Let's Talk Criminal Minds: The Final Two Episodes

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Criminal Minds: The Final Two Episodes

The end of an era: fan-favorite Criminal Minds comes to an end this Wednesday. For fans who have loved the BAU for fifteen seasons, it is bittersweet to think this is it. The show delved into some of the darkest parts of the human mind, while simultaneously showing that family doesn’t end with blood and that a group of people will always be there for each other, no matter what.

Then

I can remember watching this show in high school, eager for a new episode each week, wondering where in the country the BAU would find themselves and what sort of evil they’d find when they got there. Like most, I loved “hey, Baby Girl,” watching JJ/Will blossom over the seasons, and new faces come and add to the family.

I remember the shock of Emily Prentiss’s “death,” Strauss’s actual death, and the trauma of losing not only Gideon but Hotch, too. But, what about the additions of Rossi, Lewis, Alvez, and Simmons? Without them, the BAU would not be what it is.

This brings me to my question: what happens in the last two episodes? CBS is airing the last two episodes back to back Wednesday night, and any fan of TV knows a lot can happen in 41 minutes, let alone 82.

Criminal Minds — “And in the End” — Pictured (L-R): Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss, Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez, Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis, Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, and Daniel Henney as Matt Simmons Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS

Let’s talk about what we know,

Unfortunately, because of his S.W.A.T. filming schedule, Shemar Moore will not return for the final two episodes. (Unless there is a huge secret the network is trying to keep, but what purpose would that serve?) While it upsets me, I’m glad that Derek Morgan is safe and happy somewhere with his family. Baby Girl will live on in spirit!

That is one well-known face. What about the other? The last we saw of Aaron Hotchner, he was trying to live in secret to keep himself and his family safe. Will the network bring back Thomas Gibson despite the drama that went on? It is hard to say; fans were not happy by his untimely departure, and one quick social media search will tell you fans want closure for the character.

And what about our dearly departed? Is it possible we will see the ghosts of BAU past? Maybe a flashback or two? The odds of seeing Mandy Patinkin reprise his role as Gideon seems smaller than Hotchner, but fans would be thrilled. Another literal ghost of BAU past: what about Erin Strauss? I personally am a huge fan of Jayne Atkinson and would love to see a glimpse of her in the finale, in any form.

Favorite Moments

There are so many moments over the years that I can remember, ones that stuck with me for various reasons. Everyone loves Derek and Garcia, that’s a given. One of my absolute favorite moments of theirs happened to be in the finale of season three, where Derek is driving the ambulance in NYC, knowing there is a bomb inside. Garcia believes he is going to die, and I’m pretty sure Derek does doo, and they share one of the most heartfelt moments I can remember.

One of my favorite Rossi memories involves his history as a Marine and how it leads him back to a brother in arms. The series of episodes that follow between the two tell a story about Vietnam veterans, and I think it’s important anyone watches on their own to truly understand it.

What about the bank robbery episode where Will is stuck in the middle, and JJ must fight for her family?

There’s one thing in common here, and it is…

The team, of course!

One of the reasons I think this show lasted as long as it has is because of the team. Those who love this show love it not only for the gore, horror, and stories but for the family. Whatever happens, I hope the team stays together. I hate when a show decides in a finale to kill someone off, and I think this team has experienced enough loss over the years. My personal favorite characters have always been David Rossi and Penelope Garcia (I aspire to be her), but there isn’t a single character that you could take, and the team would be great without.

Considering the finale itself is written by the show’s very own Kirsten Vangsness, I know we’re in for a ride!

What do you think will happen in the last two episodes? What are some of your favorite moments over the years? Share them below with us and tune in on Wednesday night on CBS to catch the finale of Criminal Minds.