The Criminal Minds series is all about FBI investigations. But understanding the story of A.J. Cook’s departure in Season 6 requires its own investigation. We go back 15 years to find out more.
Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook) has been a permanent member of the cast of the CBS series Criminal Minds since day one. As the liaison to the press, she faces the pressure of public interest and supports the team in their investigations. She will also return in the brand-new season 18, as a promo poster (via TVLine ) confirms.
Given the show’s long history, it’s easy to forget that JJ wasn’t part of the series in season 6. The reason for Cook’s departure is still controversial today: But the decision caused a stir among fans.
“There was no ‘why’”: A.J. Cook was fired from Criminal Minds before season 6
In season 6, JJ left the FBI involuntarily because she had to take a job at the Pentagon. In fact, A.J. Cook’s departure was also not voluntary, unlike that of her colleague Shemar Moore. To this day, various statements can be found as to why her contract was not renewed.
In an unconfirmed interview with a Criminal Minds fan blog, the then executive producer Ed Bernero made the following statement:
I don’t understand some of the things I had to do, like with Paget and A.J. They called me one day and said, ‘You have to get rid of X, Y and Z,’ and I asked, ‘Why?’ […] but […] if the network wants to change something like that, there’s not much you can do to fight it.
Apparently, the firing was anything but easy for him:
The phone call I had to make is still to this day one of the worst days I ever had as an executive producer. It was so horrible. And I couldn’t even explain it, I couldn’t even say, ‘Here’s the reason…’. There was no ‘why’.
https://twitter.com/mariahniccole/status/1802823612912816264
Some blame budget cuts for the decision, others suspect that a younger actress was to be cast. Officially, CBS stated “creative reasons”. A.J. Cook cynically took up this statement and was seen shortly afterwards in a T-shirt with the words “creative decisions” printed on it, as one X -user recalls today.
A.J. Cook owes her return to the fans
Criminal Minds fans know that JJ’s absence was short-lived. She returned as early as season 7, replacing her successor Rachel Nichols. The latter was not well received by fans – but A.J. Cook defended her in an interview with TV Guide.
This has nothing to do with her. […] The whole thing was shitty. […] I feel for her, because it’s a difficult situation to get into.
No matter how nebulous the circumstances of her dismissal are, Cook is clear about who she owes her return to: namely the Criminal Minds fans who took to the barricades for her.
I’m so touched that they spoke up and reached out to me personally. […] Don’t mess with Criminal Minds fans! I’ll have t-shirts made for them!
A brand new season 19 for Criminal Minds has already been confirmed, even though the current one hasn’t even started yet.
This has earned it its status as the ultimate crime series. You can currently watch Criminal Minds in the stream on Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Join and Apple TV.
