What episode does hotch leave criminal minds?

What Episode Does Hotch Leave Criminal Minds?

Spoiler Alert: This article discusses the departure of Aaron Hotchner, played by actors Mandy Patinkin and Thomas Gibson, from the TV show Criminal Minds.

Aaron Hotchner, also known as Hotch, is one of the main characters in the popular TV show Criminal Minds. He is the Bureau Director and Unit Chief of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Hotch is played by actors Mandy Patinkin (seasons 1-3) and Thomas Gibson (seasons 4-12).

For many fans of the show, Hotch is an integral part of the team, and his departure is a significant event. So, what episode does Hotch leave Criminal Minds?

The Departure of Hotch

In the Season 11 finale, Erica Messer, the show’s executive producer, announced that Thomas Gibson would not be returning to the show for its 12th season. Gibson’s departure was met with surprise and sadness from fans, as Hotch was a core character.

Why Did Hotch Leave the Show?

According to Gibson, his departure was due to a physical altercation with Adam Rodriquez, who played Luke Alvez. The incident occurred during a break in filming and was reported to the production company.

The Farewell Episode

The Departure of Hotch was a significant moment in the show’s history. His farewell episode is Episode 21, "A Beautiful Disaster," from Season 12. In this episode, Hotch leaves the BAU to focus on his family and his personal life. The episode is a nostalgic and emotional tribute to the character, with many callbacks to his past cases and relationships with the team.

What Happened After Hotch Left the Show?

After Hotch‘s departure, the show continued to follow the remaining members of the BAU team, including Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Remy Williams (Penny Awyong), and Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez). The show explored new characters and storylines, with Matthew Gray Gubler taking on an increased role as a leader and Kirsten Vangsness‘s character becoming more involved in the team’s missions.

What Did the Fans Think?

Fans were divided on Hotch‘s departure from the show. Some fans were sad to see Hotch go and felt that his character was an essential part of the team. Others were upset about the circumstances surrounding Gibson’s departure and felt that it was a dirty move on the production company’s part.

Here are some fan reactions from social media:

• "Hotch is an iconic character and his absence is felt deeply. Gibson’s departure was a big loss for the show" (Twitter user: @CriminalMindsFan)
• "I’m still upset about Gibson’s departure. He brought so much to the character and the show" (Twitter user: @MorganFan4Ever)
• "While I loved Hotch, I think the show still works without him. There are so many other interesting characters to explore" (Twitter user: @BAUFanGirl)

Conclusion

What episode does Hotch leave Criminal Minds? He leaves in Episode 21, "A Beautiful Disaster," from Season 12. Hotch‘s departure was a significant moment in the show’s history, and his absence is still felt by fans today. Despite the controversies surrounding his departure, Criminal Minds continues to be a popular and exciting show, with many loyal fans still tuning in every week.

Table of Hotch’s Departure

Bullets List of Hotch’s Accomplishments in the Show

• He was the Bureau Director and Unit Chief of the BAU
• He worked on numerous high-profile cases, including the Phoenix Lights and Red Cell cases
• He was a mentor to many young agents, including Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia
• He was a key player in the team’s Will Graham and Rossi cases