Wednesday, September 29, 2010

CRIMINAL MINDS SPOILER THREAD FOR "JJ"


Criminal Minds spoiler thread for "JJ" written by Erica Messer and starring Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler and Kirsten Vangsness.

**Beware! There will be spoilers in the comments. **

218 comments:

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jenny0285 said...

Well I thought this was a great episode, obviously really gutted that AJ has left, she was such a great member of the cast, and i've always loved her character... But I like how just as the show had no choice in her leaving, neither did hotch and the team!

best wishes to AJ! xxx

Also, just a thought, but did anyone else wonder why Reid was sick at the beginning? I wasn't sure why that part was in the episode, it seemed a bit out of place, when he said he felt a bit sick... i'm wondering if that's leading to anything?

xx

Anonymous said...

Anybody know where I can find the full episode online? CBS and Hulu only have clips. My CBS station was unavailable last night becasue of a drought-busting rainstorm and I missed it!!!

Gary said...

A.J. just tweeted that she is working on a new movie with Jeffiner Morrison,A.J. says she is moving on and working and that is GREAT NEWS!
No details about the film yet .

Nicole Lynch said...

two years ago, i was staying at my nans house.. and the first episode of criminal minds i ever watch came on. it was 'peneople' and i was just hooked on the tv show. but the one person that always caught my eye when i began watching, and jj/aj. especily when she shot james colby tayor (or what ever this name was) a few episode later.. was 'in heat' and 'the crossing' which went into jj life, after then season finale i was hooker on thoes few episode i had watched. so i went out and i bought season 2,3,4 on dvd.. then later 1. and i don't know why but jj centered episodes i always found more interesting and relatable. jj/aj is the reason i ever started watching this show and i dont know if i will enjoy the episode the same way i did when jj/aj was in them.

As far as i was concerned aj cook was one of the gratest actresses on that show, as is paget brewster. when she leaves next season i dont think the show will be able to hold up with its two man talented nessary cast members are gone.

i dont think ill ever be able to watch the episode 'jj' again.. im just going to sick with my dvd's and pretend she still part of the team :)

and to thoes people saying this isnt any different to when lola and mandy left.. it is because they decided to leave the show.. that was their choice. A.J. and paget were fired.. its different.

nicole.. your biggest fan from australia :)

Anonymous said...

A few months before "JJ" aired, I wrote a brief synopsis about how I thought JJ was going to go on a Facebook discussion board. Here it is:

"I think the writers should address the crisis in the show itself--JJ and Prentiss are risk for losing/minimizing their jobs due to financial problems in the FBI and this occurs right before the team leaves for a case. JJ and Prentiss decide to stay behind in order to make their case about why they should not be fired. Concurrently, the remaining BAU members (the boys) try to solve the case on their own--and they don't do as well. They try very hard, but the case ends in disaster. Sure, they may have caught their unsub, but they couldn't save the victim in time, and they leave with heavy hearts. The boys return and everybody (including Garcia) meets in the conference room for JJ and Prentiss's news. Although JJ's job is saved (sparking a brief joy in Garcia), she will be transfered to another team, thus a heartbreaking scene where everybody says goodbye to JJ.

So in this case, JJ would have a dignified exit--she's still working, she's just not with the team. Prentiss, however, is not ready to give up the fight--she's going to pursue a lawsuit against the recent firings and demotions in the FBI (the majority of them women). This would explain her absence in the beginning of the season, and once that suit is over, she's back on the team full-time for good. "

As you can see, my prediction was pretty close to happened last night--mainly the writers allegorizing the crisis in the episode and making . Obviously, I was off the mark on some specifics (especially with Prentiss), but I got the general theme right--JJ not wanting to leave the BAU, but is forced to.

I admit "JJ" was a sad episode that brought me close to tears, but I was pleased how it turned out. JJ was given the best character exit that did not compromise her dignity. I confess I felt a bit of sadistic glee of Criminal Minds sticking it to CBS!

During the final scene, three characters stood out as being most affected by JJ's departure. I was struggling to suppress my trembling when Hotch tells JJ that he tried and failed to keep her on, but he will still fight for her. "I'll miss you" he says, with a cracked composure I haven't seen since "100." Somehow I have a feeling that while acting, Thomas Gibson probably struggled to stay in character when he really wants to cry.

My favorite character in Criminal Minds is Spencer Reid, and I was very affected by his reaction. His repeating of "They can't just take you away" broke my heart, and like Hotch, Reid seemed so close crying. I loved that JJ tried to comfort him. I think he's gonna be upset for a while. I wonder if he's kept the Redskins tickets.

And Garcia, I have no other words to say. She's right--the BAU are a family, and CBS ripped it apart.

Despite a lot of fans wanting to stop watching after "JJ", I will continue to watch the show, thick and thing, and no matter what happens to show (even if I disagree with changes) I will stay loyal, and see through its final episode. Do you leave a beloved relative in the dust when they're sick? No, you don't and I will not abandon Criminal Minds, even if it jumps the shark. I love it too much.

Anonymous said...

