Criminal Minds is renowned as an elite crime drama that aired in 2005 and ended in 2020. Among the many characters who've come and gone, Jason Gideon (played by Mandy Patinkin) remains noteworthy. Patinkin's character was one of the lead detectives from the FBI on the show.
Gideon was last seen at the end of Season 3, Episode 2 of Criminal Minds, which is titled "In Name and Blood." The episode featured a tumultuous race against time to rescue Dr Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) from becoming a victim of a ruthless serial killer.
Gideon blamed himself for Reid's trauma since he considered himself a sort of father figure to him. Moreover, Gideon was under mental and emotional duress because of the agents who were killed in a bombing under his command. In the end, Gideon wrote a heartbreaking letter to Reid explaining his resignation from the BAU.
Although Gideon seemingly left for other reasons, the Season 10 episode titled "Nelson's Sparrow" confirmed Gideon was murdered (off-screen) years after he'd left the BAU.
Who killed Jason Gideon in Criminal Minds?
As mentioned, Gideon's death was officially confirmed in Season 10 of Criminal Minds. Presumed MIA or taking some time off to recuperate, Gideon's fate was finally unveiled in season 10 episode 13: "Nelson's Sparrow."
The Criminal Minds character died at the hands of Donnie Mallick, a serial killer whom he chased in the past. Mallick tracked down Gideon's cabin in the woods and shot him twice: once in the stomach and once in the head.
Mallick (played by Arye Gross) was a stalker, abductor, and delusional serial killer. Desperately wanting to replace his deceased wheelchair-ridden aunt Gertie, he'd relentlessly stalk women, dislocate their legs. And once he was done, he'd dispose their bodies on the outskirts of the city in 1978 (in the show).
However, he did find one victim who appeared to be a complete replacement, rendering his murderous instincts dormant. After she died in 2015, he snapped once again and began another hunt.
Gideon's murder is what probed the BAU to investigate and capture Mallick once and for all and deliver justice for the fallen officer.
Why did Mandy Patinkin leave Criminal Minds?
Shortly after his departure from the CBS show, Patinkin claimed that he left Criminal Minds due to "creative differences." Patinkin revealed his real reason for leaving to the New York Magazine. Nearly 5 years after leaving, Patinkin recalled his experience and reason for departing from the show.
Claiming Criminal Minds was "the biggest public mistake," Patinkin said,
"I thought they were going to kill and rape all these women every night, every day, week after week, year after year... It was very destructive to my soul and my personality. After that, I didn't think I would get to work in television again."
Who replaced Jason Gideon in the BAU in Criminal Minds?
After Gideon's abrupt departure from the BAU in Criminal Minds, Joe Mantegna replaced him as Special Agent David Rossi in 2007. Mantegna is renowned for his iconic role in Baby's Day Out.
Mantegna's character had made a voluntary return from his retirement to the BAU shortly after Patinkin left the Criminal Minds franchise. Special Agent Rossi is described as soft-spoken, a lone wolf, and a man of high intellect.
Although he took a while to warm up, Rossi quickly bonded with the rest of his team. From celebrating birthdays and big moments Rossi grew to accept the team as his family. Mantegna continued to stay with the Criminal Minds team until the end of the show in 2020.
Where is actor Mandy Patinkin now?
Years after leaving Criminal Minds, Patinkin continued acting in movies and shows, including Homeland, Chicago Hope, Dead Like Me, Wonder, and others.ked on.
Earlier this year, he returned to pursuing the role of a detective on Hulu's Death and Other Details per The Los Angeles Times. However, after just one season, the show was scrapped.
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