A.J. Cook Returns to ‘Criminal Minds’ for Paget Brewster’s Final Episode

While all of the petitioning from Criminal Minds fans couldn’t save A.J. Cook from being wrongfully fired from the series, it appears that we haven’t seen the last of Cook’s lovable character Jennifer Juneau. This spring, Cook will be returning to Criminal Minds for a single episode.

Last summer, the Criminal Minds fandom rightfully revolted against the brash, thoughtless decision from the “powers that be” to terminate Cook’s contract with the series.

While departing cast members is not uncommon in television or for this series (Mandy Patinkin and Lola Glaudini both left previously), Criminal Minds has been criticized for their obvious and ongoing trimming of female cast members. Unfortunately, J.J.’s character reprise does nothing but confirm the accusations.

Cook’s return is neither a sole character piece nor a welcoming return for her character. Instead, Cook will be returning for former co-star Paget Brewster’s final episode. Facing the same fate as Cook, Brewster’s character Emily Prentiss was given a smaller role in this season of Criminal Minds, only to be completely written off midway through.

As fans will undoubtedly be happy to see Cook return to the BAU, the fact that it correlates with Brewster’s final episode somewhat dampens any potential joy. Fortunately, Criminal Minds fans are not the only ones unhappy with the way the series had chosen to release select female cast members. Kristen Vangsness, who plays the lovely Penelope Garcia, had a few choice words about this when we talked with her last July.

“It certainly didn’t feel good and certainly doesn’t make you feel like, ‘Oh, everybody’s ok!’ It makes you very aware that it’s a job and if they need you, they keep you, and if they don’t, they fire you.

Not that [Cook’s] not necessary! But, someone made a decision that she was not necessary and that’s a bad decision – in my opinion. My job, I did not choose to be “whoever makes these decisions” and that’s their choice. It’s like you’re living in someone’s rental and they get to decide who stays and who goes — and it BLOWS!”

Perhaps it’s Vangsness’ sidekick-esque nature on the series or the fact that fans absolutely love her character, but Penelope Garcia seems to be the only female character that’s safe for any transition to the Criminal Minds “boys club” that appears to be forming. In fact, Vangsness will now be pulling double duties as her character will also appear in the Criminal Minds spin-off, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.

Even if it’s for a single episode and even if it’s brought on by the departure of another female cast member, it will be nice to see A.J. Cook return to the series. Of course, whether or not these calculated character dismissals will mark the beginning of the end of this series still remains to be seen.

-

Criminal Minds airs Wednesday @9pm, on CBS

Follow me on Twitter @anthonyocasio
Follow Screen Rant on Twitter @screenrant

Source: TV Line

View the original article here

William Petersen Returns To ‘CSI’

Though he left the show early in 2009, William Petersen and CSI producers have said he would return to his role on occasion. Now, the original cast member will reprise his famed onscreen persona, Gil Grissom, in a CSI cameo which is scheduled to air this week.

The episode entitled “The Two Mrs. Grissoms” revolves around Gil’s onscreen wife Sara (Jorja Fox) investigating a murder at a school for the deaf. During the course of her sleuthing, Sarah runs into her semi-estranged mother in-law, Betty Grissom, played by Phyllis French (ER, L.A. Law).

It seems Betty, a professor at the school, is none too fond of our gap-toothed heroine, feeling her son would be better off with someone else, someone with a little pedigree, someone like Academy Award-winner Marlee Matlin—and who can blame her. Matlin, keeping it all in the family, will join the guest star-heavy episode as Betty Grissom’s protégé, and a former love of Gil’s.

Although not seen until now, the inclusion of Gil’s mother has been hinted at since CSI’s first season. In the episode “Sound of Silence”, viewers learned Gil’s ability to sign stems from his being raised by a deaf mother.

Since his departure, the show has also hinted at Petersen’s eventual homecoming. Eschewing typical television exits like car bombs, gunfights and the ever-popular terminal illness, CSI fans know that Grissom simply left his job. He’s out there…just walking the Earth. This has given the show’s writers a chance to reference the character from time to time, to maintain his presence even though the actor no longer maintains it on a full time basis, and to make this cameo seem more organic and not just a cheap ratings ploy. However, it bares mention that Petersen is also an executive producer on the show, a fact that certainly played no small part in his return.

Whether or not the show’s decision to bring the character back—albeit very temporarily—is due to a lag in ratings since Petersen’s departure, remains to be seen. Even with the addition of Laurence Fishburne, CSI is no longer the ratings juggernaut it once was. In October 2010, the show was down 13 percent from the year before, taking Thursday night’s seventh spot—an all-time low for the series. It will be interesting to see if the ratings grab works, and if CSI can claim the top spot once more.

For better or for worse, Petersen seems to be indelibly linked to the character of Gil Grissom, and in typical actor-producer fashion has suggested a lengthier reprise in a feature film might be to his liking. “I’d love to see a CSI film. The whole world is interested in the show…(but) you have to make sure it’s not just an extended episode.”

-

Look for William Petersen’s return to CSI this Thursday, February 3 @9pm, on CBS

Source: Entertainment Weekly

View the original article here

AMC Best Picture Showcase Returns February 19th & 26th

Hardcore movies fans can rejoice once again. AMC Theaters has confirmed the reprisal of the Best Picture Showcase, which became a true event when the Academy Awards expanded the Best Picture field from five to ten last year. This year’s edition will be held on two days -- February 19th and February 26th, leading up to the 83rd Annual Academy Awards will be held on February 27th with co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway.

We don’t know exactly which ten films will be shown during the showcase, but once the nominations are announced on January 25th, the schedule will be completed. More information on the Showcase, including ticket prices and locations should be available on January 28th.

The best aspect of this showcase is the 24-Hour Best Picture Showcase Marathon. It is a true test for every movie fan and one I recommend everybody try.

Last year, I attended to 24-Hour Marathon and it took every ounce of strength (mental and physical) to power through 10 non-stop movies. Usually the Marathon is held on the 2nd date of the Showcase, which puts those involved in a serious state of insomnia during Oscars Day. In the end, it is worth it to say you were one of the few hundred who actually gave it a shot.

Watch my video documentary of last year’s arduous experience below. NOTE: I am on a combination of caffeine and 5-Hour Energy shots. I am not usually this hyper:

This year’s competition will likely look drastically different from last year’s. Predicting the Oscar nominations is not something we do here, but it looks like the majority of potential nominees are outside of traditional drama. Of course, there are always a couple of movies that few people saw in theaters and might challenge the Marathoners during a 24-hour stint, but that is the beauty of the event.

Those who purchased a Marathon ticket last year were provided free large popcorn with unlimited refills for the entire day. Ticket prices have not been announced, but the 2010 prices ranged from $30 for a one-day pass to $60 for a two-day pass. Aside from the Marathon, each day includes individual showings of all 10 nominees, so you can pick your movie schedule.

Are you going to take on the elements and sign up for the 24-Hour Best Picture Marathon or simply get a one-day pass to check out some nominees you missed along the way? What movies would you like to see in the Showcase? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source: AMC

View the original article here