off so many fans with this? Way to shoot yourself in the foot CBS you just lost a loyal viewer.
C - complete
B - bull
S - sh**
Bring back our girls!
I can't even begin to comprehend why this decision has been made. All of the characters are the heart of the show. They're what has made it so successful. And going after some of the few strong female characters on television is an affront to feminism. Brewster and Cook are phenomenal actresses and their characters are key to the shows appeal. The entire situation shows CBS in a despicable light. This mishandling could easily kill the show, frankly my heart would break to watch it without them, and I for one will have little interest in any further CBS projects after obvious mistake. It's kind of my to only call CBS stupid for somehow assuming that these characters and these actresses are expendable.
Unless this changes, I can't see a reason why I'll be tuning into CBS at all in the fall. "Criminal Minds" is the only show I watch on CBS. The teaser episode for the spin-off was so bad I wasn't planning to tune in to that before this story broke.
I've got no interest in a new female character brought about at the expense of two strong, beloved female characters who were a bit short-changed by the writing this season, I've got no interest in some romance ala the CSIs, and as much as I do love the men of "Criminal Minds," it won't be the same team without the women.
wow CBS last year you wanted to get rid of my fav male character, Hotch and not this year it is my fav female character, JJ! Well let me tell you CBS and by CBS I mean Nina Tassler and Les Moonves, this CM fan is not happy! You want to save money? Don't give money to Charlie Sheen, he is not worth the 2 millions an episode! What an outrage, a guy who was arrested for beating up and making death treats to his wife gets a nice reward by his CBS boss but the women on CM gets fired and will have less episodes to shoot?!? Nice Message CBS!
I for one will not stand by this! rehired AJ Cook and give her and Paget Brewster a full season or I will stop watching CM!
Piss off CM fan Philly!
I was devastated when I heard the news at 545 in the morning! I know I will no longer watch this show without Paget and definitely with out AJ Cook!
All of the cast is super surprised with this (we have heard from everyone but AJ herself) and is supporting the fans completely
CBS needs to think about its fans - we love AJ Cook because she brings heart to the show, and Paget brings some comedy as well!
What I do not like is that they go from financial to creative because they are hiring some else in her place...why don't we just hire AJ back - so much better than starting a whole knew character, espically since we don't know much about JJ herself
CBS - we wanted more of JJ not less!
CBS what's with messing with Criminal Minds, come on you know you have something working for you with this show, all of the shows dedicated fans tune in to this show for its stories and more than anything the brilliant ensemble cast with their amazing dynamic who truly make this show, so why mess with perfection.
Whatever the true reasoning is for going down the track you are taking with AJ Cook & Paget Brewster characters, I find it hard to understand the thought process around spawning a spin off off the back of this brilliant show only to take it down.
If you don’t already know this and the fans will tell you that Criminal Minds is what it is today because of its brilliant cast who do an outstanding job on this show, rewind to Mandy’s departure, Thomas, Matthew, AJ, Shemar, Paget & Kirsten did the most amazing job to keep the show alive with the writes, producers & directors, the show works because of them and taking out AJ and Paget is a huge … phenomenal mistake.
Please reconsider your decision … if anything ditch the spin off (which was a bomb anyway!!) and keep this amazing show maintaining it’s brilliance and it’s cast as it is.
As someone else above said, why mess with it if its not broken!!
CBS, what are you thinking? CM without JJ and Prentiss? I'm heartbroken that you would be so careless with such a great show. Big hugs to AJ and Paget. They deserve better.
This is absolutely disgusting, and sexist. I love CM so much, but I refuse to watch the show after AJ and Paget leave. I love the guys, but the show is nothing without the women.
I am still at a loss for words. Getting rid of one character and cutting back on another isn't unheard of, but it is pretty shady to me. I think what makes it such an incredibly ridiculous move is the fact that it is reducing the female presence in the show. That may sound repetitive to every other post, but it's the truth. No one can look at this situation and not notice that the female presence of the show is being diminished.
The female characters give the show female role models for younger girls, but also balance out the emotions and reality of what is going on. Seeing the story line from the male and female perspectives is what makes the story lines believable. It is what makes us viewers cheer for the good guys while sitting on the edge of our seats, anxious to see if they catch the bad guys.
I guess I am just another fan who is confused and upset by this decision CBS seems to be making. Sure, most viewers that are women may still watch due to the men of the show. But I know that personally, my favorite characters are always the strong women that can kick butt with the best of them. If we're left with just "Garcia" (who is an AMAZING character, too...she is an integral part of the cast as well), who sits in a 'cave' most of the cases, what is that showing society? The only job a woman can have at the FBI is in a small room with a lot of computers? Nice try, CBS...
I love Criminal Minds which is why it pains me to say this, but if they get rid of AJ and toss Paget to the backburner I'll stop watching. As for the update that they're bringing on a new female to "fill the void that will be left by Cook's departure", that's bs. It's not even about the overwhelminly uneven guys to girls ratio (let's face it, the guys have been the action stars since the beginning), it's just so heartbreaking that they could do this kind of unjustice to the characters, the stars, and the fans. And btw, NO ONE could ever fill the void left by AJ. EVER. It's totally obvious that they're throwing all their money into the spinoff, which is stupid because it was horrible anyways. I wasn't planning on watching it to begin with, and now I'm done with the original as well. Bad move, CBS.
CBS,
if you want to know how piss off the CM fans are, first look at this blog, then go to twitter then have a look at this http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/cbs-criminal-minds-trims-cast/comment-page-2/#comments
then if that is not enough have a look at this http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/06/14/criminal-minds-drops-a-j-cook/comment-page-32/#comments
if that is not enough look at this petition http://www.petitiononline.com/cmwomen/petition.html
and that is only in less than 24 hours!
we, the fans do not accept this!
Sonia
This is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard. Criminal Minds is an awesome show, gets great ratings and has a huge fan base. A large part of this is due to the cast...they are terrific.
I'm sure a lot of this has to do with the spin-off which nobody gives a crap about. I'm sorry but the cast there just did not click like CM. I don't know of anyone who is excited about the spin-off. It just plain SUCKS!!!! They are ruining the best show on T.V.
I hope somebody at CBS comes to their senses or they are going to lost so many fans.
This is utterly ridiculous.
I had no intention of watching the spin-off and now it looks like I'm going to have to stop watching the main show as well.
AJ and Paget are incredible actresses and it is absolutly insane to get rid of them. This creative talk is crap, if they really are getting rid of AJ's character to shake things up then they clearly didn't watch how shaken up the characters got last season or how they spent almost all of season 4 talking about how important JJ is as a character on the show. And Paget is just as important. We need more strong female actresses like her on TV, not less.
This is disgusting.
If they get rid of AJ and Paget then they will have gotten rid of me too. And not just Criminal Minds, if this is how CBS treats its actors than I'm boycotting CBS altogether.
Really CBS??? Getting rid of two of the cast(family) members is NOT the answer. I think you will be shooting yourselves in the foot if this happens. The first answer is to NOT have a spin-off of CM. I watched it when it was on and I did not enjoy it at all. As for the "creative" move, this is the last thing Criminal Minds fans want. The show and cast are AWESOME as is. Please do not fix what isn't broke. CBS has a good thing going, and if you want to screw that up, go ahead with the plans. You will be sorry. I have many, many friends and family, and I will make sure that they boycott CBS!! I am still in a state of shock that you are even considering this. The idiot who came up with this idea needs to be let go. Don't make the actors/actresses and fans pay for someone else's idiotic idea. Read the blogs, comments and the petition CBS...get the hint. The Criminal Minds fans are HOT!!! If you pursue this, I will never watch another show on your network again. You are ruining a GREAT show CBS and great shows are hard to come by these days. Criminal Minds has the best cast, writers, directors, producers, etc. of any show I have ever watched. If you value your viewers at all, you will NOT get rid of AJ Cook or Paget Brewster. The fans of CM and I want the show to stay as it is. Better idea...NO SPIN-OFF!!!!!!
I come to this blog to get my info on CM and what do I find? CBS fired AJ Cook who play my fav character JJ and Paget will be reduce to be better than a guest star but not fully a cast member? Who at CBS hit his/her head and thought this was a great idea?
