Criminal Minds (season 7)

Criminal Minds (season 7)

DVD Cover Art
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 24
Broadcast
Original channel CBS
Original run September 21, 2011 – May 16, 2012
Home video release

DVD release

Region 1 September 4, 2012[1]

The seventh season of Criminal Minds premiered on CBS in the United States on September 21, 2011.[2]

On February 15, 2012, Deadline.com reported that Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss on the show, would leave Criminal Minds, definitively, once the seventh season was over. All other main actors on the show have secured deals to return for the eighth season.[3] The two-hour season 7 finale, which took place on May 16, 2012, reveals Prentiss making the decision to leave the BAU.[4]

On March 14, 2012, CBS renewed Criminal Minds for an eighth season, which aired on September 26, 2012.

Cast

Character Portrayed by Main cast Recurring cast
David Rossi Joe Mantegna entire season N/A
Emily Prentiss Paget Brewster entire season N/A
Derek Morgan Shemar Moore entire season N/A
Dr. Spencer Reid Matthew Gray Gubler entire season N/A
Jennifer "JJ" Jareau A. J. Cook entire season N/A
Penelope Garcia Kirsten Vangsness entire season N/A
Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner Thomas Gibson entire season N/A
Beth Clemmons Bellamy Young N/A 5 episodes
Erin Strauss Jayne Atkinson N/A 4 episodes
Jack Hotchner Cade Owens N/A 4 episodes
Kevin Lynch Nicholas Brendon N/A 4 episodes
William "Will" LaMontagne Jr. Josh Stewart N/A 3 episodes
Henry LaMontagne Mekhai Andersen N/A 3 episodes

Guest stars

Robin Atkin Downes guest starred in the season premiere "It Takes a Village" as Lachlan McDermott, the accomplice of Ian Doyle's ex-girlfriend, Chloe Donaghy.

In the episode "Proof", Andy Milder guest starred as Ben Bradstone, a mentally challenged serial killer who removes his victims five senses with sulfuric acid. Johanna Braddy guest starred as Ben's niece, Tammy, and Tracy Middendorf guest starred as Tammy's mother, Lyla, who Ben had a secret obsession over. In the episode "Dorado Falls", Max Martini guest starred as Luke Dolan, a former U.S. Navy Seal suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder who goes on a murderous rampage. Sarah Aldrich guest starred as Luke's wife, Jenna. In the episode "Painless", Eric Jungmann guest starred as Robert Adams, a survivor of a high school shooting who copied the murders committed by Randy Slade. Julia Campbell guest starred as Randy's mother, Martha Slade, and Aaron Hill guest starred as Jerry Holtz, another survivor of the shooting who is murdered by Robert.

Shawn Hatosy guest starred in the episode "The Bittersweet Science" as Jimmy Hall, a professional boxer and spree killer whose son dies of leukemia.

In the episode "From Childhood's Hour", Isabella Hofmann guest starred as Carolyn Baker, David Rossi's first wife who dies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Heather Tom guest starred as Connie Barton, a mother who is abducted by George Kelling. In the episode "There's No Place Like Home", Alex Weed guest starred as Travis James, a serial killer who abducted male prostitutes. In the episode "Hope", Brigid Brannagh guest starred as Monica Kingston, a mother whose daughter was abducted and murdered by Bill Rogers, played by Jack Coleman. In the episode "Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", René Auberjonois guest starred as Colonel Ronald Massey, the leader of the Somerville Military Academy and criminal accomplice of Josh Redding.

Dina Meyer guest starred in the episode "Unknown Subject" as Regina Lampert, a rape victim who abducts Hamilton Bartholomew, the man who raped her.

