CRIMINAL MINDS: OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM ED BERNERO

There have been several reports recently in the media about the Mandy Patinkin situation on Criminal Minds. Firstly, they are true -- Mr. Patinkin has left the show. What's troubling to us though, is that the reports tend to suggest or hint that the Producers, the Studios or CBS have something to do with what has happened. Phrases like 'maybe cooler heads will prevail...' and the like have been used. Let me make this clear: this is not about a contract renegotiation, this is not about money, this is not about something Mr. Patinkin asked for that wasn't provided -- in fact, everyone involved in the show has for two years bent over backward to give him ANYTHING he wanted.

Mr. Patinkin told the show, the studios and the network the he was returning right up to the day before we started shooting the first episode and then simply did not show up. He also has not contacted anyone within the show (producers, cast, crew) to explain why he isn't returning. Even to this moment, we have no word from him. He gave us no advance notice that anything was wrong, no oppurtunity to find a way to make the loss of this character work, no indication that we should be looking for someone else, no warning that we might have to rewrite the first seven scripts (which is how far ahead we try to work) without the central character in them. None. Zero. He was not, as some media reports have indicated, written 'lightly' in our first episode, in fact, it was quite the opposite. Because of the construct of the first episode story, he was actually in the center of that episode. He left us completely in the proverbial lurch.

As loyal fans of the show, we think you all deserve an explanation and I wish I had a better one to give you. The most amazing writing staff in television is working very hard to find a way to make this work and we will find a way to give you the organic, dramatic experience you expect from CM.

If I have new news I will provide it and if there are questions you have, Jill will provide a way to get the questions to us at the show and we will do our best to answer. If you hear a rumor, please ask us. I remain touched and humbled by the support you have all shown the show.

Thank you so much --

Ed Bernero

CRIMINAL MINDS: MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER

Criminal Minds: Matthew Gray Gubler was a virtuallly unknown actor prior to starring in Criminal Minds as Dr. Spencer Reid. After two seasons on Criminal Minds he has a huge fan base. What is it that attracts you to Matthew. Is it his acting, his looks, his character on Criminal Minds, etc.?

CRIMINAL MINDS: "PSYCHODRAMA" THIS WED.

Criminal Minds: "Psychodrama" on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 9pm et/pt. Gideon, Hotchner and their team profile a bank robber who forces his victims to undress before he flees the crime scene. This Criminal Minds episode stars are: Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook, Lola Glaudini and Mandy Patinkin. Written by Aaron Zelman and Directed by Guy Norman Bee. Episode information courtesy of cbs.com

CRIMINAL MINDS: SUNDAY CHAT INFO:

The Criminal Minds Fanatic website and Yahoo group will be holding their weekend chat on Sunday at 5pm est. Lets get together and talk about Criminal Minds. Hope to see everyone there. New members will need to email Stacy for the password to the chatroom. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: NOTHING TO SAY

Criminal Minds: I wish I had something to say about the recent stories, rumors and concerns that have circulated the past few days rampant over the internet but I don't and I can't say anything. CBS is not making any comment right now so that gives me a few choices. I can believe the numerous and vastly different scenerios rumbling all over the internet or I can put my faith in CBS and Mr. Patinkin and believe that when and if there is something we should know that they will tell us. I have chosen to do the later. I will disregard the media stories and rumors and wait for those who really know what, if anything, is really happening to tell us. I am not trying to be rude by not answering your emails. I am not trying to be rude by not taking your telephone calls. I understand that you are truly and genuinely concerned. So am I but I don't have aything to say right now. When I do have something to report that is from a reliable source I promise to post it if I am given proper permission. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: NEBULA'S EUROPEAN CHAT ANNOUNCEMENT

Criminal Minds: Rejoice that it is Friday 13th and Living TV are showing Honour Among Thieves.
With heartfelt apologies to Eddie Cochran . . . .
Ah well, c'mon everybody and let's get together tonight
We got CM on the telly and you know we're gonna feel alright
We've been missing the guys all the week long
But the BAU is still going strong
(pause)
Ooo!
C'mon everybody
So join us for chattage - how could you resist after that? 10pm GMT (5pm EST)
see you later
Nebula

CRIMINAL MINDS: TALENTED, HUMBLE & FUNNY

Criminal Minds: Andrew Wilder is one of the most talked about and praised Criminal Minds writers on this blog and on the website. He has written: "North Mammon", "The Tribe", "L.D.S.K". and "Ashes and Dust", which we lovingly renamed without his permission, "Fire and Enya". Andrew is a young, talented and dedicated writer who is passionate about the show and its characters. I had the great priviledge of watching the last day of the filming of Ashes and Dust and spending some time talking with Andrew. It was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. I said yesterday that we have many things to look forward to during season three of Criminal Minds and Andrew is one of them. He has graciously offered to answer fans questions after the airing of the season three episodes that he is writing. So lets hope that Andrew writes many of the scripts for season three so we get to talk to him alot. Andrew's picture is bottom row on the right hand side of this photo. Thank you Andrew for writing some of our very favorite episodes. You helped set the bar high the past two seasons and we have full faith and confidence that you will raise it even higher this season. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: WELCOME SIMON!

