Adam Rodriguez isn't Shemar Moore. But different doesn't have to mean worse.

Rodriguez's Luke Alvez gets prominently introduced on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 1. It's quickly established during his takedown of one of the escaped serial killers that he's a bad-ass, a former Army Ranger who doesn't mind getting a lot more physical that the other current members of the BAU.

And you can see that he's got a slow boil right below the surface.

And he doesn't feel he's a good fit for the BAU.

I can't sit around brainstorming about these guys. I need the chase.

Luke

• Permalink: I can't sit around brainstorming about these guys. I need the chase.
• Added: September 28, 2016

Rodriguez's time on CSI: Miami also helps him to toss out pseudo-scientific jargon with ease, so he fits right in with those brain stormers.

But, missing her Derek, sweet Garcia gives the cold shoulder to the hunky new guy.

I don't discuss my personal life.

Garcia [to Luke]

• Permalink: I don't talk about my personal life.
• Added: September 28, 2016

But later in the episode, when Alvez makes a request of Garcia, you can see her melting ... a little bit.

The other star of this episode is Tara. It seems that that character is still being developed, from a strict academic early last season to a kick-ass lawman (lawwoman?) during the finale's prison break.

But she hasn't enjoyed the decade-plus of growth which most of her fellow BAU agents have.

In this episode, she is able to help Brian, the first victim of the Crimson King, to have a memory breakthrough. She then enlists him to help the BAU locate others with dissociative-identity disorder.

Well, that seemed like a good idea at the time. But Brian was just a timebomb sent by Peter Lewis, Mr. Scratch, the brains behind the Criminal Minds Season 11 psycho breakout.

Brian kills a cop and escapes with a list of others with his same condition that Lewis could torture.

Tara rightfully feels guilty, but J.J., the unit's designated mom, is able to console her. Later on, the two team up to (s)mother Brian into surrendering.

The rest of the cast was, well, there. Other than Hotch doing a little philosophizing, in his stoic, block-of-granite way.

I try not to think about the ones I couldn't catch. I prefer to think about the ones I'm gonna save.

Hotch

• Permalink: I try not to think about the ones I couldn't catch.
• Added: September 28, 2016

Somewhere between May and now, the Criminal Minds powers-that-be must have decided that doing a greatest-hits show for half of the season was a bad idea.

Early on, Rossi establishes that eight of the 13 fugitives had already been apprehended. Apparently they lost their hiding skills during their time inside.

Still, it seems that Bodhi Elfman's Mr. Scratch promises to be this season's Big Bad for the foreseeable future. But I'm sure there are a couple dozen new nutcases to keep the BAU busy during Criminal Minds Season 12.

View Slideshow: 15 Shows with Major Behind the Scenes Drama!

This episode can't help but feel like a transition with all this summer's behind-the-scenes drama. Paget Brewster should be back again, full time, soon.

I won't kick about whatever strong, mumbley type that's hired to replace Thomas Gibson around Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 3 (at least not yet).

To explore the series' long, complicated history, watch Criminal Minds online. There's a drinking game there somewhere (Asphyxiation. Drink! Or Skewered with swords. Drink!)

How did you like Adam Rodriguez as the new hunk? Has Tara grown on you yet?

Don't you wish they would check their cells at the door at their next dinner party so the whole episode could be as light as the first and last five minutes of each show, without the dark middle part? It's like a reverse Oreo.

Comment below!!

View Slideshow: Criminal Minds Photos from "The Crimson King"

How did the team come to terms with the release of a string of serial killers?

That was a key question on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 1 as the team quickly realized getting them back inside would be no easy task.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 1 Online

Meanwhile on this creepy drama series, Agent Luke Alvez joined the team to fill in the gap left by the exit of Derek, but how did the team warm to him?

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online to get caught up with the latest drama for the characters.

The Criminal Minds family is still growing.

Today it was announced that Damon Gupton (Empire) has been added to the already sizeable cast.

He'll be a series regular.

Gupton has been added as fans are still bracing for what will become of the show after the loss of Thomas Gibson, although his character will not be taking over as the lead of BAU.

Gupton will be playing Special Agent Stephen Walker from the Behavioral Analysis Program, which is the counterintelligence division of the FBI. As a seasoned profiler Agent Walker will bring his spy-hunting skill set to the BAU.

“Our BAU family is growing,” said Erica Messer, Criminal Minds’ executive producer/showrunner. “We’re excited to have Damon join the show and work alongside our amazing cast and crew.”