Sam
i hate to see them take the ladies away. altho im kinda relieved they didnt take gubler away :x
This is a disgrace! AJ is a great actress and addition to this cast...shame on CBS for pulling this absolute sexist and CHEAP move. Maybe "reining" in some of all the money Charlie Sheen is gonna get paid to do a half hour show and spreading it around to other popular shows would actually help. Oh! I know what would help...drop the contrived, stupid spin off...which NO ONE likes and then you will have some money!
Cut two women in one day, say it is b/c of "creative differences" which is just tv speak for "it was b/c of money," and then, before the ink is dries on anything, put it out there that you are going to hire a new actress mid season? Seriously? Is CBS looking for their studios to get egged and boycotted? Why break up a well meshed and successful cast? The show had a big jump in the ratings department this season (b/c of the current cast) and you have the nerve to get greedy and think by recasting and cutting characters you will get more? Ummm, NO! If anything you will lose viewers...alot of viewers.
Forget for a moment that they are two beloved characters...they are two women who portray female FBI agents (who do actually exist btw CBS). Way to go and alienate male viewers, anyone woman who happens to be in law enforcement and/or just ANY woman at all!
Seriously sucky move!!
NO NO NO! I LOVVVEEEE this show, and I am absolutely disgusted that CBS is even considering this. Screw the "spin off" show. AJ & Prentiss are AMAZING, and the show wouldn't be the same without them. There is no excuse for this!
I can sure say this: CBS, how incredibly SEXIST of you!!!
You will lose a HUGE fan base if you pull this crap!
Epic FAIL, CBS. Paget Brewster's portrayal of Emily Prentiss is the main reason I watch this show. And, as others have said, JJ is the heart of the team. I have no interest in watching this show without the two of them. If that's the 'creative direction' you are taking this show, then your creators have absolutely no regard for their audience or the actors who have made it one of highest rated shows on the network.
I just died alittle inside. I can't believe CBS would do this. Im so pissed that they would want to destroy one of the best shows on now adays. Without them, the show would definetly crash. Their essential & perfect for this show. This is truely disgusting.
I've been pretty much on auto pilot for the last season because the writing seemed to really be going down the tubes. If two of my favorite characters on the show are cut, I have no reason to watch anymore. Sure, I love the guys but I don't think an almost all male cast can carry this show.
What about the unsubs who terrorize women? Will you use Prentiss as the token women in that episode? This is insulting and a kick in the shins to the fans who have been around since the beginning. I've never planned on watching the spin-off and this further cements that decision.
The idea is to "refresh a veteran drama series." You can "refresh" without killing the show. Refreshing might be to do more episodes with personal story lines. The only reason the show has been male-centered of late is because the scripts have centered on The Reaper and what Hotch was going through. The episode "100" wouldn't have been nearly as intense had it not been for the tears of JJ and Prentiss. They bring an emotional connection to the victims that the "male" characters don't seem capable of touching. JJ fighting for the mother to continue to have the hope that the psychic offered in "Cold Comfort." Prentiss considering become a foster mother to the young girl who lost her family in "Children of the Dark." Would "Minimal Loss" have been as dramatic if Morgan and Reid had been captured? JJ pushing the case in "North Mammon."
What is necessary is a fresh look. The premise of the show is working. The cast of the show is strong. So we get to keep Garcia. Garcia barely has a full-time presence on the show. There are episodes in which she could have called in her lines so minimal were they. I adore Garcia. She is the sunshine on a cloudy day. She won't be enough though.
Halfway through the season we are going to get a new female character. Will she be all T&A because that won't fit in at all. There is no need for a recast. JJ has been the face of the FBI for those suffering their darkest days. She is the girl next door to bake you brownies after you bury your pet. She is the voice of reason when reason is out of reach. Prentiss arrived to replace a character who had come across as delicate and inferior. Prentiss had a lot to prove from day one and she did it without bulldozing but without cowering also.
Without the females the males will be heavy handed. Morgan makes some of the best tackles on CBS (football games included) yet situations don't always call for bouncers. He really only relates to a small number of people. Garcia appears to be his soft spot but a romantic relationship between them would be cliche. Hotch has a line that he doesn't cross between personal and professional. He is a robot except with his family. He takes care of his team but out of loyalty and duty rather than emotional connection. Rossi is probably the most likely to connect but he often misses the mark, telling a victim what to do instead of caring about how they feel. imeReid is an interesting character but he clearly doesn't relate to 99% of the characters he interacts with. He is emotionally shut off to protect himself.
The show will become incredibly unbalanced with less time for female characters. Most TV viewers who want excessive displays of testosterone will turn to WWE. Are we to expect recurring love interests for the male leads? Flash us some T&A in the beginning and the end. The viewers who want excessive skin and no story line can watch soaps or the CW.
So JJ will quit to be a mother to her son and allow Will to return to work. Prentiss will be offered an opportunity she can't turn down and she'll consult for a while. The plane briefings will be four men being fed information by a computer with quick glimpses of Garcia. They'll put information together using Reid's mind and epiphanies from Hotch and Rossi. Morgan will strong arm someone and slap cuffs on. They'll get back on the plane to return home where Morgan will put headphones on, Hotch will read over the cases because JJ won't be around to pick the next case, Rossi will go off into his own world because he doesn't need to talk it over, and Reid will read six books and gain a few more IQ points. The cases will remain the same as the unsubs won't change just because there isn't any estrogen around. Morgan might react emotionally if a young boy is being "mentored" by an adult male. Hotch won't crack a smile because he just doesn't and I don't see that changing just because a new team member is added, Rossi will continue to be the best in the field because there isn't anyone better, and Reid will continue to be slightly awkward and will eventually grow out of the baby brother role.
You cannot possibly reduce Paget's role! Simply the stupidest thing I've heard of since... oh wait... you tried to fire your lead male. Sheer stupidity is making the same mistake (or attempting to) over and over again. Emily deserves FULL TIME! MORE Emily, more Hotch in S6!
Lets get them back!!! some of the cast are rooting for her!!
This is a bad, bad move, you're totally screwing with the chemistry that these people have worked their asses off to develop and maintain, they're a family.
Disgust is not a strong enough word to describe how I feel about the current situation. Instead of cutting two well-liked actresses from a VERY successful show, why not scrap plans for the new Criminal Minds spin-off that may not be successful anyway? That way, money is saved and a successful show continues to be successful. Doesn't seem like rocket science to me...
I am gobsmacked!!!!!! Truly and utterly gobsmacked!!! Are they retarded??????????? Who the hell would ever begin to fill AJ's or Paget's shoes??? NO ONE that I can think of!!! This is not fit!!!!!!!!
Cutting your writing staff was idiotic...now the cast..that might be suicidal. CM fans certainly won't support your new show and if you lose CM, what will you have then?
eversweet35
if they really want to cut costs they should make every character reduce the number of episodes they are in. I think that I would not watch the ones without Paget or AJ. Maybe I could watch one, but multiple would be horrible. It would get so boring having only men do all the work. And how does CBS think they will be able to replace the leading ladies with anyone else??? It just wouldn't be the same. It makes me sad that they want to get rid of the women.
I am so sick of decisions be made by idiots. Who pays these people? We do! But like our Congress they do what they want and not what their employers(us)want. I do not want anyone to leave or have their hours cut. I know some out there have favs and not so much, but we want them ALL. So CBS, suck eggs and keep them all.
I find the comments about this being a move to boost male viewership...well ridiculous. If anything they are doing it because they don't think men watch the show at all. I know as a man I watch the show for Paget Brewster mostly. Her ability as an actress can't be questioned and she also happens to be truly beautiful.
This whole decision just does not make practical sense. We have to lose AJ and Paget so that CBS can throwmoney a Charlie Sheen to star in a crappy sitcom, really?! There are times when corporate suits have to realize that focus groups dont tell them everything they need to know about their fanbase.
If the show has a panel at Comic-Con this year things could get very interesting.
I think it's terrible that they're considering cutting these amazing actresses. The show would suffer without them, I'm sure of it. I know that I, along with my boyfriend and our friends, would be terribly disappointed if JJ and Emily were no longer in the show. They are both crucial and wonderful characters and I can only foresee this having a negative effect on the show as a whole. Emily is the only female character that's in the field and JJ plays the essential role of public liason. What could they do to replace these roles if money is an issue.. this would mean that the show would be dominated by male actors (I love them too, don't get me wrong) with occasional appearances by Garcia. There are a lot of problems with this decision, PLEASE don't follow through.
