‘Criminal Minds’ Catastrophe: Patinkin Panic Builds to Departure
Mandy’s Behavior Criminal to Some
Last week, Mandy Patinkin, who plays Jason Gideon in CBS’ mega popular FBI profiler series Criminal Minds, did not show up for the first table read (a preliminary read through the script with all relevant cast members present) of the new season, the show’s third. Yet, the Emmy- and Tony-winning actor allegedly informed “the show, the studios, and the network the [sic] he was returning right up to the day before we started shooting the first episode,” according to executive producer Ed Bernero in an official statement appearing on the prominent fan blog Criminal Minds Fanatic.
Subsequent reports indicate that the foreboding bad behavior, if that’s what it actually was (who knows or will ever know everyone’s side of the story), was indeed a sign of Patinkin’s departure. Although he has supposedly agreed to appear in one episode in the fall to help wrap up his character’s story, Patinkin is rumored to have been written out of the season premiere, and the series has already issued a casting call for a character that sounds similar.
[sarcasm]Well, it’s nice of Patinkin to at least help provide a bit of closure for fans and viewers.[/sarcasm]
Update: Broadcasting & Cable now reports it was confirmed today that “[a]fter not showing up for a table read last week, Patinkin has asked to be released from his contract. And ABC Studios and CBS Paramount have agreed.” The reason, according to Patinkin’s people, is those ever elusive “creative differences.”
Moreover, there apparently is no truth to the rumor that Patinkin was simply trying to coerce his bosses into giving him a fatter paycheck. “CBS Paramount and ABC Studios stressed that the actor’s departure ‘was not in any way connected to contract renegotiations or salary issues.’”
Fat comfort that is to most fans who now feel their fave show is missing an essential ingredient. Gideon’s replacement better be darn good.
Mandy Patinkin photo courtesy of CBS
