9 Scenes That Prove Hotch's Absence Is Felt in Criminal Minds

In the spin-off of Criminal Minds, certain aspects from the original series are missing, but what’s most challenging to replace is the role of Aaron “Hotch” Hotcher, played by Thomas Gibson. Hotch was our leader, guiding a dedicated team of FBI profilers who always managed to apprehend the most heinous and unsettling unsubs (unknown subjects), even though their crimes were truly horrific. After 12 long years, Gibson decided to part ways with Criminal Minds, leaving Emily Prentiss (played by Paget Brewster) to step into a more prominent role.

As the third season of Criminal Minds: Evolution draws near, it’s evident that Chief Prentiss is set to make her comeback. Although Paget Brewster has delivered commendable performances in the Paramount+ reboot, the current BAU seems lacking without its full original team. However, while Derek Morgan and Spencer Reid might find their way back, a return for Hotch in Criminal Minds: Evolution would require a substantial change in the storyline.

9. Hotch Cleans The Blood Off Of Elle’s Wall

Season 2, Episode 1

In the popular show Criminal Minds, numerous chilling unsubs were featured, but the two-part episode after “The Fisher King” introduced the series’ primary antagonist. His cryptic messages and intricate puzzles distinguished him from others, and what made him truly unique was his attack on a BAU team member. In the finale of Criminal Minds’ first season, Elle Greenaway (played by Lola Glaudini) narrowly escaped death in her own residence.

In the season 2 premiere, after the BAU successfully thwarts the unsub’s plans, Hotch takes it upon himself to wipe Elle’s blood off her wall. This scene, though straightforward and characteristic of Hotch’s stoic nature, symbolizes his unwavering dedication to his team. By cleaning up the aftermath of their harrowing encounter, Hotch demonstrated his readiness to go to great lengths for his team.

8. Hotch Describes His Team To Strauss

Season 2, Episode 23

As a dedicated fan of Criminal Minds, I recall that within the Behavioral Analysis Unit, it was Hotch who reported directly to the Section Chief, Erin Strauss – a character portrayed by Jayne Atkinson. Strauss made her debut in the season 2 finale, swiftly voicing her dissatisfaction with Hotch’s leadership and advocating for changes within our team, which included Reid, Morgan, Prentiss, Penelope Garcia, and JJ Jareau. When Strauss sought her opinion on us, Hotch shared his thoughts, emphasizing the importance of each member to the unit’s success.

1. Morgan battled hard to keep his identity hidden from those who might rescue him. The reason? Trust must be gained first.

2. Reid’s intelligence acts as a barrier against his feelings, and at present, this barrier is being repaired.

3. Prentiss compensates excessively because she hasn’t yet felt accepted within the team. However, there’s no need for her to worry. Day by day, Agent Jareau manages countless requests for our team, and each night she goes home wondering if she made the right decisions.

4. Garcia surrounds herself with figurines and bright colors in her office as a reminder to keep smiling amidst the horrors displayed on her screens.

As a movie lover, I’d put it this way: Hotch has an uncanny knack for grasping the deepest apprehensions of his BAU team in a way that reveals just how deeply he connects with them. It’s not just about knowing your colleagues; it’s about truly comprehending their core selves, their strengths, and their vulnerabilities – Hotch knows his team inside out.

7. Hotch Profiles A Defense Attorney In Court

Season 3, Episode 19

One captivating aspect of Criminal Minds lies in watching the federal profilers apply their exceptional talents – that is, delving into the intricate profiles of suