Criminal Minds, renowned for its gripping cases and complex characters, has seen its fair share of cast changes over its many seasons. While some departures were brief, others left a lasting impact on the show and its fanbase. Among the most talked-about cast shifts is the temporary exit of Jennifer Jareau, affectionately known as JJ, played by A.J. Cook. Her character, an integral part of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), was surprisingly written off the show, only to make a welcome return shortly after. This has left many viewers wondering: why did JJ leave Criminal Minds?
This article delves into the on-screen and off-screen reasons behind A.J. Cook’s departure from Criminal Minds, exploring the circumstances surrounding her exit and triumphant return, and her journey through the original series and Criminal Minds: Evolution.
Who is JJ in Criminal Minds? From Liaison to Profiler
Jennifer Jareau is a cornerstone of the BAU team, having been with Criminal Minds since its inception. Introduced in the second episode of Season 1, “Compulsion,” JJ started as the team’s Communications Liaison. In this role, she bridged the gap between the BAU and local law enforcement, as well as the media, becoming an essential part of the team’s operational effectiveness. Although not initially a profiler, JJ was involved in almost every case, accompanying the team and providing crucial support. Early in the series, she even shared a date with Dr. Spencer Reid, establishing a beloved and enduring platonic relationship that resonated with fans throughout the show’s run.
Alt text: Jennifer Jareau, portrayed by A.J. Cook in Criminal Minds, displays a worried expression while engaged in conversation, highlighting her empathetic nature and dedication to the BAU cases.
JJ’s character development is a significant arc in Criminal Minds. Initially navigating the complexities of being a liaison, she eventually transitioned into a profiler role after her return. This evolution showcased her growth, resilience, and commitment to the BAU’s mission, further solidifying her place as a fan favorite. Her personal life also became interwoven into the narrative; in Season 2’s “Jones,” JJ met Will LaMontagne Jr., who would become her husband. Their relationship and family life, including their two children, Henry and Michael, became an endearing aspect of her character. Interestingly, in a heartwarming touch, Cook’s real-life children, Mekhai and Phoenix Anderson, portrayed JJ’s sons, Henry and Michael, adding a layer of authenticity to her role as a working mother within the show.
The Season 6 Shock: Why Did JJ Temporarily Depart Criminal Minds?
Despite her foundational role in the BAU, Season 6 of Criminal Minds saw JJ written out of the series for a significant portion. However, unlike some character exits, JJ’s departure wasn’t marked by tragedy. The in-story explanation was a forced transfer to the Pentagon. This, however, served as a cover for her involvement in a clandestine task force operation in the Middle East. The show alluded to previous offers of a Pentagon position, leaving ambiguity as to whether those instances were also facades for similar covert assignments. The directive for JJ’s transfer came from Erin Strauss, leaving even Hotch unable to intervene and keep her on the team.
Alt text: A dramatic close-up of actress AJ Cook as Jennifer Jareau in Criminal Minds Season 6, engaged in a serious discussion with Hotch, foreshadowing her character’s impending and forced transfer.
The real reason behind Cook’s exit was less dramatic, rooted in network decisions. CBS, aiming to cut costs, made the decision to release both A.J. Cook and fellow cast member Paget Brewster. While Brewster’s character, Emily Prentiss, remained for a larger part of Season 6, Cook was given a brief two-episode arc to conclude JJ’s immediate storyline. This abrupt departure of a beloved character like JJ sparked immediate and intense fan reaction. The outcry from viewers was significant, with CBS receiving a flood of letters demanding JJ’s return to provide proper closure for her character’s arc. This fan response underscored JJ’s popularity and the strong connection viewers felt with her.
While budget constraints were the primary driver behind not renewing Cook’s contract, rumors of “creative differences” also circulated, a common explanation during actor-show partings. Further adding to the controversy, some observers interpreted the dismissals of Cook and Brewster, alongside the reduction in Paget Brewster’s role, as a potentially sexist move. Speculation arose about network executives wanting to introduce “new women” into the cast. Brewster herself, in a 2015 interview with The AV Club, suggested the network’s treatment of women was “not particularly kind,” pointing to the significantly higher salary of Rachel Nichols, who was brought in as a replacement for them. Despite these speculations, the widely accepted reason for Cook’s initial departure remains financial restructuring by the network.
