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'Criminal Minds' Matthew Gray Gubler directs Paget Brewster's final episode
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It's safe to say that no one was happy when "Criminal Minds" bosses announced that series vet Paget Brewster's episode order would be significantly reduced in Season 6. Fans raged, and even Brewster herself was quite vocal about her displeasure with the decision.Still, when push came to shove, she had one final request as a series regular cast member: she wanted co-star Matthew Gray Gubler to direct her exit episode.
It marks the second time Gubler has directed an episode of the series, and he tells Zap2it that when Brewster asked him to give it another go for her, it was not only an honor, but a bit of a relief. "The first time I directed the show there was a bit of a fear involved," he admits. "I'd spent the majority of my life focused on directing. I went to school to learn how to direct, and then I ended up acting on the show, so I was worried people wouldn't really understand that my heart was in it. That first one I was a little concerned about proving myself, and letting people know that I am a director. When it was well-received, it was a relief."
It was important to everyone involved that Brewster's final episode be directed by a member of the "Criminal Minds" family. As can be expected with such a highly anticipated hour, "Lauren" is an intense episode with even more action shots than the show normally has. Gubler admits that he had to put up a bit of a fight to be the man with the reigns for this particular episode.
Because of the high-stakes nature of the episode, both on and off screen, Gubler's directing experience this time around was a little bit different. "The fact that it's Paget's last episode puts a little bit more excitement and joy into the project for sure," he says. "I felt incredibly honored to be able to do this one. I was so incredibly thankful that I got to be the one to tell this particular story. I don't know if it was pressure, necessarily, just more good fortune that I got to do it."
Gubler was, unsurprisingly, incredibly humbled by Brewster's request. "That Paget wanted only to work with me on her final episode was a great vote of confidence, an honor. I think she's the greatest, so the love is mutual."
While there are obvious perks when it comes to directing an episode of his own series -- who knows the show better? -- Gubler says that his greatest challenge as a director is balancing his directorial duties with his acting obligations.
"The only way I know how to act is to sort of truly believe what's happening in the moment," he explains. "So your brain is trying to believe what's happening to the character, but you're also trying to oversee the whole thing, and it becomes a schizophrenic mind game."
Speaking of schizophrenic mind games (see what we did there?), Gubler's character, Dr. Spencer Reid, has been plagued by migraine headaches this season, which cause him particular concern because of his family history with schizophrenia.
Gubler is careful not to reveal too much about his character's condition, but he expects that fans will get some answers before the end of the season. If, indeed, Reid does have a mental illness, Gubler welcomes the challenge with open arms.
"To me, it kind of looks like I'm going schizophrenic," he says, "but I have a history of predicting the wrong outcome when it comes to this show. It would add a definite layer, something new to the character that I haven't really done for six years, so I'd probably really enjoy it. I don't know what's going to happen with that."
When we bring up the possibility of introducing a love interest for Reid, Gubler laughs. "I would hope!" he says. "I know in this world of procedurals they don't really tend to focus on like, teen romance."
What kind of girl is Dr. Spencer Reid's type, anyway? "Reid's romance would be a funny one," Gubler says. "Maybe a librarian, I would think. Or some kind of spiritual buddhist teacher lady, yoga instructor type. I don't know. Maybe he'd fall in love with a serial killer."
The "Criminal Minds" crew still has four episodes left to film before the end of the season, and Gubler confesses that the vibe has been a little different on set since Brewster's exit. "It's incredibly sad, if you work with anyone for six years and then all of a sudden they're not around anymore. Luckily we remain best friends in real life, so I still get to see her. Who knows what the future of the show holds, but we're all hoping she'll be back next season," he says.
Before Season 7 is even a factor, Gubler looks forward to working on a few different projects after Season 6 wraps. In addition to continuing to pursue his painting, much of which you can see at his official website, he'll be putting the finishing touches on "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked." It's the third film in which he's voiced Simon the Chipmunk.
"One of my friends from film school is making a really cool horror movie that i'm going to be in," he adds. "I'm gonna keep on keeping on, I guess. It's what I do best."
Don't miss "Lauren," Gubler's episode of "Criminal Minds," on Wednesday, March 16 at 9 p.m. EST.
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Photo/Video credit: CBS
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i really hope JJ and Prentiss will be back full time (wishful thinking, i know) - they have a JJ clone on now and that to me is just ridiculous - the actresses should pull a charlie sheen on the producers
I did like AJ Cook on the show, but I actually enjoy Rachel Nichols more. I think she's a better actress, overall. I'm looking forward to when they start giving her more to do and say. Would love it if Paget came back next season, though. She's a rock star.
Can't wait for this episode tonight!! I really hope Paget does come back to the show next season, her character is one of my favorites. I am so glad JJ is coming back, even if it is only for one ep.
Matthew Gray Gubler is so cool. I'd watch him in anything. I can't wait to see this episode he directed.
The fact that I even watch Criminal Minds week after week is a testament to how much I like Matthew Gray Gubler. It's too violent and disturbing for me, but I watch it anyway, mostly just for him. This reducing and swapping of the female characters is a big mistake though. They are not interchangeable, and the producers need to understand fans like me who watch for characters and not content.
i love Matthew gray gubler and his directing types hes a triple threat actor,model and now directing some people need to watch out !!!!!!
Matthew Gray Gubler rocks !!!!!! this is the same person at the top of this message !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will miss Paget Brewster; such a strong female character, but life goes on.
AJ cook was soooo boring. She didn't do anything. Many people think the reason her contract was not renewed was beause of money, but I think it was because they saw they did not need her. Quite frankly, the show is better without her. Watch tonight's episode and you will see that she adds nothing the other characters can't and aren't doing themselves. Thes show is better without her. I hated watching her.
I don't get it - why kick off JJ & Emilie from the Team - don't see a good reason for that - and what, they're NOT gonna replace them with cheaper actors..?? Will the Team survive with 2 less members..?? I see a nondescript female on the Team - who doesn't do diddly, even less that JJ - she just hangs there. A shame, the show was good with JJ & Emilie - wonder how it will be without them. Although, am also wondering why they would make these weird changes when the show is good - fixing it when it ain't broke is always suspect in my book. Also - am NOT too crazy about the spin-off, Suspect Behavior - THAT Team doesn't seem to click (yet..??). Am watching it only because it comes on after the original BAU.
HEY i will will miss Paget Brewster but way r u guys hating on Aj Cook I thought she was a great actress like Paget Brewster wish both of them well