Collateral Damage ~ Another CRIMINAL MINDS Loss

Josh Stewart (top photo), who has had a recurrent role on CRIMINAL MINDS for the past three seasons, has secured a role on "No Ordinary Family," a series premiering this fall on ABC. The actor is also a veteran of the series "Dirt" and "Third Watch."

On CRIMINAL MINDS, Stewart portrayed Detective, Will LaMontagne, who connected with Agent Jennifer Jereau (A.J. Cook) while the BAU was working on a case in New Orleans. In fact, they connected so well, that when Cook became pregnant in real life and a pregnant J.J. had to be explained, LaMontagne was written in as the father of J.J.'s baby.

With A.J.'s (bottom photo with SHEMAR MOORE) departure from MINDS coming in the first two episodes of Season 6, we are wondering if Stewart will be involved, or will his commitment to "No Ordinary Family," make him unavailable.

We would like to see Detective LaMontagne again, at least for one or two more episodes, as he is a fan and LOVING MOORE favorite. Alas, regardless of his availability, without J.J. there isn't a storyline for LaMontagne.

The collateral damage of A.J.'s departure, will be the disappearance of the charming, easy-going Detective from New Orleans.

We wish Stewart success on his new series, but MINDS fans will be sad to know that he won't be around any more.

CRIMINAL MINDS and Chili ~ Better The Second TIme

CRIMINAL MINDS is currently showing reruns on Wednesday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. While some folks dislike sitting through a program a second time, with CRIMINAL MINDS it is often the opportunity to fully appreciate the flavor of the episode.

This week (July 14), "Haunted" will air again. Remembering guest star, Sean Patrick Flanery (top photo), on the cover of Playgirl a few years back, it was hard to picture this hottie in the role of a killer. Young Indiana Jones turned psychopath? Really?

Flanery does an amazing job in "Haunted," as Darrin Call, a man who suffers a psychotic break and goes on a killing spree. As heinous as his crimes may be, he is a sympathetic figure, as his violent and traumatic childhood is revealed.

Also, guest starring in this episode, is Glenn Morshower (bottom photo with Paget Brewster), the bulwark of Federal Agents, through seven seasons of "24." Great seeing him again in an episode adeptly directed by long-time "24" director, Jon Cassar.

Like a warmed over bowl of chili, this one will be delicious. Also starring, SHEMAR MOORE, Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, and A.J. Cook.

CRIMINAL MINDS Cast Returning to Work This Week

First Lola Glaudini left the CRIMINAL MINDS cast at the beginning of the second season. Ho-hum! No one even noticed.

Then Mandy Patinkin left abruptly, just as Season 3 was about to begin filming. There was a wringing of hands and a gnashing of teeth. Oh, what are we going to do without him! Many worried that the series couldn't survive without Mandy. Guess what? CRIMINAL MINDS became every bit as good, if not better after his departure.

Joe Mantegna settled nicely into the role of senior profiler. The cast became more of an ensemble, and less The Mandy Show, and most fans were delighted.

On Wednesday, July 14 the CRIMINAL MINDS cast returns to work on Season 6. This group of remarkable actors, whom we've heard were like a family, is about to lose their little sister. A.J. Cook's contract was not renewed, and she is only appearing in the first two episodes. We're hoping she gets a good send off, not just "I'm leaving to spend more time with my baby." Too lame. She deserves better.

Another sister, Paget Brewster, will be leaving at the end of Season 6.

Will the series survive these cast changes?

It is doubtful that A.J. and Paget will be as forgettable as Lola, or even as Mandy was, after the dust settled. It will hurt to say goodbye to our girls, but if stories are fresh, and the writing top notch, we are betting CRIMINAL MINDS will survive.

