What Happened to 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 main characters, Derek Morgan, played by actor Shemar Moore, was a significant part of the show’s early seasons. But what happened to Morgan on Criminal Minds?
The Departure of Derek Morgan
Derek Morgan, a former SWAT team leader, joined the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) in the show’s second season. He was a skilled and charismatic agent who quickly became a fan favorite. However, in the show’s 11th season, Morgan’s character suddenly disappeared without explanation. The fans were left wondering what happened to Morgan, and the show’s writers were faced with the challenge of addressing his absence.
The Official Explanation
In an interview, showrunner Erica Messer explained that Morgan’s departure was a creative decision made to allow for new storylines and character developments. Messer stated that the writers felt that Morgan’s character had reached a natural endpoint, and it was time to move on to new characters and plotlines.
Fan Reaction
The sudden departure of Morgan sparked a massive reaction from fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment and confusion. Many fans felt that Morgan’s character was an integral part of the show and that his absence would be felt. Some fans even started petitions to bring back Morgan, but unfortunately, the show’s writers had already made up their minds.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of Morgan’s departure, the show’s writers introduced new characters to fill the void left by his absence. Kirsten Vangsness, who played Penelope Garcia, took on a more prominent role, and Adam Rodriguez, who played LAA agent Luke Alvez, joined the team. While the new characters brought fresh perspectives and storylines, many fans still missed Morgan and felt that the show was not the same without him.
Why Morgan’s Departure Was Significant
Morgan’s departure was significant for several reasons:
- Character Development: Morgan was a well-developed character with a rich backstory and complex personality. His departure left a void in the show’s character dynamics.
- Fandom: Morgan was a fan favorite, and his departure sparked a massive reaction from fans. The show’s writers had to work hard to regain the trust and loyalty of the audience.
- Storylines: Morgan’s character was often at the center of key storylines, and his departure forced the writers to adapt and create new narratives.
The Legacy of Derek Morgan
Despite his departure, Morgan’s legacy lives on in the world of Criminal Minds. His character may be gone, but his impact on the show and its fans is still felt. Shemar Moore’s portrayal of Morgan is widely regarded as one of the best aspects of the show, and his character’s departure remains one of the most significant plot twists in the series.
Table: Key Events in Morgan’s Departure
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan’s last episode | May 4, 2017 | Morgan’s character disappears without explanation in the episode "A Dark Day" |
| Official explanation | May 2017 | Showrunner Erica Messer explains that Morgan’s departure was a creative decision to allow for new storylines and character developments |
| Fan reaction | May-June 2017 | Fans express disappointment and confusion on social media, starting petitions to bring back Morgan |
| New characters introduced | Season 12 | New characters, including Kirsten Vangsness and Adam Rodriguez, join the show to fill the void left by Morgan’s departure |
Conclusion
Derek Morgan’s departure from Criminal Minds was a significant event that left fans reeling. While the show’s writers had to adapt to the change, Morgan’s legacy continues to be felt in the world of the show. His character may be gone, but his impact on the series and its fans will never be forgotten.