I admit "JJ" was a sad episode that brought me close to tears, but I was pleased how it turned out. JJ was given the best character exit that did not compromise her dignity. I confess I felt a bit of sadistic glee of Criminal Minds sticking it to CBS!

During the final scene, three characters stood out as being most affected by JJ's departure. I was struggling to suppress my trembling when Hotch tells JJ that he tried and failed to keep her on, but he will still fight for her. "I'll miss you" he says, with a cracked composure I haven't seen since "100." Somehow I have a feeling that while acting, Thomas Gibson probably struggled to stay in character when he really wants to cry.

My favorite character in Criminal Minds is Spencer Reid, and I was very affected by his reaction. His repeating of "They can't just take you away" broke my heart, and like Hotch, Reid seemed so close crying. I loved that JJ tried to comfort him. I think he's gonna be upset for a while. I wonder if he's kept the Redskins tickets.

And Garcia, I have no other words to say. She's right--the BAU are a family, and CBS ripped it apart.

Despite a lot of fans wanting to stop watching after "JJ", I will continue to watch the show, thick and thing, and no matter what happens to show (even if I disagree with changes) I will stay loyal, and see through its final episode. Do you leave a beloved relative in the dust when they're sick? No, you don't and I will not abandon Criminal Minds, even if it jumps the shark. I love it too much.

Anonymous said...

Well, finally it's done. She had to leave us and it was more than heartbreaking. I cried like a child while I was watching JJ's leaving. I loved the message of this episode, I loved how the character's expressions and lines mirrored the actor's real feelings. How the whole episode mirrored what we all feel about this stupid decision of making her go. AJ you are loved dearly and will be missed forever sorely! Without You it can't be the same anymore. You are an important member of the CM family and it will never change. I wish You luck and great roles, because you deserve being honored!

with so much love from Gabriella

Misty said...

This episode was incredibly sad and awesome at the same time.

JJ was, ...there are no words to describe how wonderful and classy JJ was.
Her exit was done with such respect, congratulations to Erica Messer for this episode.

I'll miss JJ, just like everyone else, the show and the team will be different now that she's gone. I guess the team will have some difficult times ahead of them.
JJ's job will have to be done, and I guess that will give the team extra work and pressure.

Hotch deciding to not replacing JJ is pretty symbolic. And it's a heartwarming decision, a testament of how irreplaceable our team members are.

Congratulations AJ for this outstanding performance, you'll be missed.

On the negative note, I find it hard to believe that an FBI agent could be forced to transfer to a completely different government agency. And I would have liked a mention about Human Resources (maybe Hotch or JJ contacting them).
It might only be technical details, but I still felt the need to point that out.

For the rest of the episode :

I really enjoyed the case. I found the story interesting and I loved seeing those interviews.
The actors playing Pearson and Barrett did a really good job, congrats.
And the parents of Kate Joyce felt 'extremely real' too, if that makes sense.

I loved the scene with Rossi and Reid at the club, and their discussion, nice scene (even if Reid's haircut - and the way he styled it - was absolutely awful).

The cast was wonderful, and it was easy to tell they were all moved.

And I did notice Reid taking the Antacid Tablets and being sick (apparently vomiting).
Is it a hint as to what his secret might be ? Is our genius sick ?
That could be a really interesting storyline - one that I would enjoy much, much more than Reid having a relationship with a future FBI cadet...don't go that road please. When I watch Criminal Minds, I don't want to watch a soap opera...
And I love this show with everything I have, but that would draw the line too far.

Anonymous said...

A.J. posted on her twitter that she's working on new film with J.Morrison! Good luck!

Meg said...

I loved ths episode so much even though it was so unbearably difficult to watch. I managed to just about cope until poor Spencer's confused and broken little voice (and his confused and broken little heart) got stuck on 'they can't just take you away'. His chin wibble as he tried not to cry was then my complete undoing. I bawled my eyes out. No one's going to be calling him 'Spence' there anymore. :-(

I hate what's been done to A.J Cook. Absolutely hate it. The show was great as it was, it didn't need messing with. I am going to miss her so much. She's irreplaceable - so don't bother trying CBS.

I wish A.J all the best of luck for the future and all the happiness in the world.

E. Rousset said...

That was one exceptional episode.

AJ, you were wonderful ! I wish you all the luck in the world for your future projects.

You could feel the love between the team members, you could feel their pain, you could feel their desperation and reluctant resignation.

Seeing JJ leaving was hard, but she definitely left on a high note.

I'm not sure what to think about Strauss, were her hands really tied ? Apparently yes, but I guess she didn't put up much of a fight either. Like Morgan said, that promotion makes her look good.

The case offered interesting moments between the main cast.
I think it was a good case that left room to deal with JJ's exit.
And I did like the twist about the two boys and their respective role in Kate's ordeal.

Reid being sick caught my attention too.
It could make for a great secret.
And I agree with Misty, it would be way better than him having a relationship with that new character, Ashley.

Alice said...

"And I did notice Reid taking the Antacid Tablets and being sick (apparently vomiting).
Is it a hint as to what his secret might be ? Is our genius sick ?
That could be a really interesting storyline - one that I would enjoy much, much more than Reid having a relationship with a future FBI cadet...don't go that road please. When I watch Criminal Minds, I don't want to watch a soap opera...
And I love this show with everything I have, but that would draw the line too far."

