Why Did Paget Brewster Leave Criminal Minds in Season 8?
Paget Brewster, the talented actress who played Emily Prentiss, a BAU team member, left the hit TV show Criminal Minds in the middle of Season 8. Her departure from the show left fans and critics alike wondering why she left the show, which was a huge hit at the time. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind her decision to leave the show.
The Original Story
Before we dive into the reasons behind Paget Brewster’s departure, let’s take a step back and look at her character’s introduction to the show. Emily Prentiss was introduced in Season 3 as a replacement for Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, who had left the show. Brewster’s character was initially intended to be a recurring guest star, but her performance was so well-received that she became a regular member of the team.
The Decision to Leave
In May 2012, it was announced that Paget Brewster would not be returning to Criminal Minds for Season 9. The news came as a shock to fans, who had grown to love Emily Prentiss as a vital member of the team. So, why did she leave?
Contract Dispute
One of the main reasons for Brewster’s departure was a contract dispute. At the time, the main cast members, including Joe Mantegna, Matthew Gray Gubler, and A.J. Cook, had signed new contracts that gave them a significant pay raise. However, Brewster’s contract was up for renewal, and she was reportedly offered a smaller raise than the other cast members.
Negotiations Fail
Despite efforts to negotiate a new contract, Brewster and the show’s producers were unable to come to an agreement. Brewster had been a part of the show for six years, and she was looking for a fair pay increase. However, the show’s producers were unwilling to give her the same pay raise as the other main cast members.
Creative Differences
Another reason for Brewster’s departure was reportedly creative differences. As the show’s producers and writers began to develop the storylines for Season 9, they wanted to take the show in a new direction. Brewster, however, had different ideas about where the show should go, and she and the producers couldn’t see eye-to-eye.
Table: Contract Negotiations
| Character | New Contract Offer | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss) | Small pay raise | Negotiations failed |
| Joe Mantegna (David Rossi) | Significant pay raise | Accepted new contract |
| Matthew Gray Gubler (Spencer Reid) | Significant pay raise | Accepted new contract |
| A.J. Cook (Jennifer "JJ" Jareau) | Significant pay raise | Accepted new contract |
What Happened After Her Departure
After Paget Brewster left the show, her character, Emily Prentiss, was written out of the series. The show’s writers explained that Prentiss had left the BAU to work on a case in Europe, and that she would eventually return. However, this plot twist was met with skepticism by fans, who felt that the character’s departure was rushed and lacked closure.
Conclusion
Paget Brewster’s departure from Criminal Minds in Season 8 was a result of a combination of factors, including a contract dispute and creative differences. Despite her popularity on the show, Brewster was unable to come to an agreement with the producers, and her character was written out of the series. Her departure left a void in the show, and fans continue to wonder what could have been if the show’s producers and Brewster had been able to come to an agreement.
Post-Criminal Minds Career
After leaving Criminal Minds, Paget Brewster has continued to work in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in a number of TV shows and films, including the hit comedy series 9JKL and the horror movie Tragedy Girls. Despite her departure from Criminal Minds, Brewster remains a beloved figure among fans of the show, and her iconic character, Emily Prentiss, continues to be remembered as one of the show’s most memorable and beloved characters.
Why We Miss Paget Brewster
Paget Brewster brought a unique energy and wit to the role of Emily Prentiss. Her character’s departure left a void in the show, and fans continue to miss her presence. Here are some reasons why we miss Paget Brewster:
- Her Character’s Intelligence: Emily Prentiss was a brilliant and intelligent character who brought a level of sophistication to the show.
- Her Character’s Sense of Humor: Prentiss was known for her quick wit and sense of humor, which added a much-needed lightness to the show.
- Her Character’s Complexity: Prentiss was a complex character with a rich backstory and a deep sense of vulnerability.
What’s Next for Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds has continued to thrive without Paget Brewster, and the show remains one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows on television. As the show enters its 16th season, fans are eager to see what the future holds for the BAU team. Despite Brewster’s departure, the show’s producers have promised that Emily Prentiss will always be a part of the show’s history and legacy.
In Conclusion
Paget Brewster’s departure from Criminal Minds in Season 8 was a result of a combination of factors, including a contract dispute and creative differences. Despite her popularity on the show, Brewster was unable to come to an agreement with the producers, and her character was written out of the series. Her departure left a void in the show, and fans continue to wonder what could have been if the show’s producers and Brewster had been able to come to an agreement.
