CRIMINAL MINDS: MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER

Criminal Minds star Matthew Gray Gubler, Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds, has many talents. Artist, actor and writer. What impresses you most about Matthew?

CRIMINAL MINDS STAR LOVES TO RIDE

Criminal Minds: Shemar Moore, Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds, talks about cycling in this interview:

I rode in college, first a mountain bike and then a hybrid. On the set of Criminal Minds, I was talking mess with the guys about how we stay in shape. I didn't realize some crew members were cyclists. They asked about my bike. I thought I was cool: "Yeah, I got this hybrid." They looked at me and said, "You have a sissy bike." They got me to spend an insane amount of money for a bike.

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-12-18115-1,00.html

CRIMINAL MINDS GUEST STAR ELLE FANNING

Criminal Minds: Scott David & April Webster sign the most amazing guest stars for Criminal Minds. The child actors are especially talented! This clip is of Elle Fanning in "The Boogeyman" written by Andi Bushell and directed by Steve Boyum. Elle guest starred again in "No Way Out (2): The Evilution of Frank" written by Simon Mirren and directed by Edward Allen Bernero.

CRIMINAL MINDS: "THE BOOGEYMAN"

Criminal Minds: "The Boogeyman" will air again on Friday, 12/5/08 and Saturday, 12/6/08. This Criminal Minds episode stars: Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Lola Glaudini and Mandy Patinkin.

Gideon, Hotchner and their team examine a tight-knit community in Texas to determine who has been victimizing the children of the town. Written by Andi Bushell and Directed by Steve Boyum. Episode information courtesy of cbs.com.

CRIMINAL MINDS FANS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Criminal Minds: I am happy to report that Criminal Minds fans have donated the $1,200 that Rosy, Kim Harrison's training teammate, needed to fulfill her Aids Marathon commitment. Great job by Criminal Minds fans! Now it is time to reenter the race between our Criminal Minds runner Kim against the runner for CSI to insure Criminal Minds wins the donation race. I'm competetive and it is for a good cause. And really, is there anyone that wants Criminal Minds to be second to CSI??? NAY!

So far we have raised over $5,000 in Kim's name for the Aids Marathon. We are currently $1,900 behind CSI. We've got a few months left and I know that we can handle this! http://www.runkimmyrun.com/

CRIMINAL MINDS SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER

Criminal Minds: The tentive episode schedule for Criminal Minds in December. There may be some adjustments and I will post them when I am sure.

12/5/08 - Friday - "The Boogeyman" - A&E
12/6/08 - Saturday - "The Boogeyman" - A&E
12/10/08 - Wednesday - "Brothers in Arms"
12/1208 - Friday - "North Mammon" - A&E
12/13/08 - Saturday - "North Mammon" - A&E
12/17/08 - Wednesday - "Normal"
12/24/08 - Wednesday - "The Crossing"

CRIMINAL MINDS: UPDATED WRITERS CHAT SCHEDULE

Criminal Minds: Here is a revised Criminal Minds writers chat schedule for December. I will let everyone know as we add additional Criminal Minds chats:

Breen Frazier, to discuss his episode "52 Pickup" on December 9th at 10pm.

Holly Harold, to discuss her episode "Brothers in Arms" on December 10th at 10pm.

Andrew Wilder, pictured above with Jeff Fahey on the set of "Minimal Loss", to discuss his episode "Normal" on December 17th at 10pm.

"The Crossing" written by Debra J. Fisher and Erica Messer is airing again on Debember 24th and since that is Christmas Eve we will not be holding a chat.

More as I receive confirmations. I was really happy that we had Jeff Fahey as a guest on the show even though his part was small. Mr. Fahey is an actor whose work I really admire. For more info on Jeff Fahey, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001194/

CRIMINAL MINDS: NOT FOR THE EYES OF KIRSTEN VANGSNESS!

Criminal Minds: Once again "Project Kirsten" is proving to be a huge success. I am putting an important note in the comments section for anyone else that plans on particpating. The deadline for this Criminal Minds project is January 15th.

CRIMINAL MINDS EPISODE "THE CROSSING"

Criminal Minds: Guy Norman Bee, pictured above with Debra J. Fisher while filming "The Crossing". "The Crossing" written by the 'Gruesome Twosome' is scheduled for Dec. 24th.

