In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« Ausiello Report
Exclusive: Mandy Patinkin (Sort Of) Returning to Criminal Minds
Mandy Patinkin in Criminal Minds by Cliff Lipson/CBS
This just in: Sources confirm that Mandy Patinkin has agreed to return to Criminal Minds for one episode this fall to wrap up his story.
The news comes just hours after Minds exec producer Ed Bernero posted this blistering message on the show's No. 1 fansite regarding Patinkin's vanishing act:
"There have been several reports recently in the media about the Mandy Patinkin situation on Criminal Minds. Firstly, they are true — Mr. Patinkin has left the show. What's troubling to us, though, is that the reports tend to suggest or hint that the producers, the studios or CBS have something to do with what has happened. Phrases like 'maybe cooler heads will prevail... ' and the like have been used. Let me make this clear: This is not about a contract renegotiation, this is not about money, this is not about something Mr. Patinkin asked for that wasn't provided — in fact, everyone involved in the show has for two years bent over backward to give him anything he wanted.
Mr. Patinkin told the show, the studios and the network that he was returning right up to the day before we started shooting the first episode, and then simply did not show up. He also has not contacted anyone within the show (producers, cast, crew) to explain why he isn't returning. Even to this moment, we have no word from him. He gave us no advance notice that anything was wrong, no opportunity to find a way to make the loss of this character work, no indication that we should be looking for someone else, no warning that we might have to rewrite the first seven scripts (which is how far ahead we try to work) without the central character in them. None. Zero. He was not, as some media reports have indicated, written 'lightly' in our first episode; in fact, it was quite the opposite. Because of the construct of the first episode story, he was actually in the center of that episode. He left us completely in the proverbial lurch.
As loyal fans of the show, we think you all deserve an explanation and I wish I had a better one to give you. The most amazing writing staff in television is working very hard to find a way to make this work, and we will find a way to give you the organic, dramatic experience you expect from CM.
If I have new news I will provide it, and if there are questions you have... we will do our best to answer. If you hear a rumor, please ask us. I remain touched and humbled by the support you have all shown the show.
Thank you so much,
Ed Bernero"
OK, now the six-million-dollar question: What's Patinkin's dealio? If you've got theories, post 'em below. Feel free to also recommend possible replacements. Casting is under way as we speak.
POLL: Criminal Minds fans, will you still watch without Mandy Patinkin? Vote here.
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 8:27 PM
|
Urgh.
What a lunatic this guy is. Has to be about money or about him getting enough clout in the creative part of the show to influence changes to other characters. I suppose after this unprecedented response from the executive producer, that lawsuits were brought up in order to have him return to film his exit.
*cue Matt Roush laughing his jingly jowls off.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:08 PM
|
You expect us to believe YOU over Ed Bernero? Especially when you can't even atttribute the blog source correctly?
You make me laugh. The blog is NOT Ed Bernero's blog.
Do some research and check your facts before you post.
And for the record? I'll take Ed Bernero's word over yours, any day.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:25 PM
|
We all know that Matt is just smiling about this but maybe some good can come out of this.
Maybe the show can go a little deeper without Patinkin. Maybe his departure will open a door for that.
The question is this...Who can they get to come? Who can replace Patinkin? I have been thinking and thinking. Who can replace him? Well, they can replace him with a woman...but please no woman with an attitude. We don't need that. But I would love to see another man. I will come back if I have any ideas but right now, I am drawing a blank.
Hey Matt, who would you bring in to help turn this show around.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:29 PM
|
 What a shame!Before the note from Mr. Bernero I had my mind made up that I would never watch the show again if Mandy wasn't gonna' be in it...even though it's one of my favorite shows,he is such an integral part of it.Now I just feel sad that he's letting his fans down like this,and I hope they find a good replacement soon.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:34 PM
|
|
Criminal Minds is just another cookie cutter crime show and it stole viewers from Lost, so I could really care less.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:39 PM
|
What about Kate Mulgrew as a replacement? Isn't she sick of Cleveland yet?
I'm not sure the character really needs a replacement. The cast that remains is outstanding.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:46 PM
|
|
Liberrygurl: Who are you talking to? What are you talking about? Is someone arguing with you? Is Ed Bernero arguing with someone? I can't figure this out.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:47 PM
|
|
I wouldn't mind if Bradley Whitford would come in to fill those shoes. I was hoping he would go to L&O, but if L&O couldn't afford him, CM would seem to be a fantastic match.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:48 PM
|
|
Since Battlestar Galactica is going off the air, maybe they could get Edward James Olmos?
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 9:54 PM
|
|
Martin Sheen?
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 10:02 PM
|
(I chuckle whenever I click on 'keep me logged in'! Bwahahahaahhaha!)
Anwyay, I like ALL the names I see mentioned here. Kate Mulgrew!!? Very ballsy! I love it!
I learned some time ago never to get invested in any project involving Mandy Contemptfortheaudience. I might actually start watching CM this fall, considering Thomas Gibson is involved (and I LOVED Dharma and Greg! Yes, I DID! Suck on THAT, you TV snobs! And I am well aware of the anti-TG sentiment out there...you useless detritus!)
Mandy can kiss my big, flabby white @$$! Bwhahahahahaaha!
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 10:14 PM
|
Feeling OK, TV Gord?
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 10:23 PM
|
|
You know, I really hope Patinkin has a horribly hard time finding another role after acting like such a diva here.
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 10:27 PM
|
Whoa, TVGord! If I didn't know better, I'd think you disliked Mr. Patinkin. 
And btw, don'tcha think that mental picture you left us with might be TMI?
|
|
Jul 14, 2007 10:32 PM
|
|
|
