Top 10 Best Characters From Criminal Minds
Dr. Spencer Reid is a highly intelligent FBI agent with an eidetic memory, skilled in geographic profiling and behavioral analysis. He holds multiple degrees, including in mathematics, chemistry, and engineering, and is a key profiler for the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). He's a great agent who understands his duty and is unlikely to snap. And when he does, you've got to admit - it's hilarious.
"'...a very special message that your mother is a- '"
He's loyal to his friends, and though he started off being emotionally frail in some respects, he hasn't let anyone break him. He's gone through a lot and yet is able to sympathize with people, especially females and children. Sure, there are times when his silence hints at an inability to express his feelings, or it may make him seem cold - especially when he's quoting statistics on crime and when talking to some people - but there are other times when he is anything but cold. This constant change in his behavior is actually likable.
His child-like love for Halloween is always sweet to watch, and he tends to say the most innocent things.
"'I didn't even get to say goodbye.'"
Sure, there are times when he over-thinks things and relies too much on his intelligence and too little on instinct. This can make him come off as a stereotype, with his initial inability to shoot straight or play softball (though I can relate... never played it). However, these weaknesses just make him a stronger character.
He isn't as cold as Prentiss may come off, or as over-enthusiastic as Garcia (though I love her character as a whole), or as in-your-face as Morgan when he's angry. Because he doesn't fit into these extremes, he fits into the type of character I like. That is not to say that the other characters don't have their strengths and lovable characteristics, but Reid is by far the best.
As for his skill set... that speaks mostly for itself. But how is it that he has a doctorate in engineering yet has done nothing in any of those fields? (Then again, I'm just on season 9.)
Penelope Garcia serves as the BAU's technical analyst, providing critical support through her expertise in computer forensics and database management. She brings both levity and essential cyber-skills to the team, helping agents locate suspects and analyze data remotely. One of the funniest and arguably most important members on the team (name one case that wasn't solved using her computer skills). Penelope is just plain awesome! Her relationship with Morgan is also, by far, my favorite on the show.
In a show like Criminal Minds, it is important to have someone like Garcia, or else the show would be more depressing than it already is.
She is the glue and comic relief. I love drama, but she brings the right amount of levity and humor to the show.
Derek Morgan is a seasoned FBI agent with expertise in explosives, tactical operations, and fugitive tracking. Known for his physical endurance and dedication, he takes on a protective role within the team. Okay, obviously number 1 is Reid and number 2 is JJ, but come on. Derek is a thousand times better than Emily. She's overly serious at times and then overly emotional at other times. Pick a role, for goodness' sake.
Sex for the eyes. That's why he's my number two. The only reason he's not above Reid is because Lord knows I love myself some adorable nerd.
He's the best, even better than Reid, because he's brave, strong, smart, funny, kind, and he's good-looking.
Jennifer "J.J." Jareau initially served as the BAU's communications liaison, responsible for media relations and coordinating with other agencies. She later transitioned to profiling, becoming a senior agent with strong tactical and interpersonal skills. J.J. is the kindest, sweetest, and most human character on the show, but it does not prevent her from being intelligent, strong, and talented. She has many facets, and it's really interesting!
She is just awesome. No one can ever replace her. I think she is the strongest, smartest, and best agent in Criminal Minds. This was about Jennifer Jareau, but Andrea Joy Cook, I love her eyes.
She is strong, compassionate, kind, and smart. She is there for all of the agents, and she is beautiful. What's not to love?
Emily Prentiss is an experienced FBI agent and former BAU Section Chief with extensive knowledge in international criminal cases. Fluent in multiple languages, she provides valuable insights and cultural perspectives in complex cases. Ok, picking my favorite Criminal Minds character is SO HARD! I love them all so much for different reasons. The only character that I didn't love as much was Elle. I'm not hating. I just loved the other characters more.