"The Crossing" - Morgan, Prentiss, Reid and J.J. attempt to stop a stalker before he gets close to the woman who is the object of his affection. Meanwhile, Hotch and Rossi consult on a murder case to determine if a wife who killed her husband can claim battered-woman syndrome, on a rebroadcast of CRIMINAL MINDS, Wednesday, Dec. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT. (Originally broadcast 5/7/08)

GUEST CAST:
Keri Derzmond.......................... Bonnie Root
Ryan Scott............................. Jeffrey Pierce
A Eve Alexander.................... Barbara Eve Harris
Detective Steve Berry.................... Brad Beyer
Mike Hicks............................... Scott Lowell
erk........................................ Kosha Patel
Cashier.................................. Angel Parker
Hannah.................................. Camden Singer
Jenna................................ Courtney Henggeler
Agent Anderson............................ Brian Appel
Nancy Ferguson........................... Julie Sanford
Nathan Henson......................... Victor Z. Isaac
Sarah Henson.................................... Aviva
Undercover Cop.......................... Guy Nardulli
Audrey Henson.................... Mary-Margaret Humes

WRITTEN BY: Debra J. Fisher and Erica Messer
DIRECTED BY: Guy Norman Bee

ANY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE CAST OF 'CRIMINAL MINDS'?

Criminal Minds: Any thoughts about the cast of Criminal Minds? PG and under please! I think this is the best cast of Criminal Minds that we have ever had. They seem to click really well. What do you think?

CRIMINAL MINDS FRIDAY NOTES:

Criminal Minds Blog Notes: Happy post gobble day to all my Criminal Minds friends!
1. The auction on this blog ends today.
2. The first wave of auctions, which include some Criminal Minds items, ends today on the CMF Tidbits blog and new items will be listed tomorrow.
http://criminalmindstvtidbits.blogspot.com/
3. The Criminal Minds Conversation Yahoo group and the Criminal Minds Fanatic website will be holding their next chat on Sunday at 4pm est.
4. The Criminal Minds Fanatic message board will be undergoing a drastic overall over the next few weeks and there may be short periods of time when you can't access the site. Not to worry. Wonderful changes coming there!
5. Answer to those emailing about Andrew Wilder....I will work on it.

CRIMINAL MINDS: UPCOMING WRITERS CHATS

Criminal Minds: I'm working on scheduling several Criminal Minds chats. So far these are the ones that are confirmed:

Breen Frazier, to discuss his episode "52 Pickup" on December 9th at 10pm.

Holly Harold, to discuss her episode "Brothers in Arms" on December 10th at 10pm.

I will post the additional chats as soon as they are confirmed!

CRIMINAL MINDS SCREENCAPS FOR "52 PICKUP"

Criminal Minds screencaps for "52 Pickup" are courtesy of Keren. Criminal Minds starring Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, Kirsten Vangsness and special guest star Meta Golding.

CRIMINAL MINDS RULES THE RATINGS, AGAIN!!

Criminal Minds owned the first spot in the overnight Nielsen ratings for "52 Pickup" written by Breen Frazier and starring Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Paget Brewster, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, Kirsten Vangsness and guest star Meta Golding! Nicely done Breen! You brought the good on your very first Criminal Minds episode!

In the 9 o'clock hour, CBS pushed to first with a 8.5/15 for "Criminal Minds." ABC took second with a 4.1/7 for "Private Practice," just nipping NBC's third place, 4.0/7, with "Deal or Not Deal." A "House" repeat on FOX scored a 3.1/5 for fourth. The new "Stylista" episode did worse than the repeat an hour earlier, only scoring a 0.5/1.

http://www.zap2it.com/tv/ratings/zap-ratings-112608,0,6262636.story

CRIMINAL MINDS ARTICLE LINK

Criminal Minds: Cute little article. You remember "Lost"! That's the show Criminal Minds pounded in the ratings. :)

"With Stars wrapping this week ABC will have precious little in the way of bigs ratings earners until LOST rolls out early next year. That leaves CBS' crime solving trifecta CSI, NCIS and Criminal Minds to dominate the scene."

http://www.cinemablend.com/television/TV-Top-Ten-CBS-Mops-Up-With-The-Crime-Scene-13658.html

CRIMINAL MINDS SPOILER THREAD FOR "52 PICKUP"

Criminal Mind spoiler thread for "52 Pickup" written by Breen Frazier and starring Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler and Kirsten Vangsness.

