Why Did They Kill Off Stephen Walker on Criminal Minds?
The popular American crime drama television series, Criminal Minds, has been entertaining audiences for over 15 years. The show follows a team of FBI agents as they investigate and solve heinous crimes across the United States. One of the original characters, Stephen Walker, was a key member of the team, but his story came to an abrupt end. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind his departure from the show.
The Initial Reaction
When Stephen Walker, played by actor Derek Hughes, was killed off in the show, fans were left stunned and heartbroken. The character had been a part of the team since the beginning of the series, and his death was a shock to many viewers. The episode, titled "100," aired in 2010 and marked a significant turning point in the show’s storyline.
The Backstory
Before we dive into the reasons behind Stephen’s departure, let’s take a look at his character. Stephen Walker was a seasoned FBI agent with over 20 years of experience. He was a skilled interrogator and had a reputation for being one of the best in the business. He was also a mentor to the younger agents, including Emily Prentiss and Derek Morgan.
The Decision to Kill Him Off
So, why did the show’s creators decide to kill off Stephen Walker? According to an interview with showrunner, Edward Allen Bernero, the decision was made to shake things up and create a new dynamic within the team. The show had become too comfortable and predictable, and the writers felt that Stephen’s departure would bring a fresh perspective to the storylines.
The Impact on the Show
Stephen’s death had a significant impact on the show. His character was a key part of the team’s dynamics, and his absence was felt throughout the series. The remaining characters were left to grieve and adjust to the new reality without their colleague and friend.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of Stephen’s death, the show underwent a significant transformation. The remaining characters were forced to adapt to new roles and responsibilities, which led to some interesting and unexpected storylines. The show also introduced new characters, including Alex Blake, played by actress Jeanne Tripplehorn, who joined the team as a new profiler.
Fan Reaction
The fan reaction to Stephen’s death was mixed. Some fans were upset and felt that the character’s departure was unnecessary, while others appreciated the fresh start it brought to the show. The show’s social media accounts were flooded with comments and messages, with some fans expressing their sadness and others congratulating the show on its bold move.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to kill off Stephen Walker on Criminal Minds was a bold move that shook things up and brought a fresh perspective to the show. While it was a difficult decision for the show’s creators, it ultimately led to some exciting and unexpected storylines. The character’s departure left a lasting impact on the show, and his memory continues to be felt throughout the series.
Key Points:
- Stephen Walker was a key member of the team and had been with the show since its beginning.
- His death was a shock to fans and had a significant impact on the show.
- The decision to kill him off was made to shake things up and create a new dynamic within the team.
- The show underwent a significant transformation after Stephen’s death, introducing new characters and storylines.
- The fan reaction was mixed, with some fans upset and others appreciating the fresh start.
Table: Stephen Walker’s Character
Character | Description | Years on the Show |
---|---|---|
Stephen Walker | Experienced FBI agent and mentor | 2005-2010 |
Bullets:
• The show’s creators wanted to shake things up and create a new dynamic within the team.
• Stephen’s death led to some interesting and unexpected storylines.
• The show introduced new characters, including Alex Blake, after Stephen’s departure.
• The fan reaction was mixed, with some fans upset and others appreciating the fresh start.