The Criminal Minds Effect

by Molly

Admit it. Try as we might to get away from Criminal Minds, we just can’t seem to get enough. We always end up running back to the show, which, for most of us, was our introduction to “grown-up” television. Yes, at one time or another, everybody has become enthralled by the nerdy, flamboyant Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), the sheer sex appeal of Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), or the boyish charm of Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler).

For many seasons now, Criminal Minds has appeared to be on its last leg, pulling stunts that less prominent, less successful shows would have to try in order to keep their viewership. Gone were the days, we thought, of touching back stories and witty one-liners. How wrong we were, though. This season, Criminal Minds is the best it has been since, I daresay, as far back as season three.

That’s the most frustrating part about this show. You could have one stellar season and then have three or more years of lackluster plotline before getting another good season! Somehow, though, while digging through the never-ending voids that are our DVRs, we always seem to come across Criminal Minds, and make time for it.

An outstanding core group of performers had lent itself to an even more outstanding initial plot. At first glance, it appeared NBC had hit the jackpot with this cast. Before taking the role as Aaron Hotchner, Thomas Gibson had lent his talents to the ABC sitcom, Dharma and Greg. AJ Cook starred in several movies before being cast as SSA Jennifer Jareau, one of the most prominent being The Virgin Suicides (1999). Matthew Gray Gubler had had a relatively successful career as a fashion model before being cast as Dr. Spencer Reid. As you can see, they were all relatively unknown before being cast as the characters that would define our generation.

One of the most intriguing things about this series is that the characters have very set responsibilities within the plot that are very seldom diverged from. Still, we hope for things to be different, and there is room in the plot for a small shake-up, for sure. No matter what we may say, we all yearn for an episode where, for once, Reid can be the hero and not the damsel in distress.

Among one of the most excited (and frustrating) things that occurs within this show is the shake-ups within its core cast. Obviously, switching out several main characters in the course of a season keeps the viewers on their toes, but continually pushing new people in and old ones out can confuse the viewership to a point. I realize that actors’ contracts expire and they move on to bigger and better things, but couldn’t the network spread the expiration dates out a bit so we don’t lose all of our favorites at the same time?

We all definitely have our own opinions and ideas as to why Criminal Minds continues to be as successful as it is. One thing is for sure, though. Criminal Minds has been the show we have loved to hate for nearly ten years running. And with any luck, it will be around for ten more.