***The quotes and song info will be posted after the episode airs. Lots of music in this great episode! ****

****Breen will be in the chat room to discuss this episode on Dec. 9th at 10pm. ******

CRIMINAL MINDS QUOTES & SONG INFO FOR "52 PICKUP"

Criminal Minds quotes and song info for "52 Pickup" written by Breen Frazier. Another wonderful episode of Criminal Minds!

Quotes:
"The minute people fall in love, they become liars." - Harlan Ellison
"Cleanliness becomes more important when godliness is unlikely." - P.J. O'Rourke

Songs:
"Make U Wanna Dance" - Gen Rubin
"Suspicious Character" - The Blood Arm
"Around Here" - Peri
"28 Butts" - Lil Jackie
"Back to You" - Puddu Verano
"Million Dollar Baby" - Phontaine

CRIMINAL MINDS WRITER HOLLY HAROLD & THE SCARY BOOKS!

Criminal Minds writer Holly Harold was asked during the Criminal Minds chat this week what books she read to get up to speed on psycho wackos. Holly told us that she would send me an email listing the books and here is that email. I'm thrilled she enjoyed the chat since we all really enjoyed getting to know our newest Criminal Minds writer! Welcome to the Criminal Minds Family Holly!

Hey Jill -- thanks very much for inviting me to "chat" yesterday -- tons of fun!

As promised, the books Breen and I studied when we first started are: "Practical Homicide Investigation" and "Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation," both by Vernon J. Geberth. Pretty serious stuff -- photos, case studies, the real deal.

I look forward to my episode chat --

Thanks again,

Holly

CRIMINAL MINDS: A.J. COOK ANNOUNCES THE BIRTH OF HER SON!

Criminal Minds: It's a boy for Criminal Minds star A.J. Cook! The 30-year-old actress and her husband Nathan Anderson welcomed son Mekhai Allan Andersen on Saturday, September 13th. Weighing in at 7 lbs, 10 oz and 20 inches long, Mekhai was born at 8:50 p.m. Congrats again to A.J. and Nathan!

CRIMINAL MINDS RATINGS FOR THE WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 23rd

Criminal Minds scored big in the weekly Nielsen ratings. Way to go Criminal Minds!

1. "Dancing With the Stars" Monday, ABC, 19.6 million
2. "CSI," CBS, 18.5 million
3. "NCIS," CBS, 18 million
4. "Dancing With the Stars" Tuesday, ABC, 17.6 million
5. "Criminal Minds," CBS, 16.3 million
6. "Grey's Anatomy," ABC, 15.9 million
7. "The Mentalist," CBS, 15.8 million
8. "CSI: Miami," CBS, 15.5 million
9. "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 15.18 million
10. Sunday Night Football, NBC, 15.17 million

CBS drew on strong performances from the crime dramas "CSI," "NCIS," "Criminal Minds" and "The Mentalist," the fall's biggest new hit. CBS averaged 12 million viewers in prime time for the week. The broadcast competition: ABC with 10.1 million, Fox with 8.4 million, NBC with 7.1 million, The CW with 2.2 million and MyNetworkTV with 1.9 million.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2008/11/cbs-wins-week-w.html

CRIMINAL MINDS: A LOOK AT JJ.

Criminal Minds: A look at what we know about JJ, played by A.J. Cook on Criminal Minds, written by Lori Q.

NAME: JENNIFER JAREAU
COMMONLY CALLED: JJ
FBI POSITION: Special Agent
JOB SPECIALITY: Media Liaison

FIRST APPEARANCE: Season 1, episode 2 - COMPULSION.

BACKGROUND:

BORN AND RAISED: East Allegheny, PA (NORTH MAMMON)
COLLEGE: Went to Pittsburgh Univ. on a soccer scholarship (NORTH MAMMON).

FAMILY:
MOTHER: Unknown
FATHER: Unknown
SIBLINGS: Not much is known aside from that she has one who has had a daughter(THE BOOGEYMAN).
EXTENDED: Has at least one aunt(NORTH MAMMON).

