Did Derek Leave Criminal Minds? A Comprehensive Answer
The CBS crime drama "Criminal Minds" has been a staple of many television viewers’ watches for over 15 years. The show follows a team of FBI agents who use their unique skills to investigate and solve crimes across the United States. The show has undergone several changes over the years, with some characters leaving and new ones joining the team.
One of the most beloved characters on the show is Derek Morgan, played by actor Shemar Moore. Morgan was a member of the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) and was known for his good looks, wit, and exceptional detective skills. For 11 seasons, Morgan was a key member of the team, working closely with his colleagues to solve some of the most gruesome and complex cases.
So, did Derek leave "Criminal Minds"? In this article, we will explore the circumstances surrounding his departure from the show.
The Official Announcement
On May 7, 2016, the show’s official Twitter account announced that Shemar Moore would be leaving "Criminal Minds" at the end of the show’s 11th season. The announcement was made in a series of tweets, which read:
"The BAU is saying goodbye to one of its own… Shemar Moore will be leaving #CriminalMinds after season 11"
"Thx for 11 awesome yrs, Shemar We’ll miss Morgan’s chiseled abs & brooding gaze But don’t worry, the BAU will keep on keeping on"
Reasons for Leaving
Moore revealed in an interview with Variety that he had been with the show for 11 years and felt that it was time for him to move on. He stated, "I’m not saying I’m leaving because of the show. I love the show. I love my castmates. I love the crew… But 11 years is a long time, and I felt like I’d accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish with the character."
Moore also expressed his desire to pursue other projects, saying, "I want to do some more movies, I want to do some more TV shows, I want to do some more documentaries… I want to experience life outside of the show."
Character Exit Storyline
In the 11th season finale of "Criminal Minds", Morgan’s departure from the show was handled through a storyline in which he was forced to leave the BAU due to a new job opportunity. Morgan received a job offer from an international organization, which he felt was too good to pass up. His decision to leave the team was met with mixed emotions from his colleagues, with some understanding his decision and others feeling betrayed.
Moore’s Reflections
In a later interview, Moore reflected on his decision to leave the show, saying, "I had an amazing time on that show. I loved being a part of it, but I think I took it for granted sometimes. I think I got so comfortable, and I wasn’t pushing myself to do new things, to grow, to evolve."
Moore also praised his colleagues and the show’s creators, saying, "The show was incredibly well-written, and the cast was incredibly talented, and the crew was amazing… I learned so much from everyone, and I’m grateful for that experience."
Conclusion
Did Derek leave "Criminal Minds"? The answer is a resounding yes. After 11 seasons, Moore decided to leave the show to pursue other projects and challenges. While his character’s departure was handled through a storyline in the 11th season finale, Moore’s real-life decision to leave the show was made due to his desire for change and new experiences.
Table: Derek Morgan’s Character Arc
| Character Arc | Episodes |
|---|---|
| Introduced as a new BAU member | 4×01 |
| Gains confidence and expertise as a profiler | 5×01-6×01 |
| Becomes a valued member of the team | 7×01-9×01 |
| Leaves the BAU due to a new job opportunity | 11×21 |
Conclusion
The departure of Derek Morgan from "Criminal Minds" marked the end of an era for the show, but it also paved the way for new characters and storylines to emerge. While Moore’s character was an integral part of the show, his real-life decision to leave was motivated by a desire for growth and new challenges. Despite his departure, Morgan will always be remembered as an iconic character in the "Criminal Minds" franchise.
