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'Criminal Minds' Joe Mantegna on show's changes: 'It's like life'
Joe Mantegna is looking ahead to the next season of "Criminal Minds" as the current one winds down.The typically grim CBS mystery series wraps up its sixth year Wednesday, May 18, with a touch of what's to come: Former cast regular A.J. Cook returns as Behavioral Analysis Unit member Jennifer "J.J." Jareau, and she'll be back full-time come fall. Paget Brewster's possible return as Agent Emily Prentiss largely depends on whether NBC picks up the actress' sitcom "My Life as an Experiment," which will be known next week.
Another "Criminal" change is in store with executive producers Edward Allen Bernero and Simon Mirren departing, and Erica Messer carrying on that job. Count on Mantegna continuing as FBI veteran David Rossi, though.
"It''s like life," he reasons to Zap2it. "It goes in cycles. Things happen, things change, and some things return to the way they were. We even deal with it in the show. As opposed to one of those dramatic 'Who died in the explosion?' cliffhangers, the season's last episode is more reflective than that.
"It's almost a salute to those who have watched us for a long time, in the sense that we deal with some personal kinds of things. We'll still leave a few mysteries up in the air, but there will be some positive, uplifting things as well. After six seasons, I believe you owe the fans something."
Mantegna, who joined "Criminal Minds" in its third year after Mandy Patinkin's exit, likens the series' future to other situations of course correction: "Sometimes, people fix things that aren't broken. Our show has always been somewhat the bastard child because we're co-produced by two networks (through ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios). Somebody gets it in their head, 'Let's tinker with this,' then finds out it's not such a good idea. It happens.
"The bottom line is that we're on point," Mantegna adds. "We're trying to do the best shows we can, and I think our fans understand that. In a way, it's good. It just shows the support we have, that people care that much."
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Why is Joe Mantenga 's face so much on the screen. He is seen more than the team. It seems like he is the show. The others should have just much spotlight as Joe. In fact he irratates me the way he buts in on all the frames. Not fair. Change this...the other cast is just as good or better than he is.
Love the fact that JJ is coming back,hated that wannabe they tried to replace her with.JJ is the true caring heart behind the team that has been sorely missing.We were losing our interest in the show until we found out about her return. Would also welcome Prentiss back if that becomes possible.
How can anybody disagree with NVCowboy above? SPOT on!
So incredibly relieved that CM is bringing back A. J. Cook and hope very much that Paget will also return. It was a huge mistake to think that both of these actresses wouldn't be sorely missed from the show's chemistry. When you have a super ensemble cast, you don't shoot yourself in the foot and break it up. The young actress who they hired to replace AJ was not at all effective. She always seemed depressed and went around with a worried, fragile look on her face. I suppose she thought it made her appear more serious, but it was difficult to watch her. So, great to hear that the producers have come to their senses....like Joe Mantegna said, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. And if they get rid of Thomas Gibson, they're fools, too. This is a great cast with A.J. and Paget back, so CM Producers, "LEAVE IT ALONE."
If you have to boot someone, let it be Montegna. He is just a fill in for Patinkin anyway. I suppose he is already signed but I could do with a lot less of him.
Great to see JJ is back
Hope Prentiss comes back also.
So much was lost with Seaver, just did not fit in.
Please re hire Hotch. He is the main reason the show is still on top
With the most exciting show still on TV revving up for the the new season and fantastic characters coming back who need to be there anyway for the "Criminal Minds" family to work correctly excitement is in the air. I'm excited because my man and I are getting a new HD TV and through my work at Dish Network I found out we could get free HD for life as well. Honestly programming is the key when it comes to HD. We will be able to see every little detail and I will be able to enjoy Derek Morgan in high definition; I think that says it all.
i love this show and hope in sept all the cast that have made this show so good are back. if not i will keep watching reruns on ion.
why mess up a good thing these folks are what makes the show so good. thanks for bringing AJ back, but also need to bring Prentis back(pagetbrewster) and also keep hotch and especially derek morgan he is hot.
I don't agree with those who don't like Joe M. His character adds as much to the team as any of the others. Long time CM fan.