RELATIONSHIPS:

PREVIOUSLY DATED: Reporter Hal Greene (WHAT FRESH HELL).
DATING: Detective William LaMontagne, Jr. Called "Will", the New Orleans detective was first introduced in the second season episode JONES. He then reappeared in the 4th season ep IN HEAT and again in the 4th season finale LO-FI. Will and JJ are expecting their first child together. In LO-FI, Will announced that he was asking JJ to marry him, but it does not appear that they actually got engaged.

TEAM: JJ has called her BAU team "family", telling Garcia in PENELOPE "You do whatever it takes to protect your family."

Hotch - JJ and Hotch have a very respectful relationship that allows her to question him(DERAILED). He has shown(and stated) that he considers her opinion extremely important(LEGACY). He has also been the one to try to talk her into considering becoming a profiler(NORTH MAMMON). When she struggled with a case, taking it too personally, he offered her words of counsel(BIRTHRIGHT). When mass murderer Jacob Dawes offered information in exchange for a chance to "smell" JJ's hair, Hotch angrily refused, but JJ talked him into, winning the poker game(RIDING THE LIGHTNING). Hotch showed that he was upset/hurt by JJ holding back the information about her pregnancy from him(LO-FI).

Rossi- JJ's relationship with Rossi is still in the early stages and mostly professional. JJ was the one to push to help Rossi with the case that he couldn't get past(DAMAGED).

Prentiss - JJ and Prentiss hit it off almost from Emily's first day at the BAU. After being bitten by the wild dogs in REVELATIONS, Emily checked on JJ and insisted that she get out of the house. Emily, JJ and Garcia played with a bar patron who was trying to pick up on them in OPEN SEASON. She reached out to comfort an extremely upset JJ in PENELOPE. She and JJ have at various times teamed up to interrogate a suspect(JONES for one).

Morgan - If there's any relationship on the team that can be described as being sibling like, it's JJ's one with Morgan. Whether she's tricking him into believing a well told tall tale(THE BOOGEYMAN) or pushing for him to blame her for what happened to Reid(REVELATIONS), they are often contentious, but full of respect. He will challenge her more than the others, asking her why they should take certain cases(NORTH MAMMON, THE CROSSING), but he's also protective(IDENTITY).

Reid - There's been some speculation that the original plan was for JJ and Reid to be hooked up in the first season. Proof of this appears to be Gideon giving Reid tickets to take JJ to a Redskins game(PLAIN SIGHT). The romantic relationship never went anywhere, however and they settled into a good friendship instead. As the two youngest members of the BAU, they are often teamed up for investigations and interrogations. This led to a traumatic event for both of them in THE BIG GAME/REVELATIONS when they split up while on an Unsub's property. In the aftermath of this, in NO WAY OUT 2, JJ made Reid promise that they wouldn't split up again. As the only one who calls him Spence(PLAIN SIGHT), they can often be seen on the plane, challenging each other to a game of Gin.

Garcia - Easily JJ's best friend on the team. They often communicate during a case by phone, passing information back and forth On cases where JJ doesn't accompany the rest of the team, she stays back in Garcia's office, monitoring the case. When Garcia was shot in PENELOPE, JJ took it the hardest. After killing the Unsub, she stated that she had never hesitated, just done what it took to protect her family. There is a picture of JJ and Garcia hugging in Garcia's office.

DUTIES:

A full and armed FBI agent, JJ is an extremely gifted speaker. Also calm and patient, she is often counted on to provide counseling to families as well as to be the one who provides the "news", good or bad to the families. She will at times accompany the local law enforcement when they have to do death notifications(OPEN SEASON).

Part of her job description includes holding press conferences and getting the necessary information out to the media. This can be dangerous if the Unsub reacts badly to the often intentional taunting(THE LAST WORD) or if he views the interaction with the public as a violation of the rules(THE FISHER KING PART 1).

She acts as the gateway to the team, deciding which cases are worked and which are passed up. She has stated that she has the ability to "make anything a BAU case"(DAMAGED). This choice is extremely trying to her and even Hotch is aware that she constantly wonders if she has made the right choice(NO WAY OUT PART 2). She takes it quite personally when something bad happens in the case she didn't choose(THE CROSSING).

