What Happened to the Character Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds, a popular American crime drama television series, has had its fair share of thrilling storylines and memorable characters over the years. One character that has left a lasting impact on fans is Dr. Spencer Reid’s trusted partner, Derek Morgan, played by actor Shemar Moore. In this article, we’ll dive into what happened to Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds.
The Early Years of Derek Morgan
Derek Morgan was introduced in Season 2 of Criminal Minds as a new member of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team. He was initially portrayed as a confident and arrogant agent, but as the series progressed, his character evolved to reveal a deeper and more complex personality.
The Departure of Derek Morgan
After an impressive seven-year run on the show, Shemar Moore announced his decision to leave Criminal Minds in March 2016. Moore had been a part of the show since its early days, and his character had become an integral part of the team. Fans were devastated by the news, and many wondered why Moore had decided to depart from the series.
The Reason Behind Shemar Moore’s Departure
In an interview, Shemar Moore explained that he had decided to leave Criminal Minds to focus on his personal life and pursue other projects. Moore had been with the show for over a decade, and he felt that it was time for him to explore other opportunities. He also expressed his gratitude to the show’s creators and fans for the support he received during his time on the series.
The Departure of Derek Morgan on the Show
Derek Morgan’s departure from the show was a significant event, and it was addressed in the Season 10 finale. In the episode, Morgan is kidnapped by the show’s main villain, George Foyet (played by C. Thomas Howell). The team discovers that Morgan has been captured and is being held in a warehouse. In a dramatic and intense scene, the team manages to rescue Morgan, but not before he is severely injured.
The Aftermath of Derek Morgan’s Departure
After Morgan’s rescue, he is forced to take a leave of absence from the BAU due to his injuries. He eventually returns to the team, but his departure leaves a significant void in the show. The team, particularly Dr. Reid and Penelope Garcia, feel his absence deeply, and his departure has a profound impact on the show’s dynamics.
The Impact of Derek Morgan’s Departure on the Show
Derek Morgan’s departure had a significant impact on the show’s storyline and character development. The absence of Morgan’s character left a gap in the team’s dynamics, and it took some time for the show to adjust to the change. The show’s writers also had to adjust the storylines to accommodate Morgan’s absence, and it was a challenge to maintain the show’s signature tone and style.
The Legacy of Derek Morgan
Despite his departure from the show, Derek Morgan remains a beloved character in the Criminal Minds universe. Fans still remember his bravery, wit, and charm, and his character continues to be an integral part of the show’s history. Shemar Moore’s departure from the show also paved the way for new characters and storylines, and the show has continued to thrive without him.
Table: The Evolution of Derek Morgan’s Character
| Season | Character Arc | Notable Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 | Introduction, growth, and development of Morgan’s character | "The Fisher King" (S2E24), "The Big Game" (S3E21) |
| 4-5 | Morgan becomes a key member of the team, develops close relationships with other characters | "The Angel Maker" (S4E14), "The Fight" (S5E14) |
| 6-7 | Morgan’s confidence and arrogance are challenged, he becomes more vulnerable | "The Company" (S6E14), "200" (S7E14) |
| 8-9 | Morgan’s departure and the aftermath | "200" (S8E14), "The Chameleon" (S9E14) |
| 10 | Morgan’s return and his final episode | "The Company" (S10E21), "Red Light" (S10E23) |
Conclusion
Derek Morgan’s departure from Criminal Minds was a significant event that left fans devastated. However, Shemar Moore’s decision to leave the show opened up new opportunities for him and allowed the show to evolve and grow. Morgan’s character may be gone, but his legacy remains, and he will always be remembered as a fan favorite on the show.
Bullets List of Key Points
• Shemar Moore announced his departure from Criminal Minds in March 2016 after seven years on the show.
• Moore decided to leave the show to focus on his personal life and pursue other projects.
• Derek Morgan’s departure from the show was addressed in the Season 10 finale.
• Morgan’s kidnapping and rescue were a major plot point in the Season 10 finale.
• The team struggled to adjust to Morgan’s absence and the show’s dynamics were affected.
• Morgan’s character remains a beloved and integral part of the Criminal Minds universe.
