Movies News Talk
The gifted actress playing Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds, Paget Brewster, has offered her observations on her departure from the original show and final return. First joining the cast in season 2 as a supervisory special agent for the BAU, Prentiss subsequently became their Unit Chief. She stayed a regular until season 7, when she left the show. She made a few guest appearances, then returned to the cast as a regular in season 12 and is still a major player for the team today.
Brewster spoke frankly about the difficulties surrounding her first leaving from Criminal Minds and what drove her back-off. She said that although the first difficulties were great, her decision to return was much influenced by the great love viewers show. Brewster told how often viewers expressed their wish to see her on the show, and finally she realized she also missed being a part of the Criminal Minds family after a four-year break. Making some guest appearances helped her to re-connect with the show and finally resulted in her full-time comeback.
Brewster's performance of Prentiss has been distinguished by gripping narratives, notably a dramatic season 6 episode in which she was momentarily thought to have been killed by Ian Doyle. Prentiss thankfully survived, but she then left to assist Interpol in London during season 7. She didn't fully comeback until season 12, after Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) left. Prentiss has become a vital team leader since then, actively supporting their research especially in the current Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.
Prentiss is among the most identifiable and loved characters on the show because of her leadership ability and long background with the BAU. Her stories especially captivate the team since her presence gives their research complexity and experience. Her continuous presence and unquestionable relevance to the Criminal Minds universe underline her major influence on the general longevity and success of the show.
It is abundantly evident from the recent confirmation of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 that Brewster's tenure as Prentiss on the show is far from done. Prentiss keeps proving her leadership abilities as the show has changed from weekly crime stories to an overall narrative, so improving its quality by her regular presence. Her comeback has surely helped the show to remain successful, so highlighting her significance to the Criminal Minds team and its loyal viewers.