The Triumphant Return: JJ’s Comeback in Season 7 and Beyond
Fortunately for fans, JJ’s absence was short-lived. The Season 7 premiere marked the return of both JJ and Emily Prentiss to the BAU, much to the delight of viewers. JJ’s character not only returned but also revealed she had used her time away to undergo the necessary training to become a profiler and field agent. This positioned her back on the BAU team in a more field-focused role, expanding her capabilities and deepening her involvement in cases. Her return was undeniably fueled by the overwhelming fan support that followed her departure announcement. It became clear that the studio had underestimated the audience’s attachment to JJ, and the widespread desire to see her back in action.
Alt text: Jennifer Jareau in Criminal Minds, wearing an official FBI vest and displaying a concerned expression, back in action as a profiler after her return in Season 7, ready to tackle complex cases.
The in-universe narrative of JJ’s Pentagon assignment wasn’t simply forgotten upon her return. It became a central plot point in Season 8 of Criminal Minds, demonstrating the show’s effort to weave her absence into the ongoing storyline and acknowledge the events that led to her temporary exit.
However, JJ’s return did not immediately resolve all issues behind the scenes, particularly concerning gender pay equality. In 2013, leading up to Season 9, both Cook and Kirsten Vangsness, who plays Penelope Garcia, faced contract renewal difficulties. Reports indicated that CBS’s initial offers placed Cook and Vangsness at a significantly lower pay scale, earning less than half of their male co-stars’ salaries. It took over two months of negotiations before Cook and Vangsness achieved pay parity with their male colleagues. This incident highlighted a persistent issue of gender-based pay disparities within the entertainment industry, even on a show celebrated for its strong female characters. This pay dispute occurred just a few years after the initial cost-cutting measures that reduced Cook and Brewster’s roles, leaving Vangsness as the sole full-time female cast member for a period. Criminal Minds, despite its progressive storylines, evidently grappled with its own internal challenges regarding fair treatment for its female actors. Despite these challenges, Cook remained a leading character for the remainder of the original show’s 15 seasons and continued into the revival series, Criminal Minds: Evolution.
JJ’s Story Continues in Criminal Minds: Evolution
In Criminal Minds: Evolution, JJ’s character remains central, and Season 2 of the revival series delves into a particularly relevant and sensitive storyline for her. The narrative cleverly addresses the real-world experiences of A.J. Cook as a female actress and the broader challenges women face in society.
Alt text: A thoughtful Jennifer Jareau, portrayed by A.J. Cook in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2, looking upwards with concern, embodying the emotional depth of her character’s storyline in the revival series.
Season 2 introduces a plot where AI is used to create sexually explicit deepfake videos featuring the BAU team, with JJ prominently targeted. This storyline directly confronts themes of online exploitation and the vulnerability women face in the digital age. Initially, Prentiss attempts to shield JJ from this disturbing discovery. However, Elias Voit, also known as Sicarius, the season’s antagonist, reveals the deepfake website to JJ. This forces JJ to confront a deeply personal and disturbing form of violation, one that extends beyond the typical crimes the BAU investigates. The season explores JJ’s emotional response as she grapples with the implications of these videos, considering the potential impact on her children and family life. This storyline allows for a nuanced exploration of JJ’s character, showcasing her strength and vulnerability in the face of a modern and insidious threat.
Looking ahead to Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, JJ is confirmed to return, as indicated by cast photos released by the show. While details of her storyline remain under wraps, there is speculation that Season 3 might place a greater focus on JJ, following the pattern of previous seasons highlighting Rossi and Prentiss. Given the emotional weight of the deepfake storyline in Season 2 and the ongoing challenges JJ faces both professionally and personally, Season 3 has the potential to further explore her character’s resilience and evolution within the Criminal Minds universe. Whether it involves further fallout from the deepfake incident, challenges in her marriage with Will, or new professional hurdles, JJ’s journey in Criminal Minds: Evolution is poised to remain compelling and central to the series’ ongoing narrative.
Alt text: Official poster for Criminal Minds, showcasing the ensemble cast and the show’s intense, crime-solving atmosphere, representing the series’ long-running success and dedicated fanbase.
