Who was Bailey 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 most iconic and beloved characters on the show is Penelope Garcia, played by actress Kirsten Vangsness. However, behind the scenes, there was another important character who played a crucial role in the show’s success – Emily "Emily" Prentiss, played by Paget Brewster. Emily Prentiss is often referred to as "Bailey" by fans and fellow cast members.
Who is Emily Prentiss?
Emily Prentiss, also known as Bailey, is a fictional character in the TV series Criminal Minds. She is a former CIA agent who joins the FBI as a Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) to work with the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Prentiss is known for her exceptional skills in surveillance, interrogation, and tactical operations. She is also an expert in Middle Eastern languages and cultures, which often proves useful in the team’s investigations.
Prentiss’s Background
Emily Prentiss was born in London, England, and raised in the United States. Her father, Jack Morrison, was a high-ranking CIA officer who was murdered when she was a child. This traumatic event led to her becoming a skilled and resourceful agent in her own right. Prentiss’s experience in the CIA has prepared her well for her role in the BAU, where she works alongside Aaron Hotchner, Derek Morgan, Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, Dr. Spencer Reid, and Penelope Garcia.
Prentiss’s Relationship with the BAU Team
Prentiss quickly becomes an integral part of the BAU team, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues. She is particularly close to Emily Prentiss, who shares her passion for justice and her troubled past. The two Ems, as they come to be known, form a strong bond, often finding comfort and support in each other’s company.
Prentiss’s Career Highlights
During her time on the show, Emily Prentiss is involved in many high-stakes cases, including:
- The Reaper: Prentiss is part of the team that investigates a series of murders committed by a serial killer known as The Reaper.
- The Puppet Killer: She helps the team track down a killer who uses marionettes to recreate the crimes he commits.
- The Silencer: Prentiss is involved in the investigation of a series of murders committed by a killer who uses silencers to eliminate his victims.
Prentiss’s Departure and Return
In 2012, Paget Brewster announced that she would be leaving the show after season 7. Her character was written out of the show, and Prentiss was presumed dead. However, in season 9, it is revealed that Prentiss had actually been kidnapped and tortured by a group of corrupt government agents. She is eventually rescued and rejoins the BAU team, bringing her expertise and experience back to the show.
Conclusion
Emily "Bailey" Prentiss is a significant character in the TV series Criminal Minds. Her exceptional skills, troubled past, and strong relationships with her colleagues make her a beloved and respected member of the BAU team. Despite her departure from the show, Prentiss remains an important part of the series, and her character continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Table: Emily Prentiss’s Career Highlights
| Case | Summary |
|---|---|
| The Reaper | Investigates a series of murders committed by a serial killer known as The Reaper |
| The Puppet Killer | Tracks down a killer who uses marionettes to recreate the crimes he commits |
| The Silencer | Investigates a series of murders committed by a killer who uses silencers to eliminate his victims |
Bullets: Emily Prentiss’s Skills and Qualifications
• Surveillance expert: Prentiss has extensive experience in surveillance, allowing her to gather valuable intelligence and track down suspects.
• Interrogation expert: She is skilled in interrogation techniques, often able to extract valuable information from suspects.
• Tactical operations expert: Prentiss has training in tactical operations, allowing her to participate in high-risk operations and rescue missions.
• Middle Eastern languages and cultures expert: Her knowledge of Middle Eastern languages and cultures often proves useful in the team’s investigations.
References
- "Criminal Minds" (TV series). 2005-2020.
- Brewster, P. (2012). "I’m leaving ‘Criminal Minds’". Entertainment Weekly.
- "Emily Prentiss" (Character). IMDb.