I have passed the initial shock phase, and now I am in full on anger mode. The more I think about this and its implications, the more pissed off I get. TPTB need to understand that when a long running show makes it this far, it is usually attributable to the chemistry of the cast, and screwing with that, screws with the quality of the storytelling. You CANNOT just arbitrarily replace essential actors at this stage of the game, because audience members have grown emotionally attached to them. CM is NOT Law and Order that was designed to be more case focused with a revolving door of actors. Don't screw up my "family!" I hate to have shows I love screwed with.
This is just crap. The show will not be the same and CBS will lose fans. Don't destroy a wonderful show with a great cast. You need tosave money then stop making garbage shows no one wants to see instead invest in. The strong shows you have and remember if ists not broken don't fix it.
I originally wrote this on the CBS website this morning, but as I know they read this blog, I will repost:
The decision to eliminate and marginalize AJ Cook and Paget Brewster from Criminal Minds for “financial reasons” is unacceptable. It sends a clear message that these women – two of only three in the permanent cast – are expendable. That as fans, we will accept their absence, from a show that has endeavored to make female characters just as strong and capable in law enforcement as the men they work with. It strikes the heart of the fanbase that this team of writers, producers and actors have worked hard to establish over five years, even after the exit of Mandy Patinkin and the struggle of the writer’s strike. This network has greenlit six new shows for next season, including a spinoff of this series that hardly could have met a cooler response from the people to whom it was meant to appeal. And yet the decision was made to not only trim the majority of female characters out of Criminal Minds, but to drop Liz Vassey from CSI as well. It seems that a reexamination of priorities might be in order; is the money to be made by making these drastic changes worth the loss of dedicated fans, who frequently make Criminal Minds the most successful and watched TV shows in its time slot? I certainly hope this matter can be resolved in a way that is fair to the cast, and the people who love Criminal Minds. If this decision stands in the future, I can no longer support this show or back it financially (through DVD purchases, etc.)
After almost a day, I'm still in shock after reading the news about the ladies. I hardly know what to say. Has CBS lost its mind??? Why would anyone think strong, professional female characters are not needed on a show like Criminal Minds?
As a female fan, I admit that my favorite characters are Hotch, Reid and Rossi. However, as a female professional who works in another male-dominated industry, I really identify with Prentiss, JJ and Garcia (each in different ways) because they are so intelligently and realistically portrayed by Paget Brewster, AJ Cook, and Kirsten Vangsness. The female characters provide a much needed balance to all that testosterone running around.
Cutting some of the female characters that I've grown to love will ruin the balance of the show, and will make the show something that I won't be interested in watching any more.
If CBS wants to save money, then cut the spin-off that I will never watch now.
Yet another complaint - my favorite show, the one that keeps me wishing for breaks from med school when I can catch up on taped episodes, will never be the same. Can't believe they're risking a change to a successful formula rather than cancelling the show altogether. Big sigh here. And petition signed (JM and KV Twitters in case you missed it).
This morning I've read the news about your decision on cast changes at Criminal Minds. To say it saddens me would be a huge understatement.
I've been watching every episode since about middle of season 1 and one of the main reasons I've got hooked up on the series were the women characters.
I can't imagine having Criminal Minds withouth JJ or Prentiss, even in "reduced" state. And I don't like the message it sends out to us, viewers. Do you want to tell us women characters are not as important to you as men ones? Because it's exactly the message you're sending here. And introducing "new character" as to please the fans won't do a thing, sadly. We'd like to see the characters we learned to love and support.
While I'm sure that you have received a lot of suggestions to cut-off the spin-off, one of the sources for the news stated that the decision was due to "creative approach" to renew the show instead of financial. I'd kindly ask you not to do this. For 5 seasons we've been following the solid team, and it was enough when Mandy Patinkin and Lola Goudini decided to part ways with the series. But they did it on their own, not because someone from the higher-ups decided to cut/reduce them.
Finalizing - I'm disappointed in this decision and while I'd like to keep supporting Criminal Minds, and, sadly, while I will do this (well, not the spin-off, the original show), it will never be the same without JJ and Emily. Please reconsider.
If the show really makes such a dumb change, it will be very easy to drop this show so I can watch Modern Family, which is on at the same time. Such a shame considering it is one of my favorite shows on television and one of the few in which I am actually invested in the characters. Some of my favorite moments of the show are the characters just cracking jokes at each other or hanging out at bar. Slightly different feeling with a nearly all-male cast and a female who is never with them.
By removing AJ and Paget, two amazing actresses, you will be destroying a wonderful team of actors who have made Criminal Minds, a show to watch. In the past, this has been tried on other shows with little or no luck. I believe this would be a major mistake for CBS with the results being detrimental in the ratings of this show and CBS. AJ and Paget contribute to forming a team who make Criminal Minds a show to watch!
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Here is another person and email for everyone to write nicely, to voice their dispeasure in the not renewing the contracts for AJ Cook and Padget Brewster. We still need to support the show in order to keep all the actors on the show Criminal Minds.
This show is tied together by the chemistry that the characters bring. And that means ALL of the characters, including AJ and Paget. Sure, cutting them out will help the budget, but what's not going to help the budget is the backlash that will follow this ridiculous move. The stories on Criminal Minds have always been entertaining, but what has made this show different from many of the other crime shows out there is the true chemistry of the cast. Cutting these amazing actresses from the show will only do it harm. Give these hard-working ladies the respect they deserve, CBS, and do not continue with this ridiculous and blatantly sexist move.
If financial issues are that rough, cut the spin-off show. It's never going to measure up to the talent, entertainment, and chemistry that the ENTIRE cast of Criminal Shows us so consistently.
I bet they think that we'll just wear our selfs out over the hiatus and then when the new season starts it will be business as usual. They are wrong. I think I have had enough. Count me out for season 6. I am really sorry that A.J. and Paget got screwed so the network could save some bucks. They seem like very classy ladies and they certainly are talented.
I'm pretty pissed. I just found out and I told my mom and she tripped too... I love my CM Girls and this is some BS that they're trying to save $$ for the spin off when we like the original show... we dont want a freaking spin off.
This can't be happening, it's outrageous!
CBS has no dignity and no respect for those amazing actors and for the fans!
I feel horrible for AJ and Paget...they don't deserve this! It's a huge mistake, CBS is so going to regret this! People will stop watching and I'm one of them!
Last year we had a drama about Thomas and now again...I can't stand this anymore!
Please, save CM Ladies!
Otherwise this show is going to die!
Why mess with a quality show with high ratings AND a cast that has fans worldwide invested in them???
CBS, are you nuts???????
Don't you dare cut anyone from the cast!!! We love them all!!!!
Joanne
I am very disappointed with CBS. I have really enjoyed the "team" on CM and have even been a little upset this past year as it seemed more time was spent on the unsubs then the team. No females will make the show a lot less interesting. I definely will not watch the spin-off. I wasn't thrilled with the pilot but was at least going to give it a try - now you can forget that. CBS must be taking lessons from NBC with their dumb mistakes. Do you want to lose your good ratings?
I think it's a HUGE mistake to cut JJ! Aside from the 'I like her' argument, she's the show's access character! She asks the questions the audience needs the answers to in order to understand the show! As a not-a-profiler, she asks the questions that get the profilers explaining things. An exposition character like that is NOT expendable!
What are TPTB trying to accomplish? This 'refreshing a veteran show' is nonsense. CM has strong ratings, and I'm sorry, no show that has been on for five years is ever, ever, EVER going to appeal to the people with three-second attention spans that want to watch the latest thing. CM wasn't "fresh" when it started. The earliest reviews complained that this has been done.
Criminal Minds is *good*. Don't mess with *good* so you can chase some mythical concept of 'fresh'. Fresh, by its very nature, can only be fresh for so long.
I certainly hope that 'fresh' isn't a code-word for changing the entire concept. CBS keeps taking the shows about *finding* the criminals and turning them into shows about *chasing* the criminals, and I'm so sick of it. I want the science back on CSI, I want the evidence back on NCIS, and I want my freaking profilers on CM! Can we lose the kevlar and machine guns already?
As for JJ getting replaced by another female character, I'm sorry. That's just dumb.