View Slideshow: 15 Shows with Major Behind the Scenes Drama!

Thomas Gibson will be airing through Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 2 as Agent Hotchner, but Gibson was fired during filming of the third episode after a physical altercation with one of the writers.

Gibson was directing the installment.

There have already been several casting changes this season. Aisha Tyler's Dr. Tara Lewis has been upped from recurring status to series regular.

In light of Shemar Moore's departure during Criminal Minds Season 11, Adam Rodriguez has been added as FBI Agent Luke Alvarez and made his debut on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 1.

Alvarez has already established himself as desirous of a friendship with Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), something she shared with Moore's Derek Morgan.

Paget Brewster is also returning to the cast as Emily Prentiss. 

Brewster was initially set to return for a recurring arc, but after Gibson's dismissal was promoted to series regular.

Gupton's Agent Walker will first appear on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 8.

There isn't any word who will be taking the place of Aaron Hotchner as lead of the BAU, but word is it will be revealed on the show and the promotion will come from within the BAU team itself.

What are you most looking forward to as we move further into the season on Criminal Minds?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you haven't caught up with the latest, you can watch Criminal Minds online to do so.

View Slideshow: 13 Characters Who Simply Don't Have a Clue

It's always the quiet ones.

This very special episode, Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 2, focuses on the criminally neglected Jennifer Jareau. it examines how the cruelty of the BAU cases affect JJ, the parent of two young boys.

After all, JJ is perhaps the character that has evolved the most on Criminal Minds (unless you count Reid going from weird to just eccentric to be progress). She's gone from being essentially a callow spokesmodel in the early days to the parental figure for the entire BAU.

But the most recent case, involving child abductions in Los Angeles, has hit JJ especially hard. That's even apparent to newbie Luke.

JJ: Really, I'm fine.
Luke: You don't look fine. I've seen you look fine and that's not it. I know I'm the new guy and everything, but I'm here if you need me.

• Permalink: You don't look fine. I've seen you look fine and that's not it. I know I'm the new guy and...
• Added: October 05, 2016

JJ drags home in the middle of the night, and is surprised to find her husband Will still awake. Younger son Micah has come down with the croup, which has kept Will up. When she snaps at him, her cop husband encourages her to talk about the case.

You cannot go to sleep with this in your head. It's not healthy. You gotta get it out. You have to.

Will

• Permalink: You cannot go to sleep with this in your head. It's not healthy. You gotta get it out. You...
• Added: October 05, 2016

JJ details how frustratingly slowly that the case comes together, as they attempt to figure out what makes the freak of the week flambe sets of children. (I don't know about other parents out there, but I'm finding these episodes with children being victimized harder and harder to stomach.)

Her heart especially goes out to the mother of the kidnapped girl Francesca.

JJ: She was a working mom, just trying to do her best. Just like anybody.
Will: Just like anybody, or just like you?
JJ: I just kept wondering how she' doing it all alone. I don't know what I'd do without you.

• Permalink: I just kept wondering how she' doing it all alone. I don't know what i'd do without you.
• Added: October 05, 2016

After a series of deductive leaps, the squad figures out that the unsub is a younger brother with an older sister, who works in a fire-related business. I believe the technical term was "sadistic pyromaniac.'

They throw a few criteria at Garcia, and voila, she narrows the candidate pool down to one likely looking suspect. (Could she have had a similar result with "blond, good sense of humor, likes long walks on the beach?" But I digress.)  And the hunt is on.

Somehow only JJ and Luke reach the burning warehouse in time. You would think they would have lined up more rental cars. In any event, JJ sends Luke after the psycho, and she, especially with a burned hand, is unable to rescue all three abductees from the fire. And, for some reason, she blames herself, not the nutjob who set the fire, for this.

Will gently straightens her out.

You made a choice and two people are alive because of it. You are a hero, Jennifer Jareau. You're my hero, and your boys, and your team and all those other people that you saved. And don't you ever forget that.

Will

• Permalink: You made a choice and two people are alive because of it. You are a hero, Jennifer Jareau....
• Added: October 05, 2016

Sleep well, JJ. You earned it with this emotional roller coaster.

It's also reassuring to see the one, currently functional relationship in the BAU. The scoreboard for the rest: divorced, divorced, widowed, single, lost track on Garcia, dunno yet about Luke.

What were the rest of the BAU up to this episode? They were largely part of the scenery, with very little chewing going on. But then, the case isn't always front and center. Sometimes, the featured characters outstrip the action, and that's the case here.