She is also the team's law enforcement liaison, often making first contact with the local police or sheriff's department and then setting up a place for the team to work out of. It is quite common to hear in an episode, "Hi, Jennifer Jareau, we spoke on the phone?"

SKILLS:

An athlete, JJ was the captain of her High School varsity soccer team(NORTH MAMMON). She is also quite talented at darts(THE BIG GAME) and loves to play cards with Reid- always trying to beat him(and finally doing it in EMPTY PLANET). There are also hints that she is skilled at "stacking the deck"(RIDING THE LIGHTNING) though JJ would be sure to deny this "cheating" charge.

Further, she is a phenomenal storyteller, able to trick even those who know her quite well with a tall tale(THE BOOGEYMAN).

Finally, JJ is quite the markswoman. Having only fired her gun twice on the show(REVELATIONS AND PENELOPE), she hits all targets squarely.

DEFINING MOMENTS:

SEASON 1

-JJ is introduced in COMPULSION, first meeting Elle and showing off the fact that is a fast-talking whirlwind of energy. In the same ep, her omnipresent PDA makes an appearance. In this ep, a common thread of her working closely with Garcia is also presented.

-In WHAT FRESH HELL, a former boyfriend - a slick ethics challenged journalist out of New York - Hal Greene is introduced. When Greene steps over the line JJ calls him out for it. Hotch watches the scene, content to let JJ handle the wayward reporter. In this ep she also helps a couple make a public appeal to the press for the return of their kidnapped daughter.

-In RIDING THE LIGHTNING, JJ assists Hotch with trying to find out if killer who is about to be executed has any further unfound victims. She consents to a game of cards where if she wins they get the information, but if she loses the killer - Jacob - gets to smell her hair. Not at all perturbed, it is very likely that JJ "stacked the deck" in this game to ensure victory.

-In A REAL RAIN, JJ offers to show Reid around New York. Later on, at dinner, she assists him by using the "rubber-band trick" on his chopsticks so that he can eat his chinese food without flinging it all over the place. She also goes head to head with a reporter who is being used by the vigilante killer.

-In the first season finale THE FISHER KING PART ONE, while the rest of the team goes on vacation, JJ and Garcia stay behind to work. When the case starts to ramp up, it is JJ's job to call everyone home. Once the case gets started, JJ receives a strange gift - a framed butterfly. She reveals that she used to collect them as a child. Near the end of the episode, she holds the press conference that sets the Unsub off and causes him to go after Elle.

SEASON 2

-In AFTERMATH, JJ comforts a deeply troubled rape victim, telling her that she did it what it took to stay alive and to not let anyone tell her different. She scolds a local law enforcement officer for calling a victims injuries "minor".

-In the BOOGEYMAN, she tells Morgan and Reid a tall tale about being afraid of the woods, expertly reeling them in. Noticing a woman in the police station panicking, JJ gets her to sit down so that she can ask a few questions that end up helping to break open the case.

-In NORTH MAMMON, JJ convinces the team to take the case of three missing HS athletes that she relates to. When the families start crumbling, blaming each other, JJ steps in and reminds them that they have to work together. Once two of the girls are found, JJ interviews one of them, managing to get her to identify the Unsub. On the plane ride home, Hotch suggests she consider taking profiler classes. She states that she likes her job just the way it is.

-In THE BIG GAME, while out at a bar, JJ shows that she's a stud with darts. She gets the call that brings the team out of relaxation mode. By the end of the episode, she and Reid are sent to interview a possible witness who turns out to be the Unsub. While looking for the Unsub, she and Reid separate. The ep ends on JJ walking into a barn, seeing dogs growl at her and then firing.

-In REVELATIONS, the team arrives to find a slightly wounded and disorientated JJ in the barn. After being tended to, she tries to help find Reid. Plagued by the fear of what happened with the dogs, she is unable to concentrate. Emily gets her to leave the house to interview a character witness. Later, she has a confrontation with Morgan, practically begging him to blame her for what happened to Reid. At the end of the episode, after Reid is recovered, she hugs him, apologizing. He forgives her, telling her that it wasn't her fault.

