Criminal Minds Trades Inigo Montoya for Joe Mantegna

Joe Mantegna courtesy Cliff Lipson/CBS

Prior to the recording of this week's podcast, Ausiello said Joe Mantegna was Criminal Minds' new front-runner, and this time the front-runner actually crossed the finish line. Joan of Arcadia's pop has been called upon to fill the vacancy left when Mandy Patinkin... well, we're still not 100 percent sure what he did. "We are very excited to tell you all that Joe Mantegna is officially joining the cast," Bernero shares at the Criminal Minds Fanatic blog. "Thanks for hanging with us, everyone."

In the weeks since Patinkin's defection from the hit CBS series, such big names as Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel and Doris Roberts [wink-wink] were tossed around as possible subs. At this point, with Minds being several episodes into production on the new season, Mantegna is not likely to first appear until November sweeps.

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Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Aug 11, 2007 6:45 PM

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I was just recently enjoying Mantegna's funniest role ever, as Juan One in the fourth season of Soap, back in 1980! It's particularly funny because he has gone on to play more serious roles, but he showed a real solid flair for the hysterical in this early role.
Posted by TV Gord Aug 11, 2007 7:47 PM Report Abuse

I hate the show but love Montegna. I will tune in just to see him. Thank you so much for the Inigo Montoya shout out. One of the best movies ever made!!! Mandy was fabulous in that role. Great actor, major jackass.
Posted by Theodora L'Engle Knight Aug 11, 2007 7:58 PM Report Abuse

Good actor!! Good choice!
Posted by rtplus Aug 11, 2007 8:54 PM Report Abuse

I think he's a great choice.
Posted by auntx4 Aug 11, 2007 9:38 PM Report Abuse

OMG I have been watchingthe princess bride forever and had no idea that was him.Time seams to have treated the actors in that movie late the rest of us.
Posted by wumi Aug 11, 2007 10:11 PM Report Abuse

I don't watch the show regularly but Mantegna is a terrific choice. He looks like Patinkin and was excellent in Joan of Arcadia. If only the subject matter wasn't so graphic, I might watch.
Posted by Columbus Aug 11, 2007 10:26 PM Report Abuse

Great choice. Welcome to CM JM. I might even tune in?
Posted by nsgal Aug 11, 2007 10:54 PM Report Abuse

good choice take that Mandy!
Posted by jecoup Aug 11, 2007 11:22 PM Report Abuse

Great choice. Now if they just got rid of Shemar Moore, I might actually watch the show. Moore and his character drag Criminal Minds even further into mediocrity. I can't buy him doing anything other than hitting on ladies in a bar, let alone working as a criminal profiler. If they got rid of this sad attempt to skew younger, the show might actually be dramatically worthwhile.
Posted by rexmundi Aug 11, 2007 11:32 PM Report Abuse

While I've never been a big Criminal Minds fan (too much "ick factor"). I am a big Joe Mantegna fan--I loved him in "Small Vices" when he played Spencer and also in "The Rat Pack", when he played Dean Martin. "Ick" or not--now I'll be watching! Great choice!!
Posted by PatMc Aug 11, 2007 11:46 PM Report Abuse

I really really like Mandy Patinkin but he always seems to leave shows. Very frustrating, he did the same thing on a show a few years ago Chicago Hope. Again no reason just he left... Very irratating Mandy you have fans but keep disappointing them and you won't keep them......
Posted by rhosmith Aug 11, 2007 11:52 PM Report Abuse

Good to see Fat Tony get some work.
Posted by fx772k1 Aug 11, 2007 11:54 PM Report Abuse

You must have been going potty when I posted this same news in my own blog a couple hours earlier. But yours was funnier.
Posted by Marcus Dixon Aug 12, 2007 2:10 AM Report Abuse

If this does indeed pan out, I may actually continue to watch.
Posted by saleblanc Aug 12, 2007 2:13 AM Report Abuse

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