How about Hotch in Thomas Gibson's last episode? A barked order here, a tensely drawn observation there, but for the most part, eh. But then, his meltdown and resulting firing didn't really allow for a proper sendoff Too bad, because Hotch certainly had his moments over the dozen years.

As an aside, none of the fugitive serial killer were bagged this week, at least that I noticed. I'm sure the BAU will be back on that chase soon.

Prentiss returns next week in Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 3, after some misleading network promos hinted she would be back this week. Anyone want to bet she's taking over? Or is your money on Rossi? They are the only two with the gravitas to pull off the chief's role.

Catch up on the BAU's' rogues by watching past episodes of Criminal Minds online.

So who's your pick for BAU boss? Are you going to miss Thomas Gibson? If  so, what's your favorite Hotch moment? Are you glad to see Prentiss return? Comment below.

 

View Slideshow: 13 Characters Who Simply Don't Have a Clue

Did the case hit too close to home for JJ?

On Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 2, JJ was shook up after learning about a child abduction case that she and her team members were tasked with solving.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 2 Online

This forced JJ to break some rules and speak to her husband about the case, but did he help the team solve the case by telling JJ to look at something they missed?

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online to get caught up with the latest developments for the team.

The transition continues, in fits and starts.

It's hard to blame the creative team for the un-evenness of Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 3. After all, it's hard to predict when one of your stars is going to melt down on set, but not impossible, as Thomas Gibson was a repeat offender.

But the good news is Prentiss is back, to universal acclaim in the BAU bullpen. Must be because she brought doughnuts ("oooooooo ... donuts!"}.

When she hears about how her former teammates are short-handed, Interpol agent Prentiss drops everything and flies home to D.C.

JJ: It's so great to see you, even if it's only temporary.
Prentiss: Well, when Hotch told me the director tapped him for special assignment, I wanted to help out. Moreso when he said that you still have escaped serial killers you have to catch, on top of your normal caseload.

• Permalink: Well, when Hotch told me the director tapped him for special assignment, I wanted to help...
• Added: October 12, 2016

Prentiss meets cute with Alvez after about 90 seconds of analyzing what his Spartan desk says about him.

He's behind me right now, isn't he?

Prentiss

• Permalink: He's behind me right now, isn't he?
• Added: October 12, 2016

After the joyous reunion, it's time for the team to get down into the mud. Or the cement in this case.

This hour's whack job is burying live single mothers in barrels, covered in cement. To keep them docile while he's doing that, he's giving them crude chemical lobotomies beforehand. 

Yeah, he's got mommy issues. This adopted 20-something recently found out that his promiscuous adoptive sister that he lusts for is actually his biological mother, which sets off his killing spree.

He blames the woman that he thought was his adoptive mother, but who actually is his grandmother, for his murderous state of mind.

You should have protected me. A mother protects her child.

Stuart [to Gloria]

• Permalink: You should have protected me. A mother protects her child.
• Added: October 12, 2016

After much theorizing, the team is able to give Garcia some sketchy parameters, and she miraculously narrows down to the unsub, and the whole team races to his home just in time to prevent him from turning his grandmother into a permanent foundation.

Although this episode marked the return of Prentiss, it really continued the development of Luke Alvez's back story. When you're replacing the Chocolate God of Thunder, you need some layers.

He runs through the Northern Virginia woods with his German shepherd Roxie, feeds him healthy meals and consults with him about fashion choices (which explains a lot). He's busy absorbing his BAU training manual, and picking up other tidbits from his teammates.

One of the most enjoyable scenes is his interaction with Prentiss while on stakeout, an activity of which Prentiss isn't a fan.

Prentiss [to Alvez]: Let me count the ways: the ass-numbing boredom, the greasy fast food, the cold coffee. And may I tell you how much I hate peeing in the woods?

• Permalink: the ass-numbing boredom, the greasy fast food, the cold coffee. And may I tell you how much I...
• Added: October 12, 2016

He takes a stab at profiling her while she learns more about his military background through a series of questions.

Still, Luke remains a mystery. He stays behind while the girls go out drinking, which leads to gossip.

Garcia: You know why he doesn't go out with us? it involves someone named Roxie.
JJ: Roxie? Do tell.

• Permalink: Roxie? Do tell.
• Added: October 12, 2016

It appears that Rossi will be taking over for Hotch, as he was issuing the orders while on this mission. Yet Prentiss took over Hotch's slot in the center of the team photo in the opening credits. So it's still up in the air.