Criminal Minds: Simon Mirren is now actively answering the questions being posted for him on the Criminal Minds Fanatic message board. Thank you and welcome Simon!

CRIMINAL MINDS: SEASON TWO ART

Criminal Minds: Here is the artwork for the cover of the Criminal Minds, Season Two DVDs. Pre-order your copy today. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: "P911" SCREENCAPS, QUOTE & SONG INFO:**SPOILERS**

Criminal Minds: "P911" was written by Simon Mirren and directed by Adam Davidson. Gideon, Hotchner and their team help a former profiler in the race to save a young boy from being auctioned off online. Mary Page Keller guest stars. Episode info from: cbs.com. Criminal Minds starring Mandy Patinkin, Shemar Moore, Kirsten Vangsness, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Lola Glaudini and Thomas Gibson.

The quote info: "The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The song used was "Set Me Free" by Sweet.

***Please use this thread for spoilers****

CRIMINAL MINDS: I HAVE NO PROBLEM REPEATING MY POSITION!

Criminal Minds: The actors of Criminal Minds only owe us a good performance on the show. They do not owe us a behind the scenes look at their private lifes. Whatever is happening to them personally is their business and not ours and that is the way it should be. Privacy and respect are hot topics with me and those of you who know me already know that. I will not be answering any emails that deal with any actor on the show's personal life. It is called "personal" for a reason! :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: TONIGHT'S CHAT INFO:

Criminal Minds: The Criminal Minds Fanatic website and the Criminal Minds and Kirsten Vangsness Yahoo groups will be holding a chat this evening at 10:00 pm est. Come and join the fun talking about Criminal Minds!

CRIMINAL MINDS: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH KV

Criminal Minds: It is no surprise that Kirsten Vangsness, Penelope Garcia on Criminal Minds, has wonderfully nice friends. She is a wonderful person and her friends are equally special. Her very good friend Eric gave me permission to post the pictures he took from his trip to see Kirsten in "Fat Pig". The pictures are of Kirsten and her friends: Eric, Tom, Daryl and Melanie. Thank you Eric!

CRIMINAL MINDS: SEASON TWO DVD PRE-ORDER

Criminal Minds: Last night I looked at the DVD rating for the Criminal Minds, Season Two DVDs, on amazon.com and they were registered as the 629th most popular buy in the entire DVD section. This morning we were already down to 334. Keep passing the word to friends, family and strangers on the street. Lets make the DVD the #1 selection on amazon.com.

CRIMNAL MINDS: FAVORITE CRIMINAL MINDS MOMENT

Criminal Minds: Since we're still in re-run season for Criminal Minds, what better time to look back over the past two seasons and pick a favorite scene? What scene or moment in Criminal Minds stands out for you the most? I know it's difficult, but try to pick only one moment from Criminal Minds!

CRIMINAL MINDS: UPCOMING EVENTS

Criminal Minds: We have some pretty exciting things happening this week on the Criminal Minds Fanatic blog and also on the Criminal Minds Fanatic message board. The Producer of the Criminal Minds, Season Two DVDs is working on a list of questions from our group that will be posted on the blog. We are going to be talking about a wonderful writer from Media Village on both the blog and website and we have a chat scheduled with her that will be announced shortly. Mr. Bernero will be answering fan questions in the "Writers" section of the message board as time permits. We also have some surprises planned. This is going to be a great Criminal Minds week! Tomorrow the cast of Criminal Minds go back to work. They are returning for their third season to a brand new studio to make some more Criminal Minds magic. I hope they have a great first day.

CRIMINAL MINDS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRSTEN!

Criminal Minds: Happy Birthday to Kirsten Vangsness, Penelope Garcia on Criminal Minds. Enjoy your birthday! :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: SUNDAY CHAT INFO:

Criminal Minds: The Criminal Minds Fanatic Yahoo group and website will be holding their weekend chat on Sunday at 5pm est. Join us as we discuss Criminal Minds. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: MR. ED BERNERO

Criminal Minds, I received an email today from Edward Bernero, Executive Producer of Criminal Minds, alerting to me to the fact that he has answered several questions in the "Writers" section on the Criminal Minds Fanatic message board. He also wanted us to know that he will be back to answer the rest as time allows. I appreciate his generousity. Between Criminal Minds and his other projects he is a very busy man. I enjoyed meeting him this past March. He is a very kind person. Thanks Ed! :)

CRIMINAL MINDS EUROPEAN CHAT INFO:

Criminal Minds: Here is Nebula's European chat bulletin from the Criminal Minds Fanatic Message Board. She really made me laugh when I read this:

In the words of Johnny Cash . . . .