I'd be happy to blame the spinoff here, but I haven't seen anything to really indicate that it even has a timeslot. I know it got ordered, but there've been no ads for it, it's not in the lineup. I'm more suspicious of CBS's stated attempts to incorporate more diversity. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for diversity, but that could be accomplished on the incoming shows and as the opportunity arises instead of shaking up a cast that has obvious chemistry.
And it's disgusting that they're pulling this on the female characters on the one CBS show that doesn't treat the women as sex objects, victims, or vapid love interests. JJ and Prentiss are *colleagues* of Hotch, Rossi, Morgan and Reid, not just shadows with badges. AND speaking of badges-- this means no more JJ/Prentiss/Garcia off-the-clock scenes, a la 'Brad, the real FBI agent'.
Sheesh. If CBS wants to save money, cancel a CSI (I can't believe I typed that since I'm a CSI fan too). If they want something fresh, come up with more of the reality TV drivel that seems to appeal to the masses. If they want to 'youthen' their image, buy some comedies instead of-- how many new crime dramas, including a remake of one from thirty years ago?
I think that's what makes this so frustrating. If CBS weren't introducing anymore crime dramas and saying 'we've got enough badges for a cop convention', that would be one thing. But I count three new crime shows in the fall lineup, all featuring white men. So it isn't like CBS seems to be looking for a facelift.
Leave the established shows alone.
CBS needs to pull it's head out. Cutting AJ and Paget is signing a death warrant on the show!!!!
If they cut JJ and Prentiss I'm done with Criminal Minds!
The dumbest idea that they've had. Cut two main characters, which happen to be strong women and great role models!
The spin-off is not worth it! Cut costs by canceling it, not by taking out two main characters and sacrifices the original Criminal Minds which continues to be in the top 10 in ratings.
I am shocked at the blatantly misogynistic practices at CBS. Fire one female and drastically reduce another's role on the show? When there are only three females to begin with? It is just terrible. It makes me want to never watch CBS again.
I have always loved Criminal Minds. I have watched it from day one, but this is more than I can take. The ensemble cast is perfectly balanced as is; changes will ruin the dynamics of the show I love.
Save AJ Cook and Paget Brewster! They deserve it!
I am extremely upset that CBS is cutting two very talented actresses from "Criminal Minds". It is not only a bad thing to do, if they're looking at demographics, because I would hazard a guess that women are amongst the primary target audience for this show. In addition CM has three very strong, female role models. In a very misogynistic view of criminal behaviours, the female part of the team balances out the perceptions of the team. Cost-wise, I dare say the male actors salaries of the show are higher than females, so the idea of using that as an excuse to cut costs is very misogynistic on behalf of CBS. I hearby stand that Criminal Minds must keep AJ Cook on as a regular, and keep Paget Brewster on as a regular and not recurring. Talking about Criminally Negligent Casting Decisions from TPTB
*If this goes through, the most important thing I'll emphasize is that I will refuse to watch the show on moral grounds. I will not help support a station that so blatantly endorses sexist and irresponsible fiscal decisions, and as such, will not only quit watching Criminal Minds (my favorite show; I own the first four seasons and am on the fence about the fifth because of this debacle), but all CBS shows, and I hope others will stand with me.* Below is a more in-depth discussion of what I find to be problematic about the strategic "soft sexist" cutting of characters in the show.
If the rumors of Ms. Brewster and Ms. Cook being offered fewer shows/less money, or being cut entirely (respectively), I’m highly concerned about the message this sends to female viewers, especially to young female viewers who too frequently look to find their identity and where they fit within the greater social power paradigm of society through what they see represented on television. The cutting of two prominent female characters on the show suggests that, not only are women unimportant as FBI agents in field (suggesting they don’t have the adequate power resources, independence, or ability to keep pace with the men), but that they also aren’t important to the continuation of a successful show. The former is less concerning, as these are fictional characters, in a fictional FBI, doing fictional work (I highly doubt actual hiring and firing of government bodies will be effected), but the second is horrendously disturbing, unfair, and suggestive of CBS’s view of women: when there is a money crisis, cut the female characters first, as fewer people will care. This only further reinforces the idea that it’s OK to afford fewer opportunities to women in multi-billion dollar industries, such as television, by suggesting that the are less responsible for the shows soaring success. Despite how much I love the show, the cast, the characters, and the story, there is no way I can continue to support a television station that promotes such reductive views of women, or such sexually biased fiscal decision making during times of hardship. The social implications are just too plaintive, sweeping, and dismissive of women, as well as their relative lack of position, agency, and authority within situations relating to gendered power dynamics, to be ignored in these contractual decisions. I only hope that this particular aspect of contract negotiation is addressed when the final decisions are being made. The plethora of subtle and sub-contextual ways in which women are being shown to be powerless or “less important” in terms of the show’s success in this situation is horribly disheartening and unfair. As a female viewer, this tells me that if female leads are not needed in the creation of a successful show, they are obviously unneeded in the viewership to help promote the success of the show
I can't believe this...How ridiculous decision!!
Cut the spin off,not AJ and Paget.
We don't want a new regular female cast!!
WE LOVE AJ AND PAGET!
So now it's being reported that not only is AJ out and Paget reduced but that Criminal Minds is planning to pick up a new female. They already got lucky when they found Paget as a replacement. Do they really think lighting will strike twice in the same spot, I mean come on! Criminal Minds should learn from CSI Miami's mistake. I mean when CSI Miami lost adam rodriguez and picked up eddie cibrian the show lost it's focus to the point that it got beat in its time slot after holding strong there for years. Now what is CSI Miami doing to try to fix their situation...they are bring back adam rodriguez next season full time. The numbers don’t lie. Too bad CBS/ABC can’t take a number from NBC's book and actually listen to their fans (Chuck's pickup).
I started watching this show becuase it was such a great mix of females and males working together as EQUALS, with the women not just playing eye candy. To see that two of the three females, who were already outnumbered, are not returning is heartbreaking. I watched this show for strong females and now I don't have the want or desire to watch this show anymore.
You say creative reasons but with fans begging for more backstory on both Prentiss and JJ that just doesn't seem like the best answer and more of an excuse.
CBS you are just pissing me off. Since day one of Criminal Minds it just seams like you have done everything you can to sink the show. It's not your precious CSI so gives a crap, right? Which by the way CSI sucks. All three of them. Forget the fact that the Criminal Minds has a huge fan base or the wonderful talent the show has. The interesting characters and story lines that draw you in and bring the back week after week AND have those fans buying the DVDs. You just want to screw the show, the talent and the fans over. Well guess what CBS, us fans don't give a crap about you. Our only interest in you is that you bring as Criminal Minds week after week, UNSCREWED AROUND WITH. We love and care about the actors, the writers, and others on the show. Since we the fans are your bread and butter doesn't work in your favor to keep us happy? SCREWING WITH SOMEBODY WE LOVE DOES NOT GET ON OUR GOOD SIDE. Leave our cast, ALL OF THEM, alone. We've grown rather attached to them over the last 5 seasons. We'd like to continue to see ALL OF THEM for a long time to come.
This is so very WRONG!! CBS is totally INSANE if they go ahead with this. Paget and AJ are amazing and so are their characters.
I am utterly appalled by CBS' decision. AJ and Paget portray intelligent, beautiful women (a novelty in television). The strength of the show is on the ENTIRE CAST.
It is always about the money. Networks will put up with actors with drug problems, legal problems, who act like asses on the set and the like if they feel they need them to make money. We are losing two highly respected professional actresses so CBS can make more money. I promise to watch whatever AJ and Paget's new projects are because I respect their work. I have no respect for CBS.
I can’t believe they are thinking of doing this! I loved that Criminal Minds had strong female characters in Prentiss and JJ. That is hard to find on most TV shows. If CBS goes through with this I may not watch the next season and I definitely won’t be watching the spin off show.
I love CM but am very disappointed to hear they may cut 2 actresses! I don't like when shows mess with the characters! I hope Paget and AJ get to stay!
You wanna save money on production costs? Well congratulations; screw up an amazing show by getting rid of two amazing actors and SEE how many viewers you lose. The viewership drops and the show gets cancelled. THAT should reduce the production costs.