I fear that Hotch will meet a final, off-screen end, giving the rest of the squad the chance to emote. After all, producers eventually killed off Jason Gideon for Mandy Patinkin's abrupt departure after Criminal Minds Season 2. But Gibson's behavior really didn't allow for a nuanced farewell.

For Hotch's greatest hits, you can watch Criminal Minds online.

Oh, as Prentiss points out in a neat bit of exposition, there are still fugitive serial killers on the loose. Hopefully, we can get back to that storyline sooner rather than later. But it won't be next Wednesday, as a different kind of sociopath take over the evening. Yup, it's the third Presidential debate.

Are you glad Prentiss was back? Did anyone miss Tara, who must have been off doing research? How long will Hotch's absence be dragged out? Comment below.

View Slideshow: Quotables for Week Ending October 7, 2016

How did the team react to the return of Emily Prentiss?

That was addressed on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 3 when she returned into the fold to help solve the case of three missing women. 

Watch Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 3 Online

Meanwhile on this hit drama series, JJ continued to struggle in the aftermath of what happened on the previous case, but did the return of Emily help ease her pain?

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online to get caught up with the latest developments on the BAU team as they solve grisly cases. 

The post-Hotch BAU continues to gel as they track down an unlikely predator along the Appalachian Trail.

Rossi announces that Hotch is available for consultation while still on temporary duty. But no one picks up the phone to call since they're busy trying to find an unsub who is chopping up hikers in Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 4.

Command duties are still seemingly split between Rossi and Prentiss, with him in the field in the boons of Virginia and her back at the BAU, leaning over Garcia's shoulder. My money is still on Rossi, whenever producers get around to dealing with Hotch's departure.

Apparently the two sites are fairly close together, as team members are hurling back and forth in no time. Apparently they know shortcuts around the Beltway.

The unsub is an obvious red herring, as the homeless man, Todd Burton, lacks the cunning to pull off the murders.

To abduct, kill and dispose of that many victims takes skill and sophistication. But the man in that video looks like he would have a hard time tying his own shoes.

JJ [to Rossi]

• Permalink: To abduct, kill and dispose of that many victims takes skill and sophistication. But the man...
• Added: October 26, 2016

Condescending but apt. It makes sense that Todd and his younger brother Cormac were damaged after being abused by their father, and that Todd is serving as his brother's keeper, cleaning up after Cormac's kills. Too bad the actual villain of the piece died years earlier, setting two scarred siblings loose on the world.

The team actually put the pieces together believably this episode, which has been the exception, not the norm. It wasn't just Garcia pulling the solution out of her hard drive.

A nice touch was the parallel storyline with Reid serving as his mother's keeper, striving to find a way for her to beat Alzheimer's. Too bad he seemed to discard Rossi's well-meant advice to take some time to visit with his mother and instead continues searching for a cure that seems a long shot.

Let's get Jane Lynch back on the show. She has free time after Angel From Hell rightfully went down in flames.

Fortunately, there is always time for girl talk to break the gruesomeness.

Garcia: Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be out there in nature all by yourself?
Prentiss: No, I'm a city girl, with taxi rides and martinis.

• Permalink: No, I'm a city girl, with taxi rides and martinis.
• Added: October 26, 2016

Alvez was again front and center in his action-hero role; running a cadaver dog, tackling Burton, bring his dog Roxie in to interrogation to spark a reaction from Burton. Producers have done a good job introducing the character replacing a long-time favorite in Morgan.

If only they had put that much effort in the character of Lewis. Two seasons in, and I'm still not sure who she is, other than a distaff version of Rossi. It could be just another female character getting short shrift on this show, but how about a spotlight episode on Lewis?

Anyway, Garcia and Alvez seem to be finally clicking, somewhat. She meets Roxie, who isn't the bimbo she was envisioning. Alvez enjoys her discomfort and admits that he's been playing along with Garcia's vision of him as muscle-bound lunkhead.

Garcia: So you profiled me?
Alvez: Luke Alvez, behaviorial analyst. That's what I do.

• Permalink: Luke Alves, behaviorial analyst. That's what I do.
• Added: October 26, 2016

The action-prone Alvez and the intellectual Reid remain an odd couple, however.

Reid: According to the Bible, fratricide is the first type of murder ever committed.
Alvez: That is interesting.

• Permalink: That is interesting.
• Added: October 26, 2016

So, all in all, good team dynamics during an intriguing case, another positive step forward in this transitional season.