In the episode "The Bittersweet Science", Charles S. Dutton guest starred as Tony Cole, Jimmy Hall's boxing trainer. In the episode "True Genius", Finn Wittrock guest starred as Harvey Morell, the criminal accomplice of Caleb Rossmore. Danny Goldman guest starred as Detective Bob Zablonsky, who leads the investigation of the murders. In the episode "Unknown Subject", Jay Karnes guest starred as Hamilton Bartholomew, aka "The Piano Man", a serial rapist who is assaulting the victims he previously raped. Judith Hoag guest starred as Diana Mitchell, Hamilton's third victim and the first victim of copycat rapist Herman Scobie. In the episode "Snake Eyes", Dean Cain guest starred as Curtis Banks, a serial killer with a gambling problem. Vanessa Branch guest starred as Curtis' wife, Teri.

Robert Englund guest starred in the episode "Heathridge Manor" as Detective Gassner, who leads the investigation of the murders involving several women.

In the episode "Closing Time", Geoffrey Blake guest starred as Michael Janeczco, a serial killer who targeted men who have been divorced, which reflected Michael's own background. Tyler Neitzel guest starred as Michael's stepson, Hunter Wright, and Chris Payne Gilbert guest starred as Agent Quinn Parker, who aids the BAU with the investigation of the murders. In the episode "A Thin Line", Paul Johansson guest starred as Clark Preston, a mayoral candidate and criminal accomplice of hate crime serial killer Trevor Mills. In the episode "A Family Affair", Kathy Baker and William Russ guest starred as Donald and Linda Collins, the parents of paraplegic serial killer Jeffrey Collins.

Chad Coleman guest starred in the episode "The Company" as Malcolm Ford, a man who abducted and married Derek Morgan's cousin, Cindi Burns.

In the episode "I Love You, Tommy Brown", Teri Polo guest starred as Margaret Hollman, a mentally unstable high school teacher who fell in love with one of her students, Thomas Brown, with whom she had a son. Tricia Leigh Fisher guest starred as foster mother Sandra Montgomery. In the episode "Foundation", Hedy Burress guest starred as Samantha Allen, the daughter of pedophilic abductor J.B. Allen. In the episode "Heahtridge Manor", Juliet Landau guest starred as Catherine Heathridge, a textile heiress who suffered a psychotic reaction to a shakespeare play that convinced her that the lead actresses were "The Devil's Wives", prompting her to murder them. Kyle Gallner and Madeleine Martin guest starred as Catherine's children, James and Lara, who followed in her footsteps.

Tricia Helfer guest starred in the two part season finale "Hit & Run" as Izzy Rogers, aka "The Queen of Diamonds", the leader of a group of banks robbers known as "The Face Cards".

In the episode "The Company", Shanola Hampton guest starred as Cindi Burns, Derek Morgan's cousin who suffered from stockholm syndrome after marrying and giving birth to the son of her abductor, Malcolm Ford. In the episode "Divining Rod", Mackenzie Astin guest starred as Dylan Kohler, the copycat killer of serial killer Rodney Baines Garrett. In the two part season finale "Hit & Run", Josh Randall guest starred as Matthew Downs, a member of the face cards and Izzy Rogers' boyfriend. Sebastian Roché reprises as Clyde Easter, Emily Prentiss' former partner at Interpol who offers her a job as Chief of the Interpol office in London, which she accepts, causing her departure from the BAU.

