Cheers: Garcia — and Buffy — on Our Minds - Cheers & Jeers

Kirsten Vangsness by Monty Brinton/CBS

Cheers to Criminal Minds for putting the spotlight on Kirsten Vangsness. The appealingly quirky actress, who's usually stuck behind a wall of computer screens, stepped out when techie Penelope Garcia met a hot guy in a coffee shop—and he shot her on their first date. Turned out he was a bad cop who thought Garcia was onto him, but the story line gave Vangsness the chance to share emotional scenes with her costars (especially Shemar Moore). Plus, it brought her a charming new love connection: Buffy alum Nicholas "Xander" Brendon as a fellow hacker. Hope Minds ' producers are smart enough to bring Brendon back.

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Posted by

Bruce Fretts

Nov 26, 2007 12:04 AM

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A cheer indeed!

The *only* qualm I had with the episode is that after the disagreement Garcia and Morgan had when she felt he was implying that a hot guy wouldn't be interested in a girl like here, it would have been really nice if Xander's character hadn't been such a sloppy, bedraggled, half-groomed megageek. There's no reason they couldn't have had Nicholas Brendon still play a super smart, quirky, perfect-for-Garcia geek *and* have him show off just how hot he can be at the same time. There are a more than a few good looking guys who don't have a problem with eccentric women, large women or large, eccentric women and it just would have been nice to have her hook up with a real hottie.

Oh well, other than that, I thought it was probably one of the better episodes this year!

Posted by kriselda jarnsaxa

Nov 26, 2007 2:02 AM

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Kriselda--I still thought Brendon was cute, despite the sloppy grooming, but your point is well-taken.
Posted by Bruce Fretts Nov 26, 2007 6:35 AM Report Abuse

I couldn't agree more. When Garcia was shot, I was shocked. If they let her die, I would have really been mad. I really like her. I also hope they bring Xander back. I'd like to see him as a reoccurring character. She needs some love in her life. Bruce - the pole isn't showing on my computer. Is it just me or is it not up for some reason?
Posted by Mannie_Annie Nov 26, 2007 11:16 AM Report Abuse

Bruce - the pole [sic] isn't showing on my computer. Is it just me or is it not up for some reason? Blame me, Matt Mitovich. It's a, um, "process" to get the poll element created, and I was in back-to-back-to-back meetings.
Posted by TV Guide News Nov 26, 2007 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Glad the voting is on--and that you agree, Annie. Bring back Brendon!
Posted by Bruce Fretts Nov 26, 2007 12:11 PM Report Abuse

Anyone know who played the bad cop? Driving myself nuts trying to remember where I saw him. tks.
Posted by marcilynnj Nov 26, 2007 12:20 PM Report Abuse

Bailey Chase, most recently seen on Ugly Betty and Saving Grace, played the bad cop.
Posted by Bruce Fretts Nov 26, 2007 12:28 PM Report Abuse

Shame Matt. I'm sure you were in back-to-back-to-back meetings too! You were just slacking!
Posted by Mannie_Annie Nov 26, 2007 1:45 PM Report Abuse

I thought that it was the best episode of Criminal Minds period! Many times, I watch the show and find it difficult to remember what I watched the next day. Not this episode - it was fantastic!
Posted by Ranger99 Nov 26, 2007 2:43 PM Report Abuse

I read plenty of magazines over the holiday, but I think it was People who did a two page spread on the Buffy alums. I was very disappointed - they excluded Nicholas Brendon. I kept wondering "where is he now". Thanks for the update Bruce! I'm glad to see "Xander" is still working
Posted by Casey Marsella Nov 26, 2007 5:15 PM Report Abuse

I agree. This was by far the best episode of Criminal Minds. I also hope they bring back Nicholas Brendan. He's totally cute with Garcia.
Posted by allsummersingle Nov 27, 2007 12:17 PM Report Abuse

Thanks Brett. Now I remember the cutie from Saving Grace.
Posted by marcilynnj Nov 27, 2007 3:27 PM Report Abuse

I was very happy to see Xander on my favorite tv show! It's a pity that the guy who shot Garcia played Graham on Buffy as well (you know, Riley's friend who tries to get him to go to the doc in season five?)...Oh, well. I hope they bring Xander back and clean him up just a little.
Posted by RaakiiLovett Dec 2, 2007 9:19 PM Report Abuse

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Cheers: Garcia — and Buffy — on Our Minds