Change is in the Air for "Criminal Minds"

CBS crime drama, 'Criminal Minds' is feeling the world shake beneath their feet. With many changes in the air and an upcoming spin-off, we have to wonder if there is eminent doom facing the show.

The best thing going for the show is that it is different. We have so many crime dramas on the air and they seem to be all about the same; until 'Criminal Minds' came along. 'Criminal Minds' started to delve a little deeper into the why and not as much on the how. Personally, I like to know a little more about the why. With many changes on the way for the popular show, let's take a look at the changes that could make or break 'Criminal Minds'.

Taking away the strong female leads This season has marked the beginning of the changes in the cast with the ousting of character Jennifer "J.J." Jereau. (A.J. Cook) For all of us fans, it was a change none of us saw coming and very abrupt. Now, Emily Prentiss (Padget Brewster) is showing up in fewer shows this season and confirming that this will be her last season. That fans are not happy with the change is of no surprise. Rumors were that Rachel Nichols was going to step in A.J. Cooks spot, but she is only slated for 3 episodes. CBS better find someone the audience loves because otherwise, they could be shooting themselves in the foot. Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gruber) , Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) ,Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangness) and David Rossi (Joe Montegna) are staying on in their current roles.

This season's theme... "Secrets" Everyone is talking about how this season is all about the secrets of the BAU team. Many times, secrets coming out mean cast members leaving. This season, everyone has a secret to share, some interesting and some a little darker. Granted, a 6^th season is a crucial point in any show to keep things fresh, but what is Ed Bernero thinking? It could be an attempt to get to know the characters better and love/hate them even more, or it could take away from the plot lines of the show.

Criminal Minds Spin-off; Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior Spin-offs sometimes make it and sometimes don't. This spring is slated to have the new series, in which Kirstin Vangsness will portray her role of Penelope Garcia on both shows. Forrest Whitaker, Beau Garret, and Janeane Garofalo are cast as part of the new BAU team set in San Francisco in which the BAU team assisted late in the 5^th season. A similar tactic was taken to introduce 'CSI Miami' and it has had great success, however, with ratings being down for the original 'Criminal Minds', we have to wonder is this move pure genius or a last minute attempt to save this show.

What will happen to one of our favorite shows? Only time will tell. We know the cast is not happy about many of the changes, especially the cast shake-ups. I, for one, hope this show only gets better. I would hate to have to find another show to watch on Wednesday nights.