What is the Last Season of Criminal Minds?
The popular American crime drama television series, Criminal Minds, has been thrilling audiences for over 15 years. The show follows a team of FBI agents who use their expertise and psychology to investigate and solve brutal and often bizarre crimes. Since its premiere in 2005, the series has gained a massive following and has become one of the longest-running and most successful TV shows in the world.
What is the Last Season of Criminal Minds?
The 15th and final season of Criminal Minds premiered on January 8, 2020, and concluded on February 19, 2020. The season consisted of 10 episodes, making it the shortest season in the show’s history. The final season saw the return of original cast members Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, Laurie Metcalf as Tara, and Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia, among others.
What Happened in the Last Season?
The final season of Criminal Minds focused on the team dealing with the aftermath of their last case, which had a profound impact on each of them. The team was tasked with tracking down a serial killer who had escaped from prison and was on the loose. Meanwhile, Aaron Hotch (played by Adam Rodriguez) returned to the team after a stint as a hostage negotiator, and Rossi struggled to come to terms with his past and his role in the team.
Key Episodes and Moments
Here are some key episodes and moments from the final season:
- Episode 1: "And in the Dark": The season premiere sees the team dealing with the aftermath of their last case, which had a profound impact on each of them.
- Episode 3: "33": The team is tasked with tracking down a serial killer who had escaped from prison and was on the loose.
- Episode 6: "Compromised": Rossi struggles to come to terms with his past and his role in the team.
- Episode 9: "And Me": The team works to prevent a mass shooting at a local school, and Hotch has a heart-to-heart with his son.
Criticisms and Reviews
The final season of Criminal Minds received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some praised the show’s ability to maintain its usual level of quality and suspense, even in its final season. Others felt that the show had lost some of its edge and that the character development was lacking.
Table: Critical Reception
| Critic | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment Weekly | B+ | "The show still knows how to deliver a suspenseful, well-crafted episode." |
| The Hollywood Reporter | 6/10 | "The show’s writers have done a good job of wrapping up the storylines, but it feels a bit rushed." |
| TV Guide | 3.5/5 | "The final season is a satisfying conclusion to the series, but it’s not as strong as some of the earlier seasons." |
Impact and Legacy
The final season of Criminal Minds may not have been the strongest season, but it still marked the end of an era for the show. Over the course of its 15-year run, the series had become a cultural phenomenon, with a devoted fan base and a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Bullets: Impact and Legacy
• Prolonged the careers of its cast members: The show helped launch the careers of its cast members, including Joe Mantegna, Shemar Moore, and Matthew Gray Gubler.
• Influenced the genre: Criminal Minds helped shape the crime drama genre, influencing other shows like NCIS and Hannibal.
• Raised awareness about mental health: The show tackled issues like mental health, trauma, and PTSD, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma around these topics.
• Won numerous awards: Criminal Minds won numerous awards, including several Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
In conclusion, the final season of Criminal Minds may not have been the strongest season, but it still marked the end of an era for the show. The series may be over, but its impact and legacy will be remembered for years to come.