Emily - I think Emily is my favorite. I go back and forth between characters, but I always come back to her. I still love the other characters SO MUCH! I liked her character, and she was really smart. The chemistry and relationship she had with the other characters were lovable, and she had faith in a lot of people, like Jordan, the girl who took over for JJ on maternity leave. She can speak 8 languages! Not to mention she has great interrogation skills and is very observant of behavior. Even though everyone else is too, I just like the things she notices.
JJ - I love JJ. She's sweet, kind, and intelligent. She never really lets her emotions get the best of her, and she's an amazing mom as well as an amazing friend to everyone in the bureau. She's so pretty too!
Garcia - Aw, I just love Penelope. She always sees the good in people, and she's just so innocent. All you can do is love her. Her personality is so bright and fun, and her friendly relationships with everyone, especially Morgan, are just so lovable. I absolutely love how kind and welcoming she is. When she jokes around with the other characters, it's always a memorable moment.
Gideon - I always loved Gideon. He was so smart, kind, patient, and gentle. His relationship with Reid was my favorite. He was like a father figure. His letter to Reid was so sweet and made me feel sad but content at the same time.
Reid - Aw, I love Reid. He's hilarious when he tries to be conversational, but no one has any idea what he's talking about. He's smart, and I love that. He's so young, yet Hotch and everyone else can rely on him when they're in a tough spot in the investigation. I love how he grows as a character too. And like Emily, I like the things he figures out from... more
Jason Gideon is a founding member of the BAU and a highly skilled profiler with a deep understanding of criminal psychology. His vast experience and intuition often guide the team through complex and high-stakes cases. Underrated character. He may have been overly serious sometimes, but the way he smiled and the way he always encouraged his team in times of doubt made him so memorable to me.
"The Game" and "Revelations" really hit me hard. Knowing that he's gone now breaks my heart. The fact that he skipped clubbing to read about birds just says everything about him. I knew I loved him when he started talking to the camera in "Revelations" to tell Reid that he was strong and could get through the whole thing.
I wish he could have been in the show longer. I'm sure people wouldn't be debating whether he was a good guy if he had stayed in the show for a few more seasons. His smile was beautiful, and I miss him.
Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner is the BAU's former unit chief, known for his methodical approach and commitment to justice. A former prosecutor, he leads with a calm but authoritative presence, ensuring both strategic planning and team cohesion. Hotch is a highly complex and well-developed character who puts his duty above all else despite the numerous tragedies he has experienced as a result of his job.
Criminal Minds without Hotch is not the phenomenal show it used to be, as is evident from the drop in views by nearly 50% in Season 13 compared to all the previous seasons. Aaron Hotchner is and will forever be the one and only true leader of the team.
He was the best agent, according to me. Had he been there, he would have gotten Reid out quite quickly.
Elle Greenaway was an original member of the BAU team with a specialization in sexual offense cases. Her time with the BAU ended after a traumatic incident, but her expertise greatly contributed to early cases. Are you guys for real? Elle is so good!
She was one of the original female profilers before Emily came along. Elle should be number one. She was easily the best! The way she left the show was sad, but she snapped.
It was really good to have her on the show. Not only did she take down an unsub by herself, but she was the first female to take one down with just one kick! She should be ranked close to JJ and Emily. Again, JJ is pretty much the best, but Elle would still have the moves.
Emily lied about her past and being undercover, but JJ and Elle didn't do that. I will give Emily this, though - I like her bangs, and she's a good profiler.
But Elle doesn't get half the credit that JJ or Emily get. Again, she was the first female on the team to take the law into her own hands. People need to realize that.
I watch the show over and over for Rossi! He has quite a bit of background in theater - I just found out he was in Hair (great play, by the way).
The Newcomers
I thought he was good. I don't know why so many people don't like him.
Loved her mother-son relationship with Reid.
She was smart and good at her job, and she was like a mother to Reid.
They killed her off once I started to like her.
Funny and underrated. Not the best, but a good character.
I liked Kate. I was sad to see her go.