Episodes

No. in
series		 No. in
season		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code		 U.S. viewers
(millions)
1391"It Takes a Village"Glenn KershawErica MesserSeptember 21, 201170114.14[5]
The BAU team is at crossroads when they are questioned by a Senate Committee for their retaliatory actions against Doyle (Timothy V. Murphy). They face the committee with assistance from the returning Jennifer Jareau. During the hearing, the team learns that Morgan has been tracking Doyle since the day Prentiss "died" and that Doyle's son is in danger. They race against time to find Doyle before someone else does, in a situation that tests the team and the trust between them. It is soon shaken by a familiar face, who assists the team in this case.
1402"Proof"Karen GaviolaJanine Sherman BarroisSeptember 28, 201170212.58[6]
Women are being found murdered after being robbed of one of their five senses in Durant, Oklahoma, prompting attention from the BAU. JJ and Prentiss get the cold shoulder from Reid as he deals with their deception about Prentiss' presumed death, while Rossi has a cooking lesson for the team to bring them together.
1413"Dorado Falls"Félix AlcaláSharon Lee WatsonOctober 5, 201170313.43[7]
The BAU team investigates a mass murder at an Internet security company in nearby Charlottesville but clues reveal it is not a typical serial killer at work. Meanwhile, Prentiss must complete recertification training under Morgan's watchful eye.
1424"Painless"Larry TengBreen FrazierOctober 12, 201170412.87[8]
Survivors of a high school massacre in Boise, Idaho, that occurred in October 2001 return to remember the event 10 years later, but the BAU team is called in when a new killer with a similar style targets the survivors, and they discover two key factors that connect to the original shooting. Also, Hotch is worried that his son, Jack (Cade Owens), may be a victim of school bullying, while Morgan and Reid exchange pranks.
1435"From Childhood's Hour"Anna J. FoersterBruce ZimmermanOctober 19, 201170513.15[9]
The BAU team investigates the abductions of young children with troubled mothers in St. Louis. Rossi reconnects with his first wife, Carolyn (Isabella Hofmann), who has shocking news for him.
1446"Epilogue"Guy FerlandRick DunkleNovember 2, 201170612.94[10]
The BAU search California's Angeles National Forest after a number of bodies mysteriously turn up in the mountain lakes there. Meanwhile, Rossi struggles with an agonizing decision regarding his ex-wife.
1457"There's No Place Like Home"Rob SperaVirgil WilliamsNovember 9, 201170711.36[11]
When a series of tornadoes hits Wichita, Kansas, the BAU is called in to investigate bodies of young boys who had run away from home that turn up in the aftermath of the storms. The pressure is on when they realize that they may have a "Frankenstein" serial killer in their hands and another teenage boy goes missing with the threat of bad weather looming. Work pressures cause tension on JJ's home front.
1468"Hope"Michael WatkinsKimberly Ann HarrisonNovember 16, 201170812.72[12]
A case turns personal for Garcia when the BAU investigates the disappearance of a woman in her survivors' support group whose daughter went missing seven years earlier.
1479"Self-Fulfilling Prophecy"Charlie HaidErica MesserDecember 7, 201170912.41[13]
The BAU investigates a mass suicide at a renowned military academy, and the investigation takes a shocking turn when they learn about the past of the victims, leading the team to believe the academy isn't what it seems to be. Meanwhile a team member's secret is exposed and Morgan and Hotch disagree about how to deal with it.
14810"The Bittersweet Science"Rob HardyJanine Sherman BarroisDecember 14, 201171012.88[14]
The BAU team investigates a string of fatal beatings in Philadelphia and looks into to the city's boxing scene in search of the killer. Hotch makes a connection with an attractive runner, Beth Clemmons (Bellamy Young), as they both train for a triathlon.
14911"True Genius"Glenn KershawSharon Lee WatsonJanuary 18, 201271113.00[15]
A series of murders in San Francisco bearing the tell-tale signs of the infamous Zodiac Killer have the BAU wondering if the notorious serial killer has returned. Also, Reid ponders if he should be doing more with his genius abilities.