Yes, I was wondering about the antacids and Reid being sick too, Misty. I'm intrigued by the idea that Reid's secret might be to do with him being sick. I would also find a Sick!Reid storyline hugely interesting and enjoyable. Much more enjoyable than any boring relationship storyline. I really hope that this isn't what's being planned with this new FBI cadet character. Any soap opera romance storylines on Criminal Minds would pretty much have me giving up on the show. Plus, Reid had so very little in S5, he deserves a good, meaty, emotional storyline in S6.

MKT said...

Thank you Erica! And thank you AJ. This episode was incredibly well-written and the cast & crew were at their absolute best throughout. (although where was the hug from Hotch? A handshake? *sigh* sorry, mute point) Despite the inevitable sadness (and I bawled like a lot of others here), I thought the case was interesting, despite not moving around to different locations. Maybe it was predictable but given that the main purpose of the episode was to bid a respectful goodbye to a much beloved (& needed) character, that worked well for me.

Erica, your subtle (or not so subtle) digs at CBS were simply WONDERFUL!!! I can't tell you how angry I am at the ptb there and your sticking up the collective CM middle finger at them was great. You spoke on our behalf too and I THANK YOU! If they still have the nerve to take Emily, then I can only hope you write her final epi.

AJ, thank you for 5+ fabulous years. Your character has grown and I find it so sad we won't see her potential. Thank you for your obvious dedication; you will be greatly missed and I wish you nothing but the best in your future.

-Kirst

Unknown said...

I have downloaded "JJ" - the wonders of the internet - to watch it again when emotions are less raw. Right now I just don't have the guts. It really affected me a lot more than I expected, I thought I could be ok with this, though I couldn't possibly understand why AJ/JJ had to leave. I feel like I got hit hard in my head. Several successive kicks.
Anyway, I wanna say that there are many cases of networks recasting actors after they realized how idiotic their decision were. It happened with CSI Miami last season, as I understand Adam Rodriguez is coming back as a regular, and now V. Onofrio in LOCI (wonderful news, btw). If we read "JJ" as a mirror to reality, we may read Hotch's hope to get JJ back as a way to keep things open, and her place in the BAU untouched, should CBS understand how bad they miscalculated their loss, and bring AJ back. Let's look forward to it. And let's also hope that seeing through AJ's example CBS decides to keep Paget instead of letting her go as well.
As a hopelessly fanatic fan I will stay tuned to the show; and AJ, should CBS ever approach you again, make them spill every piece of gold they got in store for you!!!

lindseym said...

After I watched this episode I was speechless. It was Kay so depressing! I agree with everyone, it was the only episode I was not looking forward - I mean I look forward to every episode, even reruns I see a billion times! I am a big AJ fan, and to see her being let go from the show breaks my heart. Ever since I learned this summer that CBS decided to let her go, I tried to prepare mysel for the premier of the episode..and still I cried so bad. When hitch said "I'll miss you." and walked away....that's when the waterfall started pouring! I didn't web cry in rpisode "100" either...so that shows a lot. Now, whenever I watch a rerun and JJ pops up on the screen, I feel so sad. Why did CBS have to mess with something thats not broken? That question will probably never be answered...but there is nothing we can do about it now, its all said and done and JJs story line is capped.

Being a 16 year old who is learning a lot about life, I see AJ as such a good role model. I know this might kind corny, but I can easily identify myself with her with the blue eyes and blonde hair (eventhough now shes a brunette!). Her strength and courage are so inspirable.. And they way she was able to pick up her head ad hol it high and look at the bright side of things really says a lot. Ofcourse, I will support her in her future projects, and cheer her on. I will also keep watching the show, eventhough it will never be the same.

Good luck to AJ, Ed, and the rest of the cast. Youbare all truly amazing.

lindseym said...

ps - I apologize for all the typos..It was typed on my phone

Kathryn said...

It was a great exit for JJ...and the most heartbreaking at the same time. I wanted to cry over her last lines, but couldn't. It's kinda uncomfortable when you're watching it with your parents, you see!!

I will definitely miss JJ for the rest of the season. But, what she said in the ep is right. We just really have to learn to let go.

Thank you, AJ, for wonderfully putting JJ to life! I most definitely would like to be both of you!:P Wishing you and your family all the best!:)

Liska said...

It's so strange to say, that this episode is the one I don't like because of AJ's departure, but on the other hand it is IMO also one of the best episodes in the whole series! Excellent story, not only how they managed to let AJ go, but also the case they worked on, and the balance between a good end for the victim and sad for the team, I think the cast and crew let us know again, that they are great and that the show is worth watching. The biggest storyteller is life, because any other reason, why would JJ have to leave, couldn't be credible. Btw. if I remember good - when Gideon left, the writers make him go also almost the same way how Mandy left the show, suddenly, because of the dark content... Non the less this episode is also a great message to anyone, about life and how it sometimes goes.. Can't say I'm happy with losing JJ, she's irreplaceable and I honesty hope, that they will not try to replace her.

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