- In JONES, JJ works closely with a local detective, William LaMontagne, Jr. They flirt with each other while trying to solve the mystery of his father's last case. JJ and Prentiss team up to interrogate one of the men who raped the Unsub, clearly showing their disgust for him. At the end of the ep, JJ leaves Will with her card and an open invitation to call her.

-In OPEN SEASON, JJ teams up with Garcia and Prentiss to play with a guy in a bar who tries to pick them up by saying that he's a "real FBI" agent. JJ helps a local law enforcement offer do his first death notification.

-In LEGACY, JJ is approached by a nervous detective who is sure that something bad is happening in his district. Believing him, JJ sells the case to the team. Hotch respects her enough to check into. She later spots the information needed to make this an FBI case - a postmark showing that mail had crossed state lines.

-In NO WAY OUT 2 - JJ works with the team to try to clear Gideon's name, frantically trying to locate Frank's potential victims. After Tracy is kidnapped, she and Reid go in to find her. JJ tells Reid not to split up under any circumstances. He agrees.

SEASON 3:

-In DOUBT, JJ and Reid work the college students to try to find out who is murdering brunette co-eds. A contentious relationship with one of the students leads to her getting spit on. During the ep, she and Morgan argue over whether or not a suspect should be released and it's apparent how much the strain of having to be the one who does the death notifications weighs on her.

-In CHILDREN OF THE DARK, JJ and Emily work with the sole survivor of a killing spree targeting families. When the decision is made to have the girl face the man who killed her parents and brother, JJ fights against it. At the end of the episode, she and Emily talk about having children.

-In PENELOPE, after Garcia is shot, JJ appears to be the one besides Morgan who takes it the most personally. When Garcia is in the hospital, she pulls JJ aside and asks her to ask the team not to talk about her like she's a victim. At the end of the ep, when the Unsub tries to take an FBI supervisor hostage, JJ comes up behind him and shoots him in the head - getting her first kill. She tells Garcia that she never hesitated, she did it to protect her family.

-In BIRTHRIGHT, the weight of choosing some of the cases and relating to them hits JJ hard. She is worn out by a case of women her age being murdered. Hotch counsels her to never stop caring about the cases.

-In IN HEAT, the BAU comes across Detective LaMontagne while working a case in Miami. It's revealed that JJ and Will have been seeing each other since JONES. When he pushes her to make their relationship public, she breaks up with him. At the end, just as they're about to go their own ways, she changes her mind. Morgan, Prentiss and Reid reveal that they've known about the two of them all along.

-In THE CROSSING, JJ convinces the team to take the case of a woman who is being stalked. She reveals that she passed up another case like this and it turned out very badly. Throughout the case, JJ seems off-kilter, like she's taking it very personally. At the end of the episode, she calls Will and tells him that she's pregnant.

-In LO-FI, the team works on a case involving a possible terrorist threat. Will comes to New York to try to convince her to recuse herself from the case. She reveals to the team that she's pregnant. Hotch is upset that she didn't tell him, but she insists that she's fine and wants to stay on the case. At the end of the ep, she's one of the ones seen getting into a SUV.

CRIMINAL MINDS: BRAVO SCOTT DAVID & APRIL WEBSTER!

Comic actors can also have Criminal Minds By Greg Braxton for the Chigaco Tribune and reproduced with permission!

Alexander is the latest in a growing parade of unlikely performers—primarily comic actors—who are embracing their dark sides on "Criminal Minds." The drama, which centers on the search for demented serial killers by the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, is one of the network's most reliable and popular hits, frequently landing among the 10 highest-rated series.

Jamie Kennedy, best known for his "punks" on "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment" and outrageous characters in films such as "Malibu's Most Wanted," last season played a serial killer who ate his victims. Frankie Muniz, the brainiac title character in "Malcolm in the Middle," portrayed a tortured graphic artist who took bloody comic book-style revenge on his adversaries. And Cybill Shepherd ("Cybill," "Moonlighting") plays the mother of a serial killer in an upcoming episode.

Edward Allen Bernero, one of the drama's executive producers, said casting established actors against type makes the show's premise more effective. "It's hard to imagine Jason Alexander killing 12 people, but that goes a little bit of distance of what we're trying to show. A serial killer could be your next-door neighbor. It's the last person in the world you would think of."