Review the progress yourself as you watch Criminal Minds online.

How's the new-look BAU working for you? Who's the weakest link? Is Hotch fading from memory yet? Comment below.

View Slideshow: 23 TV Characters We DEMAND Return for 2016-17

Did the team manage to find the latest serial killer to terrorize civilians?

That was a key question on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 4 when a serial killer was on the loose on the Appalachian trail in rural West Virginia.

Watch Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 4 Online

Meanwhile on this addictive drama series, Prentiss had some harsh words for one of the members of the team when she tried to make her mark in the wake of her big return. 

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online to get caught up with the latest developments for the characters.

If you watch Arrow, you no doubt came to know and love Nyssa al Ghul.

The Arrowverse is giving you another chance to know and love one of Ra's al Ghul's daughters with the introduction of Talia al Ghul.

Lexa Doig (Continuum) will take the role of Talia and will first be introduced on Arrow Season 5 Episode 10.

We were first made aware of her presence on an episode of DC's Legends of Tomorrow when they visited the past, so we can assume she's been using the Lazarus Pit to stay young.

Talia, like her sister before her, is a fierce warrior, but she's not one to pick sides. Instead, she creates one for herself. Interesting!

If you're a baseball fan, you love the World Series. If you're a Cubs or Indians fan, nothing in the world will keep you from watching Game 7 of the World Series tonight on FOX.

CBS and NBC realize this and have made some adjustments to their schedule. CBS pulled Criminal Minds, although Survivor and Code Black will remain new (it is not for me to ask why), and NBC has postponed its entire schedule for the event.

Showtime has scored the rights to American Gigolo, featuring one of Richard Gere's most well know early performances.

This is the second reboot in which they've become interested, as they also have Twin Peaks coming to air in 2017.

Jerry Bruckheimer will produce and Neil LaBute will write the script for a series very close to the original movie, although set in present day, about a male escort in Los Angeles who falls for a politician's wife while he's under suspicion of murder.

Have you paid attention to how many reboots and or movies to TV are still in the works? It's kind of crazy. 

These don't even count the ones already scheduled, such as Taken (NBC), which has already been given the green light. 

The Italian Job (NBC), Shutter Island (HBO), Sneakers (NBC), Enemy of the State (ABC), Dynasty (The CW), War of the Worlds (MTV), Magnum P.I. (ABC), The Lost Boys (CW), Jack Ryan (Amazon), Varsity Blues (CMT), The Departed (Amazon) and Let the Right One In (TNT). 

WOW!

There's been a backstage shakeup on the set of Kevin Can Wait.

Apparently Keven James and showrunner/co-creator Bruce Helford had some creative differences, enough to send the latter right out the door.

That's too bad, because he's known for some fairly long-running and successful sitcoms that made it all the way to syndication. 

Then again, the ratings have already begun to tumble a bit for the freshman series, so perhaps it's related to changing things for the better. Only time will tell. 

Executive producer Rob Long (Cheers) has taken over as showrunner, and they have a full season pickup to right the ship.

If you've been waiting for the news of when in December you'd see the premiere of Star, today's your lucky day.

Just after Empire's fall finale on December 14 on Fox, Star will get an early premiere. Think of it as a holiday gift.

It will then resume its regular time slot on Wednesday, January 4 at 9/8c.

STAR Preview: Fame Is A Trip

View Slideshow: The CW Cheat Sheet: What Will Be Canceled?

It's been what seems forever since there's been a new episode (thanks, World Series), and this is the prize?

In Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 5, the BAU is off to Minnesota, the Land of a Thousand Lakes and one demented serial killer (if that's not redundant), to find out who is killing all members of a family but one.

First off, flag on the play. There has to be more than one set of murders for there to be a serial killer, right? Or is it just any multiple body count to qualify as a serial killing? 

Anyway, the murders start to multiply once the squad hits town. It's like the phrase "The unsub is accelerating" must be in every script. Of course, there's only an hour to solve the crime, so ...

This episode seemed to hold about 20 minutes of narrative. About eight minutes to dismiss the first family as anyone particularly noteworthy, a few minutes to rule out the red herring in the ugly cardigan, and then it's time to trot out the unsub and his motivations.

A couple of minutes later, he's turning on his fellow victims because he's a tortured loon. Then Prentiss ends the tension by appealing to this unhinged soul's sense of reason. OK.

The ghost of Hotch didn't even make an appearance. Surely his off-screen departure will be sooner rather than later.

