Why Does Morgan Leave Criminal Minds?
A Devastating Turn of Events
Morgan Garrett, played by Dylan McDermott, was a fan favorite character in the hit CBS TV series Criminal Minds. After six seasons on the show, Morgan leaves abruptly in 2011. But what led to this surprising departure? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Morgan Leaves Criminal Minds?
Internal Conflicts and Creative Differences
It was reported that McDermott and the show’s executive producer, Ed Bernero, had a creative disagreement about the character’s development. McDermott wanted to take Morgan’s storyline in a different direction, while Bernero envisioned a different path for the character. This internal conflict led to tension behind the scenes, ultimately resulting in Morgan’s exit.
Ratings and Network Pressures**
**Ratings began to decline** after Season 5, which raised concerns among the network. The show was no longer a top 10 series in the 18-49 demographic, and CBS wanted to shake things up to boost ratings. By writing out a popular character like Morgan, the network aimed to **shake off stagnation and inject new energy into the show**.
Shane Allison and the Writing Out**
Another factor that contributed to Morgan’s departure was **the introduction of a new character, Shane Allison (played by **Billy Lush**)**. Allisons’ arrival created an unnecessary power struggle, **confusing audiences and leaving many wondering who would become the new lead character**.
Morgan’s Final Episodes and Sentimental Value**
The storyline surrounding Morgan’s exit was **handled sensitively and with great care**. His character received **a memorable and emotional farewell** across three episodes (**Season 6, Episodes 10-12**). This allowed the show to pay homage to McDermott’s time on the series and gave fans an opportunity to **say goodbye to a beloved character**.
Morgan’s Impact on the Show and Characters**
**Morgan’s departure left a lasting impact on the characters** and the show’s overall dynamics. **Penelope Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness)** was particularly affected, having a close friendship with Morgan. The writers successfully handled her grief, ensuring her storyline remained intact.
**Comparison of Morgan’s Episodes Before and After Leaving**
| **Before Leaving (Seasons 1-5)** | **After Leaving (Season 6 and Beyond)** |
| — | — |
| Consistently involved in team’s investigations | **Episodes focused on new lead characters** |
| Showed vulnerability and empathy as an FBI agent | **Plotlines revolved around Garcia and new character alliances** |
| Formed close bonds with teammates, including Garcia | **Focused on the core group dynamic and new additions** |
Celebrating Morgan’s Time on Criminal Minds**
Morgan Garrett, a brilliant and **intelligent** profiler, may have left **Criminal Minds**, but his memory lives on in the hearts of fans. His contributions to the team, his relationships with other characters, and the emotional weight of his exit make **Dylan McDermott’s time on the show** truly unforgettable.
In conclusion, **Morgan leaves Criminal Minds** due to a combination of **internal conflicts**, **ratings concerns**, and the **introduction of new characters**. Despite the emotional farewell, his absence did not diminish the show’s overall quality. Instead, it allowed the remaining characters to evolve and for **new storylines to take shape**. The memories of Morgan Garrett remain, **a testament to McDermott’s impact** on the show.