Some of the guest stars have been surprised when approached by producers to play killers, said Bernero: "The most common reaction is, 'Really? Me?' But then they really get into it because it's exciting for them to do something they don't usually get to do. And I'm never surprised at a comic actor who can reach that dark place."

Kennedy's change of pace impressed network executives so much that they cast him as a regular on "Ghost Whisperer."

Of course, "Criminal Minds" is not the first series to feature comedians as vicious murderers. Martin Short in 2005 played a serial rapist-murderer in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Robin Williams was a killer on the same series and in films such as "Insomnia."

Kennedy really took to his role—a killer who liked to worship Satan in his underwear. "Doing that role was really not a challenge for me," said Kennedy. "When I'm being funny, my behavior is more heightened, so I wanted to show another side. My mom told me my dad walked out while it was on."

Even though Alexander is best known for "Seinfeld," he already has a varied career that includes theater, several movies ("Pretty Woman") and television series. He's currently the artistic director of the Reprise Theatre Company, which presents vintage musicals.

One highlight for Alexander was working with Mantegna. The two had worked together previously—Mantegna co-starred in the first feature that Alexander directed, 1995's "For Better or Worse." The actors both raved about their "Criminal Minds" interrogation scene, a cat-and-mouse session covering several pages of dialogue.

"Jason is so good," Mantegna said. "The roots of comedy can be dark, full of danger and mishaps. There's more of a fine line between comedy and drama than people think. And Jason just plays it beautifully."

But Alexander has had a hard time getting away from Costanza. "I'm pigeonholed now more than when I was doing 'Seinfeld,' " he said. "When I was on the show, I was offered an interesting range of roles. But since it ended, it's hard for people to break the George image. In some markets, that show is on two, three, four times a day."

He's curious about how audiences will respond to his change of pace—and face: "The hope is to shake up what they think about your limitations."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-criminal-comics-1125nov25,0,1553592.story

CRIMINAL MINDS WILL GET ITS SPIN-OFF!

Criminal Minds: We'll get out spin-off. Criminal Minds has always had to deal with naysayers.

In a move that will surprise only the brainless, NCIS' odds-defying ratings surge this season has prompted CBS to quietly begin developing a spin-off, sources confirm to me exclusively.

Although a spokesperson for the hit procedural declined to comment, my industry moles reveal that a new crop of naval sleuths will likely be introduced in an episode of NCIS later this season and launched into their own show as early as next fall.

"It's still in the early stages," maintains an insider, who says no final decisions have been made about the premise or the setting.

The NCIS offshoot will likely put on hold CBS' long-gestating Criminal Minds spin-off.

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/11/cbs-developing.html

CRIMINAL MINDS EPISODE INFO FOR "52 PICKUP" WRITTEN BY BREEN FRAZIER

Criminal Minds episode info for "52 Pickup" - Agents Prentiss and Todd go undercover to profile a pickup artist who uses his skills of persuasion to lure women into danger, on CRIMINAL MINDS, Wednesday, Nov. 26 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

GUEST CAST:
Jordan Todd............................ Meta Golding
Vanessa................................ Riki Lindhome
Ashley Holden......................... Keri Lynn Pratt
James (Man #1)........................ Jake Newton
Richard (Man #2)...................... Spencer Hill
Unsub................................. Gabriel Olds
Detective Rachel Harding.............. Cari Shayne
Mrs. Holden........................... Joanna Cassidy
Becky Williams........................ Shelley Dennis
Melissa Foster................... Kimberlee Peterson
Viper................................ Currie Graham
Austin................................ Courtney Ford
Young Unsub............................ Curt Roland
Brandi................................ Geneva Somers
Unsub's Mother........................ Marcia Moran

WRITTEN BY: Breen Frazier
DIRECTED BY: Bobby Roth
courtesy of CBS

CRIMINAL MINDS PROMO FOR "52 PICKUP"

Criminal Minds episode promo for "52 Pickup" - Agents Prentiss and Todd go undercover to profile a pickup artist who uses his skills of persuasion to lure women into danger, on CRIMINAL MINDS, Wednesday, Nov. 26 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. WRITTEN BY: Breen Frazier. DIRECTED BY: Bobby Roth

CRIMINAL MINDS FANS NEED TO PICKUP THE PHONE!