But Rossi's short-and-sweet leadership style fit this condensed episode.

We good? We fly.

Rossi

• Permalink: We good? We fly.
• Added: November 09, 2016

As always, the best lines belonged to Garcia. Her musings on social media led to this colorful exchange.

Garcia: Oh, my God! Am I officially not young?
Rossi: You, my dear, are the portrait of everlasting youth.
Garcia: I'm timeless, right. Good answer.

• Permalink: I'm timeless, right. Good answer.
• Added: November 09, 2016

She's also coming around on Alvez, now that she's decided that he's not a man-whore. She meant well bringing a pink sweater for Alvez's dog Roxy (who obviously isn't a girly girl) but nails it with a collar later on.

Alvez is even becoming a bit more of a social animal, which is good, since drinking to forget is de rigueur at the BAU. 

Garcia: You're not fooling me, Alvez. He just wants everyone to think he's a smoldering basket of mystique and contradiction. I don't buy it.
Alvez: I just want a beer.
Garcia: There may be a glimmer of hope for you yet. But, just so you know, the new guy pays.

• Permalink: There may be a glimmer of hope for you yet. But, just so you know, the new guy pays.
• Added: November 09, 2016

Tara wasn't there again, and I don't even remember anyone bothering to give an excuse why. It makes me wonder how much less we'll see of her once Damon Gupton joins the cast as another profiler in Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 8.

Originally, I figured that Reid had taken time off to spend time with his mother. But upon a second viewing, I discovered he was there, spouting psycho-babble in a couple of group scenes.

The producers must remember that we need a little, lighthearted team interaction to balance off all the grim and gore. 

Also among the missing are the eight to nine serial killers still loose from Criminal Minds Season 11. You would think recapturing them would be a BAU priority. Maybe Tara is off tracking them, and no one thought to mention it. As the only ongoing storyline (beyond "Where's Hotch?"), it should at least be referenced every episode.

Good news! Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 6 promises more kids in jeopardy (younger ones next time). 

To watch the continuing development of Luke Alvez, criminal profiler, or whichever established character you prefer, watch Criminal Minds online.

Did this episode feel a little scant to you? How long did you take to figure out it was a teen unsub? Is Alvez a worthy replacement for Derek Morgan? Comment below.

View Slideshow: CBS Cheat Sheet: What Will Be Canceled?

Why did two families get murdered, with one member of each being left alive?

That was addressed on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 5 when the team were shocked to the core by both crime scenes. 

Watch Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 5 Online

The team split up to find links between both crime scenes, but they were presented with a huge shock when they brainstormed the idea of the survivors being tormented by bullies. 

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online to get up to speed with the latest developments for the team as they try crack the case. 

Defining what makes a family is the theme of the touching Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 6.

The obvious family ties are in the case of the week, which concerns two abductions in a small Delaware town. The first was in 1983, when the Henson twins disappeared while cutting through a cornfield. This loss of family deeply affects older brother Deeley, who many blamed for the disappearance and who became the town drunk.

Thirty years after the first disappearance, three teen boys vanish while retracing the Henson twins' last steps, and the BAU must determine the connection between the two events.

It was a solid twist when the team solved the mystery of how the Henson twins, who grew to adulthood while captives, actually abducted the three boys, protecting them according to their own warped logic.

And it was reaffirming to not only see the three boys reunited with their parents, but also to see Deeley, who blamed himself for three decades, get to hug again the siblings that he thought he had lost. All in all, a fairly upbeat episode, with no real, living villain, just a lot of victims.

But this was also about the BAU as family, and how they had to say goodbye to one of their own, Hotch.

Considering how often Hotch had been in the cross-hairs of the nut-jobs the BAU pursues, it was smart of the producers to have he and Jack enter witness protection to escape the stalking of Mr. Scratch. This also neatly brings up the fugitive serial killers that they've done little to corral this season.

The bulk of the episode was the team members reacting to Hotch's decision.

J.J.: That's a lot to process before my first cup. I can't believe he's been dealing with this for weeks and we never knew.
Reid: That part actually doesn't surprise me. He's always kept things to himself. It's just his way of protecting us.

• Permalink: That part actually doesn't surprise me. He's always kept things to himself. It's just his way...
• Added: November 16, 2016

Directing the episode, Matthew Gray Gubler created just the right touch of melancholy and remembrance, so that it was less "Goodbye" and more "Have a good life."

I applaud the choice of Prentiss as the new unit chief, as she was willing to leave London, Interpol, and, let's face it, her boyfriend behind to return home. 

