What Happened to Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds is a popular American crime drama television series that aired from 2005 to 2020. The show follows a team of FBI agents as they investigate and solve crimes across the United States. One of the original characters on the show was Derek Morgan, played by actor Shemar Moore. Morgan was a senior supervisory special agent and a member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team. So, what happened to Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds?
Derek Morgan’s Character
Derek Morgan was introduced in the show’s first season as a young and ambitious FBI agent. He was a skilled profiler and a natural leader, quickly becoming a valuable member of the BAU team. Throughout the series, Morgan’s character evolved, and he became known for his tough exterior and compassionate heart. He was a close friend and confidant to the other team members, particularly Emily Prentiss and Jennifer "JJ" Jareau.
Derek Morgan’s Departure
In 2017, Shemar Moore announced that he would be leaving Criminal Minds after 11 seasons on the show. His character’s departure was a significant storyline in the show’s 12th season. The writers chose to write Morgan out of the show by having him leave the BAU team to start a new life in Africa.
The Reason Behind Derek Morgan’s Departure
According to Shemar Moore, he decided to leave the show to pursue other opportunities and to spend more time with his family. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Moore stated, "I’m 49 years old, and I’m feeling like I’m getting a little older, and I want to spend some time with my family. I want to take care of my mom, I want to take care of my daughter, and I want to take care of myself."
The Emotional Farewell
Morgan’s departure was a significant moment in the show’s history, and the writers chose to make it an emotional farewell. In the episode "Family Trees" (Season 12, Episode 4), Morgan says goodbye to his colleagues and leaves the BAU team. The episode features a series of flashbacks and montages showcasing Morgan’s time on the show, as well as heartfelt goodbyes from his colleagues.
Aftermath of Derek Morgan’s Departure
After Morgan’s departure, the show continued to follow the remaining members of the BAU team as they navigated the challenges of their work. However, Morgan’s absence was felt throughout the season, and his character was frequently mentioned and referenced.
What Happened to Derek Morgan After Leaving the Show?
After leaving Criminal Minds, Shemar Moore went on to pursue other projects, including the TV series S.W.A.T., where he plays the lead role of Detective Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson. Moore has also appeared in several films and has been involved in various charity work, including advocating for the prevention of child sex trafficking.
Table: Shemar Moore’s Projects After Leaving Criminal Minds
| Project | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| S.W.A.T. | Detective Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson | 2017-2022 |
| Film: Unforgettable | Detective Nick Geoffray | 2017 |
| Film: The Bounce Back | Kenny Barnes | 2016 |
Conclusion
Derek Morgan’s departure from Criminal Minds was a significant moment in the show’s history, and his character will always be remembered as a valuable member of the BAU team. Shemar Moore’s decision to leave the show was a personal one, driven by his desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other opportunities. Despite his departure, Morgan’s legacy continues to be felt on the show, and his character remains a beloved part of the Criminal Minds universe.
