'Criminal Minds' Season 13 Updates: Kirsten Vangsness & AJ Cook Are Ready to Leave the Show?
CBS' "Criminal Minds" is one of the current long-running TV series in the United States with a total of 12 seasons but it is set for another season, which is expected to air in the fall. There were major characters that unexpectedly departed the show such as one of the fan-favorites Shemar Moore and Thomas Gibson. Moore had to leave simply because he wants to focus more on his personal life. However, it's not the same for Gibson as he was written off the show following an altercation with one of the writers on-set.
"Criminal Minds" season 12 ended with a cliffhanger when two SVUs, where BAU team members are hopped in, got smashed by an 18-wheeler truck and then the episode ended. With that scene, fans are wondering whether or not those characters are still safe to reprise their roles in the upcoming installment. However, Deadline recently delivered some good news to all fans as Joe Mantegna and Matthew Gray Gubler have both signed another contract for season 13.
However, A.J. Cook as Jennifer Jareau or JJ in "Criminal Minds" is yet to sign a contract, or it could be that she's one of the casualties in the car accident, thanks to the infamous Mr. Scratch. He's actually the reason why Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) made an appearance during season 12 finale. Morgan was there to help the BAU team solve the case.
As for Kirsten Vangsness, who plays as the tech analyst and expert in "Criminal Minds," it is said that she is still negotiating with the producers alongside Cook to get equal pay with their male co-stars. If they can't, both stars are reportedly ready to leave the show. This leaves fans to wonder if these two stars would follow Moore and Gibson anytime soon.
However, "Criminal Minds" showrunner Erica Messer said that they are hoping that the deal will be in place this season. "We've certainly started seasons before with actors' deals not done," she told TV Guide. "But they were always in a good faith negotiation place, which I feel like is happening this year as well."
What are your thoughts about Cook and Vangsness leaving "Criminal Minds"? What about Gibson's possibility of coming back to the show? Share us your thoughts below!