Yes, you read right. It is possible that Mandy Patinkin, lead of CBS' Criminal Minds, be let go from the show. TV Guide's Michael Ausiello's reports that after he failed to show up for work, it was decided to write him out of the season premiere.Ausiello tried to get to the bottom of this but wasn't able to find out why the actor decided not to show up. The gossip columnist speculates that Patinkin is probably "embroiled in some kind of nasty contract stand-off with the network." This doesn't mean that Patinkin is off the show entirely, at least for now. But the TV Guide article also mentions that the show is currently casting for a character that is similar to Patinkin's character. Could it be that the actor will leave the show (or be fired)? Of maybe they are just adding a new regular/recurring cast member in case Patinkin decides to take off?
Can Criminal Minds survive without Mandy Patinkin? One thing is for sure, Dead Like Me fans would love for Patinkin to free up his schedule and give a call to the DLM movie people to have his character Rube somehow written in the made-for-DVD movie.
Edited on July 15 to add: TV Guide's Ausiello confirms that Patinkin is returning for the show but only for 1 episode in order to wrap his character's storyline.
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
7-14-2007 @ 12:19PM
goatsmiles said...
Mandy IS the show. Axe Mandy and you axe the show. This man is too responsible to NOT show up unless something serious is wrong and maybe he needs it kept quiet for now until he deals with it first. Give him a break. What if he is in the beginning of Alzheimers disease? It'd not be his fault and he'd still have another another 5 or more good working years ahead. Early onset Alzheimers begins in one's 40's and doesn't become a regular for 10 years or so. Leave him alone. Wait to see if this becomes a pattern. Then see if it's a medical problem. Mandy IS Criminal Minds. Mandy is who pulls the group together. he cohesiveness to the team. He is NOT replacable.
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7-14-2007 @ 9:30PM
fred said...
Well, he's OUT!!!
And apparently, he hasn't been fired or anything, he just "quit" but without telling anyone!
http://88.191.26.34/i_watch_tv/index.php/2007/07/14/patinkin-leaves-criminal-minds-with-no-explanation/
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7-14-2007 @ 11:40PM
Roy said...
Mandy Patinkin definitely would be missed. My wife and I have watched the show from the beginning; and, thought he is not the leader of the team, he is the father figure. I won't say I would stop watching if he left, be it would be a huge void.
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8-08-2007 @ 9:02PM
Phil said...
I think the show is dead after the next season, unless they find someone that plays the role like he did, he was just off enough to be perfect for the role, Im not sure anyone can fill his shoes in this one.
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9-11-2007 @ 5:05PM
Peg said...
I think it would hurt the show if Mandy Patinkin doesn't return. He helps make the show more interesting, it is the whole ensemble that goes so well together. I hate it when someone leaves the show that was such a main character. I liked his laid back character, it helped to make the show as far as I am concerned. I will probably quit watching it if he leaves. Let the negotiations begin to get him back. If you don't I bet you only last this season and then will be canceled.
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9-27-2007 @ 11:52PM
jane mashburn said...
Mandy Pantikin is the crux of the show; he and Charles Gibson.
Whatever it takes, get him back!!!! My husband says he is not watching the show without Mandy Pantikin.
Arlington, TX
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