Paget Brewster Returns from the Dead on CRIMINAL MINDS

Paget Brewster - Criminal Minds

CRIMINAL MINDS‘ Paget Brewster is in, while Rachel Nichols is out! I can feel the collective sigh of fans, as eyes roll in a “we told you so” moment. Brewster’s return coincides with the full-time return of A.J. Cook, who exited season 6 of the CBS drama after two episodes, but reappeared in a midseason and season finale episode. Brewster and Cook’s characters (Emily Prentiss and JJ Jareau, respectively) reportedly were written off the show due to creative differences and budget cutbacks.

Now according to Deadline.com, CBS and series’ producer ABC Studios are exercising the option to bring back Brewster, which was part of her modified deal with Criminal Minds last season. The deal entailed doing fewer episodes and the choice to do a pilot. But if the pilot didn’t go to series, producers would have the option of bringing Brewster back to Criminal Minds. So one unsuccessful comedy pilot later, fans and CBS get Brewster back, along with Cook.

This leaves Nichols as Ashley Seaver in an awkward position, since she essentially was hired to replace Cook. With no room left for her on Criminal Minds, Nichols ends up having to exit the show.

As for Criminal Minds‘ other co-stars, Thomas Gibson who plays Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner is the only one still in ongoing contract negotiations and doesn’t have a deal for next season yet.

Are you glad about this backpedaling? Or were you ready for a change?

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Author: Cordelia | May 31, 2011 | 4 Comments

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http://twitter.com/JJFan18 Jackie

I am so excited about having BOTH ladies back on the show and yes there definitely was that moment of “we told you so” b/c afterall this what the heck was the point CBS?? Nice to see the network learned a valuable lesson and extended an olive branch in bringing both these ladies back but it never should’ve happened in the first place.

And very sorry to say I am happy to see Ashley Seaver go! I love Rachel Nichols but this role and show just was not a fit for her. The character was boring, stiff and such a walking cliche. There is no way, I don’t care what perspective she brought to the team/show, that a cadet ends up working with and on an elite FBI team such as the BAU. They pissed fans off when the canned these ladies and then had the audacity to shove that angle down fans throats? No wonder people didn’t warm up to the character! Not mention if the network and producers wanted someone who looked exactly like AJ Cook ( especially since they made Nichols look like her b/c she was a brunette before she started the show) they should’ve just kept AJ Cook! I don’t how many times when looking at promo pics that I had to do a double take because I thought she was AJ!! They even dressed her in the practically the same exact clothes that JJ wore! That’s pretty pathetic if you ask me!

So kudos to CBS for sucking it in and admitting without actually saying the words that what they did was wrong but honestly they never should’ve messed with the show in the first place! Never ever mess with something that isn’t broken especially with a show as popular as Criminal Minds and with a show with such loyal fans!! Unlike season 6, I’m actually excited and looking forward to the fall.
Bev

I am so glad that the old cast will be back together. Each episode just gets better and better. It should be another great season, looking forward to it.
Bev

I am so glad that the old cast will be back together. Each episode just gets better and better. It should be another great season, looking forward to it.
Bev

I am so glad that the old cast will be back together. Each episode just gets better and better. It should be another great season, looking forward to it.