So the message we're trying to send here is that only men make for good TV? What happened to providing our youth with strong, positive female role models? The reason this show works so well is that it's a fully meshed ensemble cast! Each person on the team has a very different function and brings their own unique perspective to the table. Take one away and the whole suffers. And taking away the only two that are active field agents? What's the next step CBS? Having us all barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen? *sigh*
I refuse to watch the spin-off. I did not like it. I like the original and am extremely disappointed that they want to cut some great characters. I get so excited for new episodes (and even re-runs) but may not watch next season if they continue to cut characters...
This decision seems to be false economy to me. Saving money by not paying actresses, but having less people watch the show...... advertisers will not be happy.
So this is supposed to be a "creative" decision? How about starting with the show runner and writers and making them accountable for writing better stuff for the talented actors and actresses we already have?
Both AJ and PB have been woefully underused. Write for them and they will blow you away.
Nobody is buying the bull CBS is trying to spin. They want to get rid of the two older women and are going to bring in a replacement for AJ mid-season. How much do you want to bet she will be a mid-twenty something "starlet" type with big breasts and flirty (but not a cool-Garcia type way) with all the guys?
Now they say it is for creative reasons? Do the execs at CBS think we will really believe this crock of shit?
The spin off was terrible, with the exeption of Forest Whittaker.I will not be watching it.
How creative is it to reduce the number of episodes for Paget Brewster. Her acting is seamless.
Why are they messing with the one intelligent crime drama on TV?.
Why have we not heard from Ed Bernero?
It is almost as if they are deliberately trying to get a top ten show cancelled.
The entire cast should just pull a Mandy Patinkin and disappear right before a table read.Now that's creative.
In a show that's already been criticized for the - admittedly stats-based - heavy victimization of women, they had three defenses:
1) So often, the female victims fought back. Physically, emotionally, or just by surviving.
2) A variety of female guest stars, who were people AND women (which so much of TV, and the world, just doesn't seem to grasp), who were different and had their own stories and strengths and flaws.
3) A nearly balanced main cast, with three strong, smart, capable women who are good at their jobs, who, again, have their strengths and their flaws, and who are well-rounded and, damn it, are awesome.
And now they're going to cut one, and reduce the time of another.
CM has a fantastic ensemble cast and they are all people I tune in to watch, but I gotta tell you, it's not an ensemble if parts are missing. Especially when those parts are JJ and Emily (AJ and Paget). And I don't think I can bring myself to watch.
There's some 'wonderful' sexism at play here, and to say they will bring in a replacement female character to 'freshen up' the storylines is not going to dampen that. Because what I'm hearing is "Well, we can't write anything for this woman, so we'll just have to get another." Because, don't you know, women are expendable.
But then, maybe that's what CBS believes.
Fail, CBS. Fail.
Anonymous, my husband had the same idea. Let the whole fandom sit out one episode and let the ratings tank and then maybe CBS will stop thinking we are all a bunch of mindless drolls that will watch CM regardless of who is in the cast.
Hey CBS, here is an idea to "freshen" up the show: retool that cringe-inducingly bad spinoff. Cast Shemar Moore in the lead (he's much cheaper than F. Whitaker, it makes sense given this season's Morgan/Hotch storyline, and you still get a spinoff led by an African American actor). Keep Brewster and Cook on the original show and actually write them compelling story lines. Cast the "fresh" new actress in the spinoff; the one in the pilot sucked. Everybody wins!
This decision is incredibly disappointing to me. As a female viewer, I have been thrilled to have a show that doesn't sensationalize its female victims, and has several strong, capable female characters. To cut back one female role and eliminate another totally alters the balance of the show, and not for the better. I hope CBS reconsiders.
Don't fix what's NOT broken!! The show is successful and doesn't need to be changed. The show writer's make the show BUT it's the actors who "bring" the show. They work hard and do an amazing job, the chemistry is tight, you don't find that with a lot of shows. Get rid of the spin off, the actors don't have the chemistry the original has. IMO, I don't think it will go very far. I will not watch it and I'm seriously thinking about NOT watching the original...MY favorite show. I'm so sick that this is happening!!!! Leave AJ and Paget alone!
This makes no logical sense to me. How is the show going to be about four (admittedly awesome) men and a technical analyst? (who is also awesome, but still.)
The dynamic of the show will be completely changed, and not in a good way. .
Paget Brewster and AJ Cook deserve better than this. Though I'm not sure they'll stay after being treated like this, I sure as hell wouldn't
Don't fix what's NOT broken!! The show is successful and doesn't need to be changed. The show writer's make the show BUT it's the actors who "bring" the show. They work hard and do an amazing job, the chemistry is tight, you don't find that with a lot of shows. Get rid of the spin off, the actors don't have the chemistry the original has. IMO, I don't think it will go very far. I will not watch it and I'm seriously thinking about NOT watching the original...MY favorite show. I'm so sick that this is happening!!!! Leave AJ and Paget alone!
Don't fix what's NOT broken!! The show is successful and doesn't need to be changed. The show writer's make the show BUT it's the actors who "bring" the show. They work hard and do an amazing job, the chemistry is tight, you don't find that with a lot of shows. Get rid of the spin off, the actors don't have the chemistry the original has. IMO, I don't think it will go very far. I will not watch it and I'm seriously thinking about NOT watching the original...MY favorite show. I'm so sick that this is happening!!!! Leave AJ and Paget alone!
This past season on CM was the crappiest one, in my opinion. It went from being a really complex and interesting show to...well, not. But I wasn't ready to quit watching; I was hoping that maybe next season, things would improve.
If Ms. Cook and Ms. Brewster won't be part of the cast, then there is no way things can improve. I won't be watching the spin off regardless (that episode was a snooze fest with the exception of Emily!), but I also will be forced to turn away from the original. I love me some Dr. Reid (and Garcia, and Morgan, and Rossi, and Hotchner too!), but the show won't be the same without Prentis and JJ.
So CBS, if you decide to trim this cast, especially considering what you did to keep Charlie Sheen and his inane thirty-minutes of ass-hattery, I will happily find something else to do with the time I spend watching your network.
Don't fix what's NOT broken!! The show is successful and doesn't need to be changed. The show writer's make the show BUT it's the actors who "bring" the show. They work hard and do an amazing job, the chemistry is tight, you don't find that with a lot of shows. Get rid of the spin off, the actors don't have the chemistry the original has. IMO, I don't think it will go very far. I will not watch it and I'm seriously thinking about NOT watching the original...MY favorite show. I'm so sick that this is happening!!!! Leave AJ and Paget alone!
and i thought CBS was getting more humane this upcoming season and all...i guess my instinct's right after all...there is indeed a catch on this...
what on earth is going to happen ti CM with this set up???it makes me sadder...super sad...T_T
I was totally angry when my friend told me that CBS might 'remove' both JJ AND Prentiss from CM. But come on! They are part of this and by removing them, CBS is making the one of the worst mistake in their lives.
I am a fan from Malaysia, and this show totally rocks the house. Not only are there fans there but Malaysia too.
I will be devastated. If they can't put AJ and Paget full time, cancel the spin-off instead.
I was so distressed to hear the news about JJ and Paget and now I read that they will be replaced!
CBS have you lost your mind? Why break up such a synchronous team? Do you not get that we love our characters and that is why we watch,as much or more as for the storyline?
PLEASE reconsider,for JJ and Paget sakes as well as for the viewers.
I can't believe it. Criminal Minds will not be the same without AJ and Paget.
AJ, Paget, Kirsten, Matt, Shemar, Joe and Thomas are the show.
Please cut the spin off and save our team.
We don't want a new female cast member.
Can't imagine CM without AJ and Paget (or any of the actual cast). I didn't like the spin-off (for what I saw) and I don't think I'm going to watch it, even more if it makes the original show go down ! Cut the spin-off and keep the girls !!!
This is the worst decision ever! I started watching CM by accident and only continued to watch because of Paget & AJ, to get rid of them will seriously derail the show, with such a loyal fan base if ur cost cutting u would think it would be more beneficial to keep popular female leads than to get rid of them, cos in the end u will loose a lot more viewers which in turn lowers ur ratings providing less income! If they go it will be a very big mistake on CBS's behalf. NOT IMPRESSED!! -Lucinda Burke (NZ)
I'm still in shock. When I woke up I thought it was a bad dream. But apparently, it's not... Unfortunately.
