How did criminal minds end?

How Did Criminal Minds End?

The crime drama television series "Criminal Minds" ended its 15-year run with a powerful finale that left fans crying and applauding at the same time. The show’s final season, season 15, premiered in January 2020 and consisted of only 10 episodes. Before diving into the details, let’s look at how did Criminal Minds end?

A Brief Background on the Series

Criminal Minds is a highly acclaimed show that premiered on September 22, 2005, on CBS. Created by Jeff Davis, the show follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team as they solve crimes in the United States and worldwide. The series features an ensemble cast, including actors like Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Paget Brewster, Adam Rodriguez, and Kirsten Vangsness, among others. Over the years, the show gained immense popularity due to its dark and complex storylines, engaging characters, and mind-boggling twists and turns.

Preparation for the End: Season 14

Before wrapping up the show, the producers of Criminal Minds planned ahead to prepare for the ending. During season 14, subtle hints and cliffhangers were sprinkled throughout the episodes, building anticipation and setting the stage for the final season.

• In the penultimate episode of season 14, ("Flaws Don’t Lie"), Reid’s near-death experience had a lasting impact on the team and foreshadowed their eventual farewell.
• As the team mourned their losses, flashbacks began to explore each character’s backstory, showcasing their connections and bonds, which laid the foundation for the ending.

The Farewell Tour: Season 15

Season 15 was primarily focused on tying up loose ends and saying goodbye to the beloved characters. With only 10 episodes, the season’s pace accelerated, as the BAU team faced numerous threats and obstacles.

• In the second episode, "208", an attack by a domestic terrorism group caused the team to disband and regroup, providing an emotional reckoning moment for each character.
• As the series progressed, the show began to drop hints about each character’s future. This included, but was not limited to:

  • Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) being framed for his partner’s murder and working to clear his name, only to receive a settlement and quietly step away.
  • Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) parting ways with the FBI to continue her work, albeit without her BAU family.
  • Dr. Alpert Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Penelope saying goodbye, ensuring their story concludes on an emotional and positive note.
  • JJ Rossi (A.J. Cook) saying her goodbyes to her BAU family before retiring and living a more quiet life, surrounded by loved ones.
  • Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner (Joe Mantegna) getting closer to full-time law enforcement work in the Justice Department, following his eventual farewell from the BAU.
  • Emilio Premise (Ryang Jun), who spent most of the series trapped in prison, managed to escape only to face a shocking and untimely end at the hands of his family’s enemies, serving as a poignant reminder of the impact of organized crime.
  • The Baum brothers (Michael Hogan, Steve Bean, and Stephen Monroe Fleming) return as a major threat to the team’s lives and pose a test of trust within the department.

The Powerhouse Episode: “And in the Winds…” (Episode 9)

As the countdown to the finale began, episode 9, "And in the Winds," served as the emotional cherry on top of the finale sundae. The "best and worst case scenario" plot highlighted the bond and resilience among the characters:

• Throughout the episode, each agent received their farewell moment as the writers aimed to humanize their struggles and showcase the bond within the unit.
• Emotional reunions, touching dialogue, and heart-to-hearts flooded the air, solidifying the legendary group’s importance and the significant impact each has had on each other.

  • As Hotch is forced to come to terms with the idea of separating from the BAU for good, it’s touching to see how his dedication to the unit and loyalty to his family remain consistent.
  • Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner (Joe Mantegna) finds solace in sharing heartfelt moments, as seen with Claire Morton (Kendra Wilkinson-Bierman), allowing us to savor a hint of love and light among the devastation.

The Two-Part Series Finale: “Elliott’s POV” and “And in the Dark”…

“Elliott’s POV” (Episode 10-1) – Part 1:

• A reverse-movie-telling concept, "Elliott’s POV," presented an unpredictable, edge-of-the-seat narrative focused on Reid, exploring events from the inside out: his perception and feelings before, during, and after the infamous gunfight (Season 13, "The Day Warren Owens Was Shot").

  • *This unflinching, thrilling section highlights what Reid endures as our perspective widens to demonstrate the raw trauma he had to withstand.

“And in the Dark” (Episode 10-2) – Part 2:

• A fitting coda for our beloved protagonists, as each agent (except Premise) bid their adieus; the penultimate moments played out before Reid’s farewell.
• Each character:

  • Leaves behind meaningful artifacts as an homage, symbolizing the growth of their careers, personal milestones, and team spirit ("Memory and Loss are the Building Blocks of Redemption")
  • Receives one final piece of the character development in the midst of a crisis, giving room for new beginnings as the original team moves apart; the door remained open.
  • Passes, as Reid comes to his own resolution. In what could have been an epic, cinematic shot, Hotch receives an unforgettable image, forever etching this chapter as a conclusion and the memories of an endless battle won.

In this way, the entire criminal minds concluded with this unique storytelling sequence, culminating in poignant, final notes.

Before wrapping up this journey on the FBI’s most experienced and accomplished squad, our team celebrated as the episode ‘revisited 15 seasons in a mesmerizing finale arc’ – a well-timed 15-season culmination of unforgettable moments in which our eyes were captivated:

• These pivotal, iconic moments:

  • Reflect the lives lost and love shared through tears, courage, fear, and understanding.
  • The lasting impact this iconic program brought.
  • The lessons each agent carries with them on their distinct paths – not as friends, colleagues, or associates, but as mentors, saviors, champions, family – these are those in whom no one finds or will look for us once the moment of surrender ends.
    By the power and legacy shared, there shall be moments where people have made a significant shift on their certain horizon by experiencing such a transformation from within in the first episode to when the first tear is left behind; no matter that the heart always remembers everything:

Now, even though they all moved along, one must never have to doubt it. Because the one remaining will certainly remember to know, by the courage found within its own mind.
As always, let no one dare to do away with.