For many seasons, Criminal Minds followed the story of a group of criminal profilers working for the FBI. As is often the case with a show that runs for 15 seasons, the cast underwent some significant changes. This included the departure of Shemar Moore in Season 11, who played Supervisory Special Agent Derek Morgan. After being a main cast member for 11 seasons, his exit was a shock to fans. But there was a good reason behind his decision.
Criminal Minds focused on the Behavioral Analysis Unit, part of the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Established in 1985, it brought a level of expertise to investigate immediate threats or acts of violence. Originally led by Jason Gideon played by Mandy Patinkin, the TV version of the BAU traveled across the United States to provide operational support for a variety of cases involving unusual subjects.
As a long-time member of the BAU, Shemar Morgan was an integral part of the team. He formed a particularly strong bond with a technical analyst named Penelope Garcia. While not a field agent, Garcia worked from a central location, offering unmatched technical support and investigative skills. Garcia and Morgan shared an emotional intimacy that was incredibly appealing. Their ongoing banter was definitely a highlight of Criminal Minds.
The Garcia/Morgan relationship was a big part of why Criminal Minds fans were dismayed when Shemar Moore left the series and Derek Morgan was written off in 2017. Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds with the desire to explore new opportunities and focus on his personal life. After 11 seasons on Criminal Minds, Moore was ready to take some time to relax with his family and his dogs, something he hadn’t been able to do for a while.Shemar Moore’s exit from Criminal Minds was one of the most painful losses for fans
Season 11 was the last for the actor and gave him some great episodes. In Season 11, Episode 16, Morgan had visions of his father, played by Danny Glover. It was the first time fans saw Hank Morgan portrayed in that way. The downside of the episode was that Morgan had been kidnapped and the BAU had to rescue him. This incident made Derek realize he needed to step away from life in the BAU. In reality, it was a solid farewell for the character.
Moore made appearances in Seasons 12 and 13, briefly bringing Derek Morgan back into the world of Criminal Minds. But Season 11 marked the end of his run as a main character. Morgan never appeared in the final two seasons of the series, leaving fans hopeful that his life turned out the way he wanted.