Prentiss: I love being here and I've really missed you guys.
J.J.: We have missed you too.
Reid: Honestly, you have no idea how much.

• Permalink: Honestly, you have no idea how much.
• Added: November 16, 2016

It was the right move to pass over Rossi for chief. He's really like the fun uncle of the BAU. Still he stood tall this episode, first comforting Garcia, who hates change. (Alvez can certainly attest to that this season.)

You'll adapt, we all will. Trust me, kiddo. I've been here before.

Rossi [to Garcia]

• Permalink: You'll adapt, we all will. Trust me, kiddo. I've been here before.
• Added: November 16, 2016

He was also the perfect choice to hammer home the message that the BAU is a family.

It's what happens when we're not on a case that defines who we are. We stand beside one another, through good, through bad, because we're family.

Rossi

• Permalink: It's what happens when we're not on a case that defines who we are. We stand beside one...
• Added: November 16, 2016

The producers and writers made the best of a bad situation in this farewell to Hotch, who has lost so much through the years. He did what he had to do to project Jack. And frankly, his mental health likely will be better off in the long run without the daily exposure to psychos which he had while at the BAU.

Best of all, they left Hotch alive, so that the possibility exists for a return visit from Thomas Gibson after the wounds heal, probably when the show winds down in the not-too-distant future. In the grim world the BAU inhabits, that's a win.

So now the team ventures forward, with an old friend as the new boss and a new team member easing his way into a long-term family. It's been a bit of a bumpy transition, but, all things considered, the BAU has come out solidified on the other side.

Now it's time to go round up those fugitive serial killers, especially Mr. Scratch. They've got added incentive to bring in Peter Lewis now, since he's the one who caused Hotch's departure.

To view the new team in action, watch Criminal Minds online.

Considering the circumstances, was this a fitting send-off for Hotch? Will Prentiss be a worthy successor as unit chief? Did this transition feel organic to you? Comment below.

View Slideshow: 15 Shows with Major Behind the Scenes Drama!

Where did three children disappear to?

That was a key question on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 6 when the three children disappeared on the same path, leading the time to think they were all taken at the same time. 

Watch Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 6 Online

When the team kicked off the investigation, they realized the case was actually linked to one from 30 years ago, but what issues did they come up against in their quest for answers?

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online to get caught up with the latest developments for the characters. 

If you watch Arrow, you no doubt came to know and love Nyssa al Ghul.

The Arrowverse is giving you another chance to know and love one of Ra's al Ghul's daughters with the introduction of Talia al Ghul.

Lexa Doig (Continuum) will take the role of Talia and will first be introduced on Arrow Season 5 Episode 10.

We were first made aware of her presence on an episode of DC's Legends of Tomorrow when they visited the past, so we can assume she's been using the Lazarus Pit to stay young.

Talia, like her sister before her, is a fierce warrior, but she's not one to pick sides. Instead, she creates one for herself. Interesting!

If you're a baseball fan, you love the World Series. If you're a Cubs or Indians fan, nothing in the world will keep you from watching Game 7 of the World Series tonight on FOX.

CBS and NBC realize this and have made some adjustments to their schedule. CBS pulled Criminal Minds, although Survivor and Code Black will remain new (it is not for me to ask why), and NBC has postponed its entire schedule for the event.

Showtime has scored the rights to American Gigolo, featuring one of Richard Gere's most well know early performances.

This is the second reboot in which they've become interested, as they also have Twin Peaks coming to air in 2017.

Jerry Bruckheimer will produce and Neil LaBute will write the script for a series very close to the original movie, although set in present day, about a male escort in Los Angeles who falls for a politician's wife while he's under suspicion of murder.

Have you paid attention to how many reboots and or movies to TV are still in the works? It's kind of crazy. 

These don't even count the ones already scheduled, such as Taken (NBC), which has already been given the green light. 

The Italian Job (NBC), Shutter Island (HBO), Sneakers (NBC), Enemy of the State (ABC), Dynasty (The CW), War of the Worlds (MTV), Magnum P.I. (ABC), The Lost Boys (CW), Jack Ryan (Amazon), Varsity Blues (CMT), The Departed (Amazon) and Let the Right One In (TNT). 

WOW!

There's been a backstage shakeup on the set of Kevin Can Wait.

Apparently Keven James and showrunner/co-creator Bruce Helford had some creative differences, enough to send the latter right out the door.