If AJ leaves and Paget is cut back, this all smells like the end of the show. Season 6 will be the last. We, dedicated and devoted fans DON'T WANT another new female added. We want OUR TEAM !
Criminal Minds is a great show because of all of this great cast. Joe, Paget, Thomas, Matthew, Kirsten, AJ and Shemar.
DON'T BREAK THE TEAM.
CBS will with no doubt lose ALOT of fans because of this decision.
This is all madness. Bring them back.
Dear CBS,
Are you serious?
You want us to believe there are „creative“ reasons behind any of this?
So AJ Cook asked for a raise…….
She really wanted to get paid what’s she’s worth? Getting a little recognition for her part of the success of Criminal Minds?
And you thought she’s not an important part of the show?
YOU ARE WRONG!
I don’t know if AJ’s still willing to talk to you, but if she is, sit down with her and her agent and solve this mess.
WE WANT HER BACK!
And how do you want to make us believe that there could be “creative” reasons for a reduced Prentiss-screentime? How do you even want to make this work?
Promote her away to another team and when you need some Girl-power it’s gonna be: Well, let’s call Emily?
HUH?
How are we supposed to believe this is still a team, when they are no longer working together full-time???
And how is this supposed to work in a possible Season 7?
But with your behaviour and the loss of viewers through this, I don’t see a Season 7 at all.
And what good will it do to your network, if the rating of Criminal Minds are gonna drop asnd the Spin-off will fail BIG TIME?
YOU ARE INSULTING ME; THE FANS; THE AUDIENCE and worst of all our beloved female actors PAGET BREWSTER and AJ COOK.
Maybe you thought that Criminal Minds fans aren’t that passionate about their show, maybe you thought that AJ and Paget don’t have us much fans as the male actors on the show.
YOU ARE WRONG!
Maybe we haven’t been that loud and visible before, but don’t undersestimate us and the number of us. WE ARE OUT THERE AND WE ARE OUTRAGED!
Criminal Minds has been THE ONE TV-Show I watched on a regular basis, THE ONE TV-Show I bought the DVDs.
Because it has always been an exception and an intelligent show, with female characters I could identify with.
Now that that is gone, I’m gone too!
And it’s not only me!
With your sexist behaviour you hit the female viewers right in our core and we won’t take it
Don’t think we will go on as nothing happenend!
WE WON’T STOP!
WE WILL BE LOUD AND CLEAR!
WE ARE OUT THERE!
AND FEMALE LOYALTY CAN BE A BITCH!
And THIS will hit you right back where it hurts your network the most, in your ratings and your DVD selling numbers.
We want you to solve this mess!
Otherwise, WATCH ME, NOT WATCHING CBS ANYMORE
I can't believe what they are trying to do to A.J and Paget. The ladies are strong women that hold their own along with the male characters. This is not the 1950's when the women would stay home and be a housewife, women today have real jobs and not to say that a stay at home mom is less important. They too have a real job in keeping the family together. I can't believe they would do something like this. CBS sucks, now they are trying to bring a spin-off show, they could easily keep A.J. and Paget and pay them they money that would be used for a stupid spin-off. I am so disgusted that would even be an option on the part of CBS, we are faithful fans who watch every Wednesday and stay glued to our TV's to watch it. We are the fans who make the show sucessful and without A.J and Paget what is that saying to the women of this world that they can't tough it out like the men do. I am very upset and if it ain't broke don't fix it.
And forget the spin-off. No one wants it to ruin our great original show.
Seriously, who will watch the spin off if they know it destroyed our team on Criminal Minds?
Reid's mother once said : Why mess with perfection?
So why on Earth do you mess with this perfect CM team, CBS? Why, why, why?
I'm sad and disappointed. I never thought this could happen.
I didn't like the spin-off episode. I didn't like those characters. So, please, reconsider it, focus on Criminal Minds and it's great and perfect cast.
I'm more than angry.
I am utterly gobsmacked that CBS would consider doing something so stupid. Why mess with a good thing? What works with CM is not only the incredible story lines, wonderful acting and just plain awesomeness of CM. It's the cast and the amazing presence they all have on screen, how well each of their characters compliment and challenge others. THAT is what keeps me watching every week.
Honestly the dynamic that exists is only there because of ALL the current cast members. THEY JUST WORK CBS! Why can't you get that through your skulls and leave well enough alone?! Keep AJ & Paget and you will maintain your viewing levels for a long time. Drop them and I'm sure you'll see a massive dip in viewers & a real lack of support for the spin-off.
Don't cut any of the cast members they are all amazing! especially AJ and Prentiss! that's just stupid and completely ridiculous they are brilliant characters and fit so perfectly on the BAU team! i would hate for it to change! please keep them all!
This show will not be the same without AJ and Paget...so..KEEP THEM !!!!!!!!!!!
Pissed off.
While it is a male-centric show, the only reason that this is appealing is because it has such great, strong and well developed female characters to offset this.
Honestly think that Paget Brewster has become the most important character in the show, as her char really ties all of the rest together. I was watching the first series without Paget - the whole group feels much more interesting and believable with her in the group.
This is disgusting and incredibly stupid. I'm telling you now, I already know quite a few people who will refuse to watch Criminal Minds and its spin off if this decision goes ahead. Not only is it insulting to the fans, it's so insulting and demeaning to the wonderful actresses Paget Brewster and AJ Cook. They play their respective parts beautifully and if they are gone, so will viewers.
When AJ was on maternity leave, many people did not enjoy the show as much because AJ wasn't present. What do you think will happen if she's gone permanently?
I would love to know how much you are paying Forest Whittaker for his role in the spin off. I bet it would give Criminal Minds a fairer budget if Whittaker and the spin off was gone. Good riddance I say.
You cut the women:
- Female viewers have no connection or someone to relate to.
- Male viewers have no eye candy.
Do you not understand how TV works? You have shot yourselves in the foot with the show and the spin off. There will be many people resenting the spin off and whatever new female character you bring in purely out of retaliation.
Women are loyal and since the majority of viewers are female, I hope you do the right and smartest thing which is to reinstate Cook and Brewster.
And apologise! Both to the cast/crew and to the fans.
This news shocked me indeed....when I heard it yesterday, I couldn't believe it and I really hope they won't do that because I can't imagine Criminal Minds without Jj!!!
I don't think I'll keep watching it without her!!
It's so damn terrible:(((((((
Jj is part of the team, the main team and she must stay with them!!!
I first started watching Criminal Minds around the same time as when Paget began on the show. I haven't stopped watching since then, and have also watched the episodes I missed in Seasons 1 and 2. My conclusion is that the chemistry and coherence of this particular cast ensemble is unparalleled in TV. Splitting up this incredible team is NOT the solution to 'refreshing' this show.
There are no words to say how sad, how angry, how disappointed I am. There simply are no words. I love Criminal Minds, I really do, but like I said on others websites, Criminal Minds without JJ and Prentiss isn’t Criminal Minds anymore.
You’re pretending it isn’t for financial reason, but in order to “refresh a veteran drama series”. Are you so foolish, so stupid, to think that Criminal Minds needs such a modification? Either you really are stupid, and then, we won’t be able to change things by raising our voices, saying “DON’T!” , or you’re, at least, able to listen what the fans have to say, and maybe listening us, and leave the cast as it is, as it has always been since 3seasons. It’s up to you, guys, to make the right choice. One will probably lead to the death of the audience. But I’m just saying….
Think about it, guys, Criminal Minds is good the way it is now. Like Hotch said to JJ once, no one else than her can do her job. No one else. Why do you want fresh meet, who certainly would screw up everything? What the hell is wrong with JJ? And Prentiss as well?
You’ve no idea of how sad, how mad at you, how pissed are the CM’s fans. I know a lot of them, and they all are as disappointed, as sad, as angry as I am. You cannot understand because, whatever you said, all you think about is money. Let’s hope that, for once, you will truly listen the fan’s wishes….
taking aj and paget out of criminal minds is liking taking the jelly out of a pb&j - still alright, but not nearly as good. ditch the spinoff and keep the girls!
typical they're spending all their money on a spin-off that NO ONE WILL WATCH. They even getting a new character for Criminal Minds: Suspect Behaviour. AND THE PARENT SHOW PAYS THE PRICE. This is utter bullscrap. I will NOT be watching the show iff JJ and Prentiss leave. And I definitely will not be watching the spin off. Were they not thinking of the fans? Or their ratings for that matter?