CRIMINAL MINDS airs on CBS on Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Cast includes: SHEMAR MOORE, Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Kirsten Vangsness, Paget Brewster and A.J. Cook

Update On Criminal Minds Geek ~ Nicholas Brendon

After an alcohol related run-in with the law back in March, former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star and occasional computer geek on "Criminal Minds," actor Nicholas Brendon checked into rehab. As fans of Brendon, we have been hoping the actor would get his life and career back on track. He pleaded no contest to four misdemeanor charges on June 17, and was sentenced to a one year suspended jail sentence, and thirty-six months of probation. He was also ordered to attend anger management classes.

Nick has been making personal appearances this summer and was spotted looking tan and fit at a recent Meet and Greet Event with his fans. (top photo) We are looking forward to seeing him on "Criminal Minds" in Season 6 in his recurrent role as Penelope Garcia's boyfriend, Kevin Lynch. (bottom photo~with Kirsten Vangsness). Here is an adorable clip of Nick with a young fan.

For more photos and Nicholas Brendon news, visit his official website.

http://nickbrendon.com/

Criminal Minds Stars on the Golf Course

The always busy, Joe Mantegna (top photo), attended the 13th Annual Women In Film Malibu Golf Classic on July 10 in Malibu, California.

Joe plays FBI profiler, David Rossi, on the CBS series, CRIMINAL MINDS. His co-star, Thomas Gibson (bottom) is a avid golfer who frequently participates in golf tournaments on his down time from the hit CBS series. Gibson is considered one of the Hollywood's best celebrity golfers.

Not knocking Joe, who is a LOVING MOORE favorite, but judging by his stance in the picture, we are guessing that golf isn't his forte. The BAU's senior profiler looks like he is either at bat, or whacking some weeds.

Joe is known to be a huge baseball fan, but with golf, we're thinking...not so much.

Worthy Charitable Event ~ And The Chance To Meet The CRIMINAL MINDS Cast

CRIMINAL MINDS Executive Producer, Ed Bernero, the cast and crew of the series, and Area 9 Productions are hosting a FILM FESTIVAL EVENT to raise money for the LUNG CANCER FOUNDATION of AMERICA in the name of Andy Swan. Andy is a crew member at CRIMINAL MINDS who has been battling Stage IV cance, since being diagnosed in February.

By supporting this event, you help to raise much needed funds, and have the opportunity to meet the cast of CRIMINAL MINDS, including Joe Mantegna, SHEMAR MOORE, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Paget Brewster and Kirsten Vangsness.

Three fantastic Door Prizes will be awarded to audience members.
1~A day on the set of CRIMINAL MINDS!!!
2~A $1000 scholarship to Video Sympathy
3~A seven night stay at Global Resort Homes in Orlando, Florida

This July 24 event is a MUST ATTEND event for anyone in the Pasadena Area, and especially for CRIMINAL MINDS/SHEMAR MOORE fans.

August 29 EMMY AWARDS ~ A Night To Forget

The 2010 Emmy Awards were just announced, and, of course, they've never heard of CRIMINAL MINDS.

It wasn't unexpected. Except for two awards for Stunt Coordination, CRIMINAL MINDS has been ignored since the series premiered five seasons ago. It was naive to think that Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner) could possibly be considered Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his stunning performance as the husband of a murdered spouse in "100." It was ridiculous to think that Joe Mantegna might be deserving of a Best Actor nod for his consistently solid role as the patriarchal, senior profiler, David Rossi.

And why would SHEMAR MOORE, who has so adeptly portrayed Derek Morgan this season, an Agent grown dark and brooding from years of doing a difficult job, ever be considered for recognition? Hey, he's just an old soap opera actor.

So on August 29, the night of the Emmy Awards Show ignore the Emmys, as they have ignored CRIMINAL MINDS. Put a CRIMINAL MINDS DVD in your player instead, and enjoy one of the best programs to never get any respect.

(photos: CRIMINAL MINDS cast on the last day of filming Season 5. From left to right~Joe Mantegna, SHEMAR MOORE, Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler, Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook, and Thomas Gibson. SHEMAR MOORE in "Solitary Man.")