15012"Unknown Subject"Michael LangeBreen FrazierJanuary 25, 201271213.82[16]
In the milestone 150th episode of the series, the BAU team searches for a serial rapist in Houston, known as "The Piano Man" who has resurfaced and is assaulting his previous victims. Also, Prentiss tries to come to terms with her trauma from last year and with rejoining the team.
15113"Snake Eyes"Doug AarniokoskiBruce ZimmermanFebruary 8, 201271313.31[17]
The BAU agents try their luck in Atlantic City, New Jersey when the team is called in to investigate a series of ritualistic, casino-related murders, perpetrated by a highly delusional, superstitious problem gambler (Dean Cain). Meanwhile, after a spat with her boyfriend, Kevin (Nicholas Brendon), Garcia thinks she and Morgan may have gotten a little too friendly with each other.
15214"Closing Time"Jesse WarnRick DunkleFebruary 15, 201271412.19[18]
The BAU are summoned to Los Angeles to investigate when a serial killer's body dump is found in a lifeguard tower. Hotch invites Beth on a date.
15315"A Thin Line"Michael WatkinsVirgil WilliamsFebruary 22, 201271512.78[19]
A series of brutal home invasions and murders in San Bernardino, California initially appear to be gang-related, but the BAU investigation may uncover a more sinister motivation. Meanwhile, Prentiss and Morgan debate about how to train new recruits after a training session ends in failure..
15416"A Family Affair"Rob SperaKimberly Ann HarrisonFebruary 29, 201271612.54[20]
When the BAU travels to Atlanta to investigate the murders of women, the clues lead them to look for an unsub who is not working alone.
15517"Foundation"Dermott DownsJim ClementeMarch 14, 201271812.09[21]
The BAU is called to Scottsdale, Arizona when one young boy is found wandering the desert and another child goes missing, which hits close to home for Morgan.
15618"I Love You, Tommy Brown"John TerleskyJanine Sherman BarroisMarch 21, 201271711.43[22]
When married couples fostering young children end up being killed in Seattle, the BAU team looks for an unsub (Teri Polo) with a maternal-yet-murderous instinct. Also, Garcia fears a possible proposal from Kevin.
15719"Heathridge Manor"Matthew Gray GublerSharon Lee WatsonApril 4, 201271911.34[23]
The BAU team heads to Medford, Oregon to investigate a series of gothic, ritualistic murders. A woman believes that she is fighting against the Devil and his wives; when she dies, the task is continued by her son and reluctant daughter.
15820"The Company"Nelson McCormickBreen FrazierApril 11, 201272011.81[24]
Morgan's sister sees a girl in Chicago, who looks like their presumed dead cousin. Morgan has to confess to his family about the lie he told, and the BAU re-opens her case.
15921"Divining Rod"Doug AarniokoskiBruce ZimmermanMay 2, 201272111.47[24]
After a serial killer is executed in Enid, Oklahoma, a copycat shows up and the FBI agents are called in to find him. Meanwhile, Prentiss gets nervous about a real estate purchase.
16022"Profiling 101"Félix AlcaláVirgil WilliamsMay 9, 201272211.62[25]
Rossi and the team present one of the longest-tenured serial killer cases to college students in Seattle, and they take the class through a nearly 20 year chase for the murderer.
16123"Hit"Michael LangeRick DunkleMay 16, 201272313.68[26]
When the BAU goes up against a gang of serial-killing bank robbers in Washington, D.C., the team tries to negotiate the situation unfolding inside the bank, but the stakes rise when JJ's fiancée, Will (Josh Stewart) is taken hostage. Also, a phone call from her former boss (Sebastian Roché) makes Prentiss ponder her future.
16224"Run"Glenn KershawErica MesserMay 16, 201272413.68[26]
As the BAU team continues to pursue the bank-robbing serial killers, the team determines that the suspects, particularly the female (Tricia Helfer) and her secret partner, have a bigger target in the Nation's capital; and with one of the team still a hostage, they must work quickly to defuse an explosive situation. Also, there are wedding bells for JJ, Strauss thanks Morgan for his help and Prentiss makes a decision about her future.