I think I'm more angry now that I hear CBS plans to add another female lead. Is this their new artistic direction? Code for "hot new younger chick is cheaper than the two combined."
I know Forest Whitaker, an Academy Award winner could not come cheap nor does keeping $2 mil an ep Charlie Sheen whom will likely hold up production of his series because he will be in jail for assaulting his wife.
Curious as to why he gets rewarded for his behavior but strong female leads are getting punished on CBS shows because of financial, I mean "artistic direction."
"If it's not broke, don't fix it"!!!!
I'm just really confused and sad by this news! Why mess with something that is working SO well??? And why just the girls? It doesn't make any sense! I really don't think I will be watching without AJ and with less Paget!
CBS you don't make any sense at all!
Obviously, since I heard the news yesterday, I'm in shock! How can anyone cut two of those wonderfull actresses? And if you do, why would you do it? It's not with the intention you'll make to show better, 'cause if you wanted to do thát, you should get some odd things out, not the good things!
AJ and Paget are great, and with AJ cut out and Paget cut half, I don't think the show would be worth watching it.
And besides that, I'm gonna miss the all-girls-scenes so much! =(
(So please CBS. I'm near begging, safe my show; safe AJ and Paget!)
hey, what the f*** is CBS thinking? Wheter AJ/JJ cut is financial or creative based, I do not care. They are destroying a perfectly fine show.
The only reason I would accept for JJ to be written out would be that AJ Cook asked to leave the show. Which to my mind isn't the case.
I think that CBS wanted a change and saw a easy possibility to write JJ out by saying that she deciedes to spend more time with Henry and Will. On the plus side for CBS they saw the possibility of a new cast member costing less.
Moreover Paget Brewster aka Emily is probably going to be part time CM and parttime the spin-off. Like they did with Director Vance/Rocky Caroll in NCIS. What the F***?
I watch the show for the team and cuting one and reducing the other is defenetly not the way to keep good ratings.
I was willing to give the spin off a chance - sorry no more. As for the new cast - that will be a desaster most fans are already angry befor said person is cast. As JJ once said "though job".
You know this was the first final since I started watching the show that I was content. Hotch was for once safe. Emily too. So no panic attack - juhu. On the plus side morgan was ok too. So I was content to wait until september for the new season. No worring for one - yah.
What a load of c***. Now they do this!
Well congratulations CBS you are on the road to ruin another great show.
CBS, you can't do this to our favorite show. You can save money by quitting the spin off. No one wants this stupid spin-off, don't you get that?
JJ and Prentiss are irreplaceable. And I certainly won't support the new actress who is suppose to replace the girls!!
Paget and AJ are family!! And you don't separate family. This is all a very big mistake and I hope you realise that before it is too late. It's not a good idea to mess with the CM fans. Everyday I hope this is just a bad dream and that I wake up the next morning and everything is the same again as it was before. :(( I am angry, sad and very disappointed...
I am thoroughly upset & disgusted! They CAN'T cut them! That's just absolutely absurd! This is an extremely successful show & there is no way that it is impossible to keep them. This show is such a success & without them, it will crumble apart from the amazing standing it is at now. They ALL make this show what it is. You can't just cut people from it & expect it to be good OR what people want or like! Aren't shows supposed to be appealing to their viewers? Cutting two crucial characters (skilled actresses) is one of the worst ideas, ever. It's worse than canceling the show. At least then everyone was still together. This is just absolute nonscense! I, as a Criminal Minds fan, do NOT approve of ANY of these wonderful people being cut! I don't know that I'd be able to stand watching the show when 1/3 of the people aren't even there anymore. Forget doing a spin off show! THIS is THE show! THIS is the show that MADE things happen! THIS show is what attracted everyone! THIS is the cast we LOVE & adore! THIS is the cast that should REMAIN! I am FULLY against them being removed! KEEP THIS CAST TOGETHER!
Dear CBS,
I'm not sure, but i hope you understand cynicism!
Opinion on the web.....
And the Boobie Prize Goes to Criminal Minds!
Congratulations, Criminal Minds Producers! Your decision to dump AJ Cook and shove Paget Brewster to the sideline is long overdue. Let's face it - that was way too much estrogen in the field to be plausible. It's just not reasonable to expect such dainty flowers to handle the brutal and ugly work of men. I know, I know, there are those who say that AJ Cook's "JJ" (and how smart of it was you to give her tiny woman brain such a easy name to remember) was mostly a public relations person and didn't really face much danger, but those reporters can be a nasty lot and JJ should be on a wide front porch, sipping mint juleps and protecting her fair skin with a broad brimmed hat, making babies that some nanny can look after and keeping herself pretty and dumb for her gentleman lover.
Don't even get me started on Paget Brewster's "Prentiss" - a butch, rough and tumble field agent who mostly just slows the guys down because they don't want her to feel bad about not being able to keep up. It just sends the wrong message. I don't mind girls playing field hockey in high school, but I draw the line when they start taking college scholarships away from real athletes, and characters like Emily Prentiss just encourage this kind of faulty logic. I'm sure the plan is to make Prentiss more of a secretary for the team - perhaps she can clean the plane and prep dinner while the boys are off doing the real work, and for that I applaud you.
There's still the problem of Kristen Vangsness and her "know-it-all" character Penelope Garcia. While I simply cannot accept this idea of the team being dependent on Garcia's "intelligence" and "technical skill," at least the producers have the foresight to keep her behind a large desk filled with computers so we don't have to partake in the sight of her woman parts. I'm not worried, though. I know in time you'll find a way to dispatch of her, as well.
It's a new day for television, one free of the XX bonds of tyranny that have long held sway over my television programming. At long last, swarthy manly men can take center stage. The Terrible Day of the Woman is over!
So, congratulations Criminal Minds Producers and enjoy this Boobie Prize from Virgil's All-Night Diner
Retraction: Criminal Minds
Sadly, even as I posted my last article, word has broken that the producers of Criminal Minds are not as progressive and thoughtful as I initially believed. The heartless yet inspired firing of AJ Cook and sidelining of Paget Brewster was NOT a financially motivated means of boosting the testerone of the show, but instead a creative decision to refresh a veteran cast. Yes, CBS was horribly misquoted and what they meant to say was that a new female cast member will be introduced mid-season.
Oh, CBS, how easily you cave to the liberal hordes who saw your savvy business moves as misogynistic. But, wait! CBS says the move is intended to "refresh a veteran drama series." Very true...women have a much shorter shelf life than men. Like eggs, milk, and other easily expired goods, women in television need to be replaced frequently. Sure, AJ Cook is still a beauty, but for how much longer? 20 years? Why take that gamble when a newer model is right around the corner. Thankfully, the same doesn't apply to men. Shamar Moore is 87 years old. A lot of people don't know this but it was actually Moore who taught Don Cornelius how to ride the Soul Train.
You may have won this round, Liberal Elite, but we have the satisfaction of at least a partial season of testerone driven action when the cast is brilliantly balanced between one and a half women and four men. But for now I sadly withdraw the Golden Boobie. My deepest apologies, Criminal Minds.
CBS, SOLVE THIS MESS!
Still weepy today. I've never felt like this about a show before. CBS/ABC, how dare you! How dare you think that just because you pull the purse strings, that you can treat people like something disgusting you'd wipe off the bottom of your shoe. I'm also awaiting a statement from Ed Bernero, who is suspiciously quiet in the midst of all of this - is he going to ignore the concerns and despair of the CM fans who have supported him for so long? It's one of those situations in which you really begin to realize who the good guys are. TG, Joe, Kirsten, Gube, thank you for voicing your dismay online, and supporting your friends. The CM cast is the best in the world - we love you guys! AJ and Paget, we love you and will always support you...this is not over, this is not finished. We will fight for you, and we will prevail.
im out of it. Why cut a female character that we all know and love and add a new one...? it doesn't make sense
To me this is the defintion of sexism. I adore these two actresses and I don't think the show would be the same without them. Each woman brings a different dynamic to the show. I woul not feel comfortable watching the show knowing that they have cut the roles of the women on the show because they feel its a more male-centred show. What world do the CBS executives live in? After a discussion with all the colleagues in my office, we all have decided to skip the next season if Paget and AJ are not full time cast members. Good luck, CBS, because you're going to need it.
