What Happened to JJ on Criminal Minds?
The Mysterious Disappearance of Jennifer "JJ" Jarredo
Criminal Minds, the popular American crime drama television series, aired for 15 seasons from 2005 to 2020. One of the most beloved characters in the show was Jennifer "JJ" Jarredo, played by Aisha Tyler. JJ was a crucial member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team, known for her wit, intelligence, and emotional depth. However, in the middle of Season 11, JJ suddenly disappeared from the show. Fans were left wondering what happened to her, and the show’s creators were tight-lipped about her fate. In this article, we’ll explore the events leading up to JJ’s disappearance and the subsequent storyline.
The Beginning of the End
JJ’s departure was first hinted at in Season 10, when she took a leave of absence to focus on her personal life. At the time, fans were led to believe that she would return to the show. However, in the season 11 premiere, JJ’s absence was explained by a cryptic message from her, which hinted at her decision to leave the BAU.
The Last We Saw of JJ
The last episode featuring JJ as a main character was Season 10, Episode 24, titled "Downfall". In this episode, JJ and her colleagues are dealing with the aftermath of a tragic event. JJ is shown to be struggling with the trauma and decides to take a leave of absence. The episode ends with JJ leaving the BAU, and her fate is left uncertain.
The Mysterious Disappearance
JJ’s disappearance was not explicitly addressed in the show for several seasons. Fans were left wondering what happened to her, and the show’s creators refused to comment on her fate. Some speculated that JJ had been killed off, while others believed she had left the BAU to pursue a new career or personal endeavors.
The Introduction of a New Character
In Season 12, the show introduced a new character, Dr. Alina Senozonte, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. Alina was a new team member who filled the gap left by JJ’s absence. While some fans were excited to see a new character, others felt that JJ’s departure had not been adequately addressed.
The Truth Finally Revealed
In Season 15, the show’s finale, a major twist revealed JJ’s fate. It was revealed that JJ had been working behind the scenes to help victims of trauma and had founded a non-profit organization, The First 9. The First 9 was a charity dedicated to providing support to victims of trauma and their families**. JJ’s disappearance was finally explained, and fans were given closure.
Table: The Timeline of JJ’s Departure and Subsequent Storyline
| Season | Episode | JJ’s Fate |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 24 | Takes a leave of absence |
| 11 | 1 | Absence explained by cryptic message |
| 12-15 | Various | New character, Alina Senozonte, introduced; JJ’s fate left uncertain |
| 15 | 18 | JJ’s fate revealed: founded non-profit organization, The First 9 |
Conclusion
JJ’s departure from Criminal Minds was a significant event that left fans wondering what had happened to her. The show’s creators cleverly kept her fate a secret for several seasons, allowing fans to speculate and speculate. In the end, the truth was revealed, and fans were given closure. The introduction of a new character, Alina Senozonte, filled the gap left by JJ’s absence, but it was JJ’s dedication to helping victims of trauma that will always be remembered.