Ratings

Episode U.S. ratings
Original airdate Viewers
(millions)		 Rank
Night Week
"It Takes a Village" September 21, 2011 14.14[5] 2 13[5]
"Proof" September 28, 2011 12.58[6] 2 13[6]
"Dorado Falls" October 5, 2011 13.43[7] 1 9[7]
"Painless" October 12, 2011 12.87[8] 2 11[8]
"Childhood's Hour" October 19, 2011 13.15[9] 2 11[9]
"Epilogue" November 2, 2011 12.94[10] 2 15[10]
"There's No Place Like Home" November 9, 2011 11.36[11] 2 17[11]
"Hope" November 16, 2011 12.72[12] 2 11[12]
"Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" December 7, 2011 12.41[13] 1 12[13]
"The Bittersweet Science" December 14, 2011 12.88[14] 1 9[14]
"True Genius" January 18, 2012 13.00[15] 2 11[15]
"Unknown Subject" January 25, 2012 13.82[16] 3 5[16]
"Snake Eyes" February 8, 2012 13.31[17] 2 11[17]
"Closing Time" February 15, 2012 12.19[18] 2 10[18]
"A Thin Line" February 22, 2012 12.78[19] 2 13[19]
"A Family Affair" February 29, 2012 12.54[20] 2 8[20]
"I Love You, Tommy Brown" March 14, 2012 11.43[22] 3 6[22]
"Foundation" March 21, 2012 12.09[21] 2 6[21]
"Heathridge Manor" April 4, 2012 11.34[23] 3 14[23]
"The Company" April 11, 2012 11.81[24] 2 7[24]
"Divining Rod" May 2, 2012 11.47[24] 2 11[24]
"Profiling 101" May 9, 2012 11.62[25] 2 12[25]
"Hit (Part I)" May 16, 2012 13.68[26] 2 6[26]
"Run (Part II)" May 16, 2012 13.68[26] 2 6[26]

References

  1. ↑ Criminal Minds - The 7th Season Tv Shows on DVD; Rev. June 11, 2012
  2. ↑ "CBS Announces Fall 2011 Premiere Dates"
  3. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (February 15, 2012). "Paget Brewster To Leave ‘Criminal Minds’". Deadline.com. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
  4. ↑ http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/03/22/cbs-announces-season-finale-dates-for-the-2011-12-season-90100/20120322cbs02/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Gorman, Bill (September 27, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Two And A Half Men' Tops 'Sunday Night Football' For Week Ending September 25, 2011". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Seidman, Robert (October 4, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Two And A Half Men' Falls Just Short of 'Sunday Night Football' with Adults 18-49, But Tops Everything in Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Gorman, Bill (October 11, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Two & A Half Men,' 'Modern Family' Top Week's Adults 18-49 Ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Seidman, Robert (October 18, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Two and a Half Men,' 'Modern Family,' 'NCIS' Top Week #4 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Gorman, Bill (October 25, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football' Beaten By 'Modern Family' & 'Two and a Half Men' In Week #5 Among Adults 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 25, 2011.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Seidman, Robert (November 8, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: Ravens-Steelers, LSU-Alabama, 'Modern Family' Top Week #7 Among Adults 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Gorman, Bill (November 15, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Big Bang Theory' Top Week #8 Among Adults 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Gorman, Bill (November 22, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Modern Family' Top Week 9 Among Adults 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Seidman, Robert (December 13, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Modern Family,' 'Two and a Half Men' Top Week 12". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Gorman, Bill (December 20, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Two and a Half Men,' 'NCIS' Top Week 13". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Seidman, Robert (January 24, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: Giants-49ers, 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory' Top Week 18". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Gorman, Bill (January 31, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory' Top Week 19". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Gorman, Bill (February 14, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Grammy Awards,' 'The Voice,' 'The Big Bang Theory' Top Week 21". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Seidman, Robert (February 22, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'The Voice,' 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'NCIS' Top Week 22". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 22, 2012.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Kondolojy, Amanda (February 28, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Academy Awards' Towers Over The Week, 'Big Bang Theory' Is Top Scripted Show". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Seidman, Robert (March 6, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'The Voice,' 'American Idol,' 'Modern Family,' NCIS Top Week 24". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Kondolojy, Amanda (March 27, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'NCIS' Top Week 27 Ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Bibel, Sara (March 20, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'The Voice,' 'Modern Family' Top Week 26 Ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Bibel, Sara (April 10, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory', 'The Voice,'and 'Person of Interest' Top Week 29 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 Kondolojy, Amanda (May 8, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'NCIS' Top Week 33 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Bibel, Sara (May 15, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol' & 'NCIS' Top Week 34 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 Kondolojy, Amanda (May 22, 2012). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol', 'NCIS' Top Week 35 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
General references

External links