Criminal Minds: I certainly hope that this is not a case of 'here we go again' but the latest SAG news isn't the best. The fourth season of Criminal Minds is cooking with gas and going great. We don't need another 100 day speed bump! Lets call Les Moonves' office and put the pressure on now to settle. Let him know that we will not tolerate any interuptions in our enjoyment of Criminal Minds!

LOS ANGELES – The Screen Actors Guild said Saturday it will ask its members to authorize a strike after its first contract talks in four months with Hollywood studios failed despite the help of a federal mediator.

The guild said it adjourned talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers shortly before 1 a.m. after two marathon sessions with federal mediator Juan Carlos Gonzalez.

SAG, representing more than 120,000 actors in movies, television and other media, said in a statement that it will launch a "full-scale education campaign in support of a strike authorization."

"We have already made difficult decisions and sacrifices in an attempt to reach agreement," the statement said. "Now it's time for SAG members to stand united and empower the national negotiating committee to bargain with the strength of a possible work stoppage behind them." -MSN News

CALL CBS: 212-975-4545 and CALL DISNEY: 818-560-1000

CRIMINAL MINDS MULTI-FANDOM AUCTIONS!

Criminal Minds: There is a link on the top of this blog that will take you to the Criminal Minds Fanatic Tidbits blog where there will be multi-fandom auctions to raise money for several charitable causes. New items will be added every few days so please check the site often. Support the Aids Marathon, the Actors Fund, etc. by bidding high! These items would make terrific holiday gifts. Thank you to all the Exec. Producers, writers and actors who have contributed items.

http://criminalmindstvtidbits.blogspot.com/

CRIMINAL MINDS WRITERS CHAT WITH HOLLY HAROLD.

The Criminal Minds Fanatic website and the Criminal Minds Conversation Yahoo group will be holding their weekly episode chat on Sunday, November 23rd at noon est with a special guest. Please join us in welcoming our newest Criminal Minds writer, Holly Harold, to the chat room and the Criminal Minds family.

Holly has a very impressive resume. Take a look: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0363737/

See you all in the Criminal Minds chat room! :)

CRIMINAL MINDS: WHO DO YOU WANT TO GOBBLE WITH?

Criminal Minds question of the day: You have an extra seat available at your Thanksgiving table. Which character from Criminal Minds would you invite to join your celebration? And why?

CRIMINAL MINDS FRIDAY NOTES:

Criminal Minds: Happy Friday everyone! Just a few Criminal Minds related notes this morning.

Criminal Minds writer Holly Harold is with us in the Criminal Minds chat room on Sunday. Email for the password please.

Lola has won last weeks Criminal Minds recap contest. Please email me your address. Congrats on winning the Criminal Minds season four cap given to us by Simon Mirren!

Donations for Rosy are still coming in so please consider making a donation to this worthy cause. The link is on the right side of the blog.

The first Criminal Minds convention plans are shaping up nicely. The planning committee will be in LA in Feb to meet with the three hotels we have narrowed it down to. Thank you to that committee for all the hard work they are doing to plan our time for Feb. Anyone wanting more info about the convention should email the convention moderators.

"Masterpiece" brought the show amazing ratings. Yeah! We have our first episode written by Breen Frazier this Wednesday followed by a chat with Breen. Please get the word out that Criminal Minds is the show to watch on Wednesdays! I know we can be the number one show. I feel it in my old bones. We just need to keep talking up the show to strangers on the streets!

SAG & WGA news: SAG and the AMPTP are still in meetings with a mediator and a strike, while unlikely, is still a possibility. The WGA has not been properly paid according to the terms of their new contract. Anyone wanting more info on either of these situations can email me. I have agreed to be the Criminal Minds liason again on both fronts.

Kirsten Vangsness, Garcia on Criminal Minds, is once again starring at the Theater of Note in "A Mulholland Christmas". If you are interesting in buying tickets to see Kirsten perform, here is the link:
http://www.theatreofnote.com/shows/mulholland04.html

I finished my first two Criminal Minds podcasts and they have been sent off to be edited. I am currently working on a third podcast. If anyone has any suggestions on Podcast ideas, please email me.

Have a great weekend everyone! Criminal Minds Rules!