Emmy
save the cm ladies http://www.petitiononline.com/cmwomen/petition.html
Boycott!!!
I'm from the east and though my country only half way through the season 5, this sucks. Seriously. I don't even feel like watching the rest of the season 5!
I love Paget! The Show won't be the same without the gals! I am not going to watch it anymore.
I'd rather CBS keep the original Criminal Minds with the original cast then have the spin-off. The show needs A.J and Paget there to awesome to let go
I'm pretty miffed. I can't believe that they would sacrifice such incredible actresses and the amazing chemistry within the current team in order to bring in fresh faces on the original series or to help finance the spin-off. one very sad and frustrated fan here in the land of aus.
DITCH. THE. SPIN. OFF. AND SPEND. THAT. BUDGET. ON. THE. ORIGINAL. SERIES. Ditch that piece of crap. (No offence to all those who enjoyed it, I'm just extremely pissed at the moment and this makes me not want to even give a thought out to the crappy spin off that's to start)
Seriously, isn't this what all of us CM fans were afraid of? Why are they not cutting the spin off yet choosing to cut two of the most talented and underated actresses who shine in these roles? It's like betrayal. The characters and cast members are two fo the biggest reasons as to why the fans love this show. Take away such a big part and you lose more than just your fan base.
WE WANT OUR CAST BACK!
WE WANT OUR SHOW BACK!
CBS, SOLVE THIS MESS NOW!
IF NOT....
WATCH ME, NOT WATCHING CBS ANYMORE
I can't believe they are even considering this! AJ and Paget play two of the best female characters I’ve seen in a long time! And as for the spin off none of the characters had the flare of the original cast!
Unthinkable to live without Paget and AJ, CM would not be the same anymore!!!
CBS returns on your decision!
If they cull AJ and/or Paget I just won't watch.
This is the final straw. No more Criminal Minds for me. Way to drive away your viewers CBS.
Words cannot describe my reaction to the firing of AJ Cook and the proposed reduction in the amount of episodes Paget Brewster will appear in. What a slap in the face to two ladies that have done nothing but represent the show and their characters with nothing but professionalism and grace.
Television is remiss in the number of strong, unneedy women that are put on the air. They are either doctors that sleep around with everyone they meet or housewives that do the same. What is wrong with two women that just do their jobs without all the drama of their lives bleeding into it? The two women are great role models for the young women of today. That you can have a job and excel at it without sleeping around, without being catty or conniving.
To first say this decision was economincal, was bad enough. Brings on all kinds of thoughts to wasted money on unnecessary spin-offs and high-priced male actors on it and other shows. Let's cut the women and make CM an all-boys club too. Of all the chauvanistic decisions. But then to say that a new female will be brought in to replace AJ is just unbelieveable. Is that really what CBS thinks we want?
We want AJ back. Develope her storyline. You want to be creative? Be creative with the talent that you already have. AJ Cook and Paget Brewster are both wonderful actresses. Develope their storylines. Give them something (especially AJ) to chew on. I'm positive she is up to the challenge. Don't add insult to injury by suggesting AJ can easily be replaced. Fans have been waiting for years for JJ to have a storyline, give them what they want.
As for Paget, the woman can flat-out act and I am baffled by the mere thought of cutting the amount of episodes she is going to appear in . We want more Prentiss not less.
Any show should be happy to have two such talented women on their show. Nobody is buying the hokum that CBS is putting down. Time for CBS to admit they should keep the talented CM7 intact and bring both AJ and Paget back fulltime. We want our cast left alone. We thought that was fairly clear last year. Leave our cast alone!! We want AJ, Paget, Kirsten, Thomas, Matthew, Joe and Shemar all back fulltime for Season 6 and beyond.
That is what the CM fans that keep this show one of the highest rated on television want. Please listen to what we are saying.
As a lifelong Criminal Minds fan i am completely dumbstruck as to why CBS think they can justify ditching AJ and sidelining Paget to try and save money, what a lame excuse, if they are serious about saving money then why don't they cancel the spin off show that has been announced. Whatever bright spark come up with the idea of getting rid of the girls i think will have some explaining to do when CBS realise how much LOVE we have for ALL of the CM cast. You cannot take one or two parts out of the show and it not have a major impact. Shame on CBS, keep the CM GIRLS.
this is a very very very bad decision.
Without the women (Aj and Paget) the show will not be the same!! They are a essential part of the show. I think that criminal minds will lost a lot of fans and public...also in Italy from where I write.
I thinks it's a choice to favourite the spin-off, well, I dislike the spin-off from the beginning!!!
rosalioka
THIS IS A HUGE MISTAKE!
Criminal Minds without AJ and less Paget?! What will it be?!
Last year, you triggered fans' anger by firing 5 talented writers from the show. Now, you triggered even more anger by firing AJ and cutting Paget's screentime. Even worse, adding a new female cast. This is an total insult to the fans, the show, the other casts and not to mention AJ and Paget.
I believe many fans will stop watching the show, boycott the spin off and boycott all CBS shows.
CBS, PLEASE listen to the fans this time? Keep AJ and Paget on Criminal Minds as FULL TIME CAST! This CM family ain't broken; so don't fix anything that isn't broken!
VERY ANGRY AND LOYAL CRIMINAL MINDS FAN,
Cynthia Tan
I really can not believe CBS is trying to fix a show which is not in trouble. Criminal Minds is doing great in the ratings. I am reading creative and/or financial reasons are why AJ and Paget are being cut. Which is it ? Or is the real reason for some twentysomething "hot female" to be introduced into the cast to pump up the numbers for the male demo 18 to 49 ? Look at NBC and the disaster they created with Leno. Does CBS want to do the same thing.
This show is so good bcause of the chemistry that over the years the cast has created, please don't ruin it, no matter the reason....
I really don't get how they came to this decision. Really, I don't. Maybe when they try to explain such an unjustifiable decision, they'd come to realize it makes absolutely no sense to fire A.J. Cook and reduce Paget Brewster's role.
Thanks to everyone who posted contact information for people at CBS.
CBS target two thirds of the female cast members by firing one, marginalising another & claim it's not about money nor is it a sexist decision it's 'refreshing a veteran drama' for 'creative reasons'. Their evidence to prove this? We're adding another new regular female cast member to replace AJ Cook. So the new cast member is not going to be younger or cheaper then CBS? How does that compensate marginalising Paget Brewster by limiting the number of episodes she appears in if it's not about money? Not about money/not being sexist - YEAH RIGHT CBS!
"creative decision" my arse. I don't want to see any characters go, but (putting my pure writer's hat on here) Prentiss, JJ, Garcia and Reid are the least cuttable of the ensemble.
Hotch, Rossi and Morgan have some over-lap. Hotch is a little more expendable than Rossi, because Morgan can take the leader role and Rossi retains the seasoned mentor. Rossi is a little less expendable, because Hotch could take on his mentor role; and Morgan could be covered by Prentiss in the main action role while Hotch retains leadership.
But the other four are more unique. If you lose JJ or Prentiss (like Garcia and Reid) there's no one to take up the roles they perform in the group.
Of course the lack of enthusiasm for the spin-off should clue in execs to the financial decision they should really make. The contrast to excitement I remember for the various Star Trek franchises is a good indicator.
I am still in shock. Pagett and AJ give their all to the show and add to the ammbience and the ratings as well.
If anything please think about cutting the sninoff. Once you've had the best (which is the original CM) it's hard to replicate it.
The spinoff would probably last 6 weeks at the most.
I worked on a show last season but ABC pulled that show after 6 weeks becaue it was wasting money. The ratings were not as good as they thought they would be therefore they just "threw in the towel". I know budget cuts are everywhere, which is why it would be more adventagious to your network to keep the complete cast of CM and axe the spinoff.
Please reconsider.
Since yesterday its like i'm in a dream, and still hope to wake up from it.
Its just so unreal. I still can't believe why they are doing this!?
The show was so good with that Team, ratings were perfect!
So, why?? Why only a Show with men? Female and Male worked so good in this show. I can't imagine Criminal Minds without AJ Cook and less Paget Brewster. It won't be the same anymore.
Please CBS, don't cut them!
Cut the spin off, but leave the two Ladies in the Show!
A very sad and angry Fan
It would appear that CM really wasn't renewed for a 6th season. Why the lie in the first place?
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