I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire

Tonight's UK episode is Ashes and Dust

Feel free to gather in the Room of Chat afterwards and talk about it all with the British viewers at 10.00pm GMT (5.00pm EST)

CRIMINAL MINDS: "P911" ORIGINAL PROMO

Criminal Minds: "P911" will air on Wednesday, July 11, 9pm et/pt. This is one of my favorite episodes of Criminal Minds. Gideon, Hotchner and their team help a former profiler in the race to save a young boy from being auctioned off online. Mary Page Keller guest stars. Episode info from: cbs.com and Criminal Minds promo for "P911" is courtesy of roadtodream. Criminal Minds starring Mandy Patinkin, Shemar Moore, Kirsten Vangsness, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook and Thomas Gibson. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: THANK YOU TO STACY!

Criminal Minds fan Stacy, as most of you already know, is an amazing person. She is our tech person on both the Criminal Minds Fanatic blog and the website. She helps moderate the Criminal Minds Yahoo Conversation group and she is always available to answer the overflow of newbie emails. If you haven't seen her screencaps then you are truly missing a treasure. I just wanted to take a moment to thank her for everything she does for all of us. If I could mail her Thomas Gibson, her favorite actor, I would but short of doing that I do offer my thanks.

CRIMINAL MINDS: FISHER KING II QUOTES

Criminal Minds: The quotes from Criminal Minds' "Fisher King, Part Two" were:

"It has been said, ‘time heals all wounds.’ I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone." Rose Kennedy

"The defects and faults in the mind are like wounds in the body. After all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind." Francois de La Rochefoucauld

CRIMINAL MINDS SCREENCAPS FOR FK2

Criminal Minds screencaps for the "Fisher King, Part Two". Criminal Minds starring Mandy Patinkin, Shemar Moore, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness and Lola Glaudini. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: "THE RIDDLE" BY FIVE FOR FIGHTING

Criminal Minds: One of the most popular songs featured in a Criminal Minds episode is "The Riddle" by Five for Fighting which was played during the end of Criminal Minds "Fisher King, Part Two". I love this song. :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: SIMON MIRREN

Criminal Minds: I received a phone call today from Simon Mirren, Co-Executive Producer of Criminal Minds, who wanted me to let everyone know that he, and the rest of the cast and crew, love our Criminal Minds website and blog. He wanted everyone to know how much they all appreciate our devotion to the show and the care and support we have given to them and the show. He is a charming man with the sweetest accent you have ever heard. So "Best Wishes and Thank You" from Simon Mirren and to Simon Mirren: Feel free to call me anytime. You made my day. Thank you for that and everything you do to help produce the best tv show on the air.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0592535/

CRIMINAL MINDS: CNN LINK

Criminal Minds: I am not in love with this article....where the hell is Criminal Minds....??????? Grrrrrrrrrrr!
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/03/television.emmys.reut/index.html

CRIMINAL MINDS: HAPPY 45th BIRTHDAY TO THOMAS GIBSON

Criminal Minds: Tomorrow, July 3rd, is Thomas Gibson's (Aaron Hotchner on Criminal Minds) 45th birthday. Thomas is a gifted actor who does a fabulous job on Criminal Minds. I wish Thomas all the best on his birthday and may he celebrate surrounded by friends and family. Happy Birthday from your Criminal Minds fans! (Screencaps courtesy slashgirl.)

CRIMINAL MINDS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONA!

Criminal Minds: I wanted to wish Criminal Minds fan Mona a very Happy Birthday. Mona started watching Criminal Minds because she was "forced into it". She went to a Super Bowl party and the hosts asked everyone to watch the episode "The Big Game" and she has been hooked ever since. So a huge Criminal Minds thank you goes out to Julie and her husband for hooking us another Criminal Minds fan and for giving Mona the address to this blog. She has been a great supporter of the show and the blog. Mona is currently trying to convert the rest of her friends and family. Way to go Mona and Happy Birthday!

CRIMINAL MINDS: MGG NEWS

Criminal Minds: Here is a link to some MGG, Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds, news. When you are reading the article please remember that Scott David, the casting director for Criminal Minds, spoke about Porn Star on the Criminal Minds Fanatic message board. You might want to go back and look at what Scott had to say about the film.
http://www.buddytv.com/articles/criminal-minds/criminal-minds-actor-stars-in-7871.aspx