The final episode of Criminal Minds, aptly titled “And in the End,” aired on February 19, 2020, and served as a two-hour series finale. It centered around the return of a formidable foe, the Chameleon, and offered closure to the beloved Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team, while also hinting at future possibilities.
Revisiting “And in the End”: The Chameleon’s Last Dance
The two-part finale, meticulously crafted to honor the show’s legacy, delivers a potent blend of suspense, action, and emotional resolution. The core plot revolves around the resurgence of Everett Lynch, aka “The Chameleon,” one of the BAU’s most elusive and dangerous adversaries. Lynch, having seemingly escaped justice, resurfaces to torment David Rossi, played by Joe Mantegna, escalating their long-standing personal vendetta.
The episode masterfully interweaves the primary plot with subplots that provide closure for individual characters. Dr. Spencer Reid, portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler, faces a difficult decision regarding his relationship with Maxine. Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, played by A.J. Cook, navigates the challenges of balancing her career and family life. The finale also subtly addresses the themes of teamwork, resilience, and the enduring power of the BAU’s bond.
The climax sees Rossi engaging in a tense, high-stakes confrontation with the Chameleon, ultimately leading to Lynch’s capture (or assumed death, leaving a slight ambiguity for potential future storylines). The final scenes depict the BAU team celebrating Rossi’s retirement at a heartwarming gathering, marking the end of an era but also suggesting the ongoing importance of their work and the enduring friendships they have forged. The finale subtly acknowledges the real-world dangers and stresses inherent in the BAU’s work, while still championing the team’s unwavering commitment to protecting the innocent.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Criminal Minds Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Criminal Minds finale, addressing common curiosities and providing deeper insights into the episode’s key elements:
H3. Why was the Chameleon chosen as the final villain?
The Chameleon was selected as the final villain due to his significance as a recurring and particularly formidable adversary. Everett Lynch posed a unique challenge to the BAU, particularly to Rossi, making their conflict intensely personal and raising the stakes for the finale. His cunning and unpredictability allowed for a gripping and suspenseful storyline, ensuring a memorable and impactful ending. The writers intentionally chose a villain who had already established a substantial presence in the series, providing a sense of continuity and culminating a long-standing narrative arc.
H3. Did all the original cast members return for the finale?
While many beloved cast members returned, Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) did not appear in the finale. However, several other prominent figures, including Joe Mantegna, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), and Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis), reprised their roles. The absence of certain characters was likely due to scheduling conflicts and other logistical considerations.
H3. Was there a resolution to Reid’s storyline with Cat Adams?
While Cat Adams was not physically present in the finale, her influence was indirectly felt through Reid’s relationship with Maxine. His past experiences with Adams shaped his anxieties and insecurities, prompting him to question his ability to commit fully to a relationship. The finale offered a sense of closure to this lingering issue, demonstrating Reid’s growth and willingness to embrace vulnerability.
H3. What happened to Penelope Garcia after the finale?
The finale depicts Garcia accepting a new position at a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of crime. This decision aligns with her compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact on the world. While she leaves the BAU, the ending implies that she remains in contact with her former colleagues and continues to support their work from afar. Her departure symbolized a fresh start and a continuation of her commitment to social justice.
H3. Did Rossi retire completely?
The ending suggests that Rossi is taking a step back from active fieldwork and transitioning into a less demanding role. While the celebratory gathering is framed as a retirement party, the subtle nuances suggest that he will likely continue to consult with the BAU and offer his expertise on specific cases. His deep connection to the team and his unwavering dedication to justice make it unlikely that he would completely sever ties.
H3. Was there a time jump in the finale?
While there wasn’t a significant time jump, the episode spans over a few weeks, allowing for the development of both the Chameleon storyline and the individual character arcs. This timeframe allows for a more comprehensive and satisfying resolution to the series. The episode deliberately avoids drastic time leaps, focusing instead on the immediate consequences of the Chameleon’s actions and the team’s response.
H3. How did the finale address the show’s darker themes?
Criminal Minds has always explored the darker aspects of human psychology and the gruesome nature of criminal behavior. The finale acknowledges these themes through the Chameleon’s disturbing actions and the emotional toll they take on the BAU team. However, the episode also emphasizes the importance of resilience, empathy, and the power of human connection in overcoming adversity. The finale skillfully balances the grim realities of the BAU’s work with moments of hope and optimism.
H3. Was the ending left open for a potential revival or spin-off?
The ending was deliberately left somewhat ambiguous, hinting at potential future storylines without explicitly committing to a revival or spin-off. The survival of the Chameleon is left slightly open to interpretation, and the departure of Garcia and the partial retirement of Rossi create opportunities for new characters and narratives. The creative team consciously crafted an ending that provided closure while simultaneously leaving the door ajar for future possibilities. The Paramount+ revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution, which premiered in 2022, confirms this potential was capitalized on.
H3. What was the emotional impact of the finale on the cast?
The cast members have spoken extensively about the emotional impact of filming the series finale. Many expressed a sense of sadness at the end of an era, as well as gratitude for the opportunity to have been a part of such a successful and beloved show. They also emphasized the close bonds they formed with each other and the fans, which made saying goodbye particularly difficult. The cast’s genuine affection for the show and their characters resonated deeply with viewers, adding to the finale’s emotional weight.
H3. How did the finale resonate with long-time fans of the show?
The finale was generally well-received by long-time fans of Criminal Minds, who appreciated the return of familiar faces, the suspenseful storyline, and the emotional closure provided to the characters. However, some fans expressed disappointment with the absence of certain cast members and a desire for a more definitive resolution to specific plotlines. Overall, the finale served as a fitting tribute to the show’s legacy and a heartfelt farewell to its dedicated fanbase.
H3. What were some of the challenges in writing the series finale?
One of the biggest challenges in writing the series finale was balancing the need to provide closure to existing storylines while also leaving the door open for potential future developments. The writers also faced the difficult task of honoring the show’s history and satisfying the expectations of its long-time fans. Furthermore, they had to navigate scheduling constraints and other logistical challenges to ensure the return of as many beloved cast members as possible.
H3. How does “And in the End” compare to other series finales in the crime drama genre?
“And in the End” stands out as a strong series finale in the crime drama genre because of its focus on character development, emotional resolution, and suspenseful storytelling. While some finales prioritize plot twists and dramatic reveals, Criminal Minds chose to emphasize the enduring bonds between the BAU team and the personal sacrifices they make to protect the innocent. This approach resonated with viewers who had become invested in the characters and their journeys over the course of the series. The finale successfully blended action, suspense, and emotional depth, providing a satisfying and memorable conclusion to a beloved show. It also avoided some of the common pitfalls of series finales, such as forced resolutions or overly contrived plotlines. The ending, while somewhat open-ended, felt earned and authentic to the characters and the world of Criminal Minds.
In conclusion, the Criminal Minds finale, “And in the End,” offered a poignant and exciting farewell to a long-running and beloved crime drama, skillfully blending suspense, character development, and emotional resolution. It provided a fitting conclusion for the BAU team while leaving the door slightly ajar for future possibilities, ensuring its enduring legacy in the annals of television history.