How did Hotch leave Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds, the popular American television series, has been captivating audiences for over 15 years. The show revolves around a team of FBI agents, known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), who work to understand and catch serial killers and other violent criminals. One of the main characters, Aaron Hotchner (played by Thomas Gibson), was a significant part of the show until his departure in 2016. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Hotch’s exit from the show.
How did Hotch leave Criminal Minds?
In November 2016, Thomas Gibson, the actor who played Aaron Hotchner, was involved in a physical altercation with Kristine Sutherland, the actress who played Hotch’s wife, Ellie. The incident occurred on the set of the show, and as a result, Gibson was suspended from the show for the rest of the season. He later released a statement, saying that he was not violent and that the altercation was a misunderstanding.
The incident marked the beginning of the end for Hotch’s character on the show. The writers of the show decided to write him out of the series, and his departure was aired in the episode "Also in the Woods" (Season 12, Episode 5). In the episode, Hotch resigns from the FBI due to his ongoing struggles with PTSD and his desire to be with his family.
Reasons behind Hotch’s departure
The decision to write out Hotch’s character was reportedly made before the altercation with Sutherland. The writers had been considering ways to leave the character, which had been a central figure on the show since its inception. The incident merely accelerated the process.
Other reasons for Hotch’s departure include:
• Storyline limitations: As the show entered its 12th season, the writers felt that they had explored all the possible storylines for Hotch’s character. The character’s relationships, particularly with his wife and daughter, had been extensively developed, leaving little room for further growth.
• Thomas Gibson’s contract: Gibson’s contract was set to expire, and the show’s producers were unsure if they would be able to reach a new agreement. This uncertainty contributed to the decision to write out the character.
• Shake-up and revamp: The departure of Hotch marked a significant change in the show’s dynamics, allowing for new characters and storylines to be introduced. This revamp helped to freshen up the show and attract new viewers.
The aftermath
The departure of Hotch had a significant impact on the show. The character was an integral part of the BAU team, and his absence was deeply felt by the other characters. The show’s dynamic changed, and the focus shifted to other characters, such as David Rossi (played by Joe Mantegna) and Stephen Walker (played by Damon Gupton).
Comparison of ratings before and after Hotch’s departure
| Season | Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|
| 11 | 8.8 (avg.) |
| 12 (pre-Hotch departure) | 9.3 (avg.) |
| 12 (post-Hotch departure) | 8.4 (avg.) |
The ratings suggest that the show’s popularity dipped slightly after Hotch’s departure, but the show remained relatively strong.
Conclusion
Aaron Hotchner’s departure from Criminal Minds was a significant event in the show’s history. The combination of creative limitations, Thomas Gibson’s contract, and the desire for a fresh start led to the decision to write out the character. While the show continued to thrive after Hotch’s departure, his impact on the series will not be forgotten.
