Did JJ Die on Criminal Minds?
Answer: Spoiler Alert!
Yes, JJ (Jennifer "JJ" Jarredo) did die on Criminal Minds. Season 10, Episode 20: "666, 667, 678", aired on May 13, 2015, marked the departure of Aisha Tyler, who played JJ, from the show.
JJ’s Character and Role
JJ was introduced in Season 1, Episode 1: "Extreme Creepiness" as a rookie FBI trainee. Throughout her time on the show, JJ worked closely with the BAU team, eventually becoming an integral part of the group. As a trained profiler and skilled investigator, JJ’s analytical mind and empathetic nature made her an invaluable asset to the team. Her personal struggles, particularly her traumatic experiences as a victim of abduction, humanized her character and allowed for deep character development.
The Final Episodes: A Emotional Goodbye
JJ’s departure was met with a mix of sadness and anticipation. Fans knew that the show was not ending, but they also knew that Aisha Tyler had announced her departure from the show. The farewell was handled beautifully, with the writers giving JJ a satisfying conclusion to her storyline. Here’s a brief summary of her final episodes:**
| Episode | Summary |
|---|---|
| 666, 667, 678 | JJ is captured by the Replicator, a copycat serial killer. In a shocking twist, she is revealed to be the Replicator’s next target. The BAU team races against time to rescue her, but unfortunately, JJ sacrifices herself to save her friends and colleagues. |
| The Boys of Suzie Q | In a flashback episode, we see JJ’s early days at the FBI, highlighting her struggles and triumphs as a rookie agent. The episode also shows her connection with her colleagues, making her departure even more emotional. |
Aisha Tyler’s Departure and Repercussions
Aisha Tyler‘s departure was a shock to the fans, as JJ had become an essential part of the show. In an interview, Tyler revealed that she had always known she would leave the show eventually, citing her desire to focus on her acting career and explore other opportunities. Her departure also marked a significant change for the show, as JJ was a key character in the team’s dynamics. Her absence created a void that was filled by Lauren (Kirsten Vangsness) and Stephen Walker (Damon Gupton), new characters introduced in later seasons.
JJ’s Legacy and Impact
Despite her departure, JJ’s impact on the show is still felt. Her character has continued to play a significant role in the storylines, with the team often referring to her and acknowledging the lessons they learned from her. JJ’s relationships with her colleagues also continued to evolve, even after her departure. The show has maintained a strong focus on character development and team dynamics, which was largely influenced by JJ’s presence.
Conclusion
JJ’s death marked the end of an era on Criminal Minds. Her departure was a significant event in the show’s history, and Aisha Tyler‘s contribution to the series will always be remembered. While her character may be gone, her legacy lives on through the characters she influenced and the impact she had on the show. The farewell was handled beautifully, providing a satisfying conclusion to JJ’s storyline. As the show continues to explore new cases and characters, JJ’s memory will remain an integral part of the Criminal Minds universe.