That's too bad, because he's known for some fairly long-running and successful sitcoms that made it all the way to syndication. 

Then again, the ratings have already begun to tumble a bit for the freshman series, so perhaps it's related to changing things for the better. Only time will tell. 

Executive producer Rob Long (Cheers) has taken over as showrunner, and they have a full season pickup to right the ship.

If you've been waiting for the news of when in December you'd see the premiere of Star, today's your lucky day.

Just after Empire's fall finale on December 14 on Fox, Star will get an early premiere. Think of it as a holiday gift.

It will then resume its regular time slot on Wednesday, January 4 at 9/8c.

STAR Preview: Fame Is A Trip

View Slideshow: The CW Cheat Sheet: What Will Be Canceled?

It's been what seems forever since there's been a new episode (thanks, World Series), and this is the prize?

In Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 5, the BAU is off to Minnesota, the Land of a Thousand Lakes and one demented serial killer (if that's not redundant), to find out who is killing all members of a family but one.

First off, flag on the play. There has to be more than one set of murders for there to be a serial killer, right? Or is it just any multiple body count to qualify as a serial killing? 

Anyway, the murders start to multiply once the squad hits town. It's like the phrase "The unsub is accelerating" must be in every script. Of course, there's only an hour to solve the crime, so ...

This episode seemed to hold about 20 minutes of narrative. About eight minutes to dismiss the first family as anyone particularly noteworthy, a few minutes to rule out the red herring in the ugly cardigan, and then it's time to trot out the unsub and his motivations.

A couple of minutes later, he's turning on his fellow victims because he's a tortured loon. Then Prentiss ends the tension by appealing to this unhinged soul's sense of reason. OK.

The ghost of Hotch didn't even make an appearance. Surely his off-screen departure will be sooner rather than later.

But Rossi's short-and-sweet leadership style fit this condensed episode.

We good? We fly.

Rossi

• Permalink: We good? We fly.
• Added: November 09, 2016

As always, the best lines belonged to Garcia. Her musings on social media led to this colorful exchange.

Garcia: Oh, my God! Am I officially not young?
Rossi: You, my dear, are the portrait of everlasting youth.
Garcia: I'm timeless, right. Good answer.

• Permalink: I'm timeless, right. Good answer.
• Added: November 09, 2016

She's also coming around on Alvez, now that she's decided that he's not a man-whore. She meant well bringing a pink sweater for Alvez's dog Roxy (who obviously isn't a girly girl) but nails it with a collar later on.

Alvez is even becoming a bit more of a social animal, which is good, since drinking to forget is de rigueur at the BAU. 

Garcia: You're not fooling me, Alvez. He just wants everyone to think he's a smoldering basket of mystique and contradiction. I don't buy it.
Alvez: I just want a beer.
Garcia: There may be a glimmer of hope for you yet. But, just so you know, the new guy pays.

• Permalink: There may be a glimmer of hope for you yet. But, just so you know, the new guy pays.
• Added: November 09, 2016

Tara wasn't there again, and I don't even remember anyone bothering to give an excuse why. It makes me wonder how much less we'll see of her once Damon Gupton joins the cast as another profiler in Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 8.

Originally, I figured that Reid had taken time off to spend time with his mother. But upon a second viewing, I discovered he was there, spouting psycho-babble in a couple of group scenes.

The producers must remember that we need a little, lighthearted team interaction to balance off all the grim and gore. 

Also among the missing are the eight to nine serial killers still loose from Criminal Minds Season 11. You would think recapturing them would be a BAU priority. Maybe Tara is off tracking them, and no one thought to mention it. As the only ongoing storyline (beyond "Where's Hotch?"), it should at least be referenced every episode.

Good news! Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 6 promises more kids in jeopardy (younger ones next time). 

To watch the continuing development of Luke Alvez, criminal profiler, or whichever established character you prefer, watch Criminal Minds online.

Did this episode feel a little scant to you? How long did you take to figure out it was a teen unsub? Is Alvez a worthy replacement for Derek Morgan? Comment below.

View Slideshow: CBS Cheat Sheet: What Will Be Canceled?

Why did two families get murdered, with one member of each being left alive?

That was addressed on Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 5 when the team were shocked to the core by both crime scenes. 

Watch Criminal Minds Season 12 Episode 5 Online

The team split up to find links between both crime scenes, but they were presented with a huge shock when they brainstormed the idea of the survivors being tormented by bullies. 

Use the video above to watch Criminal Minds online to get up to speed with the latest developments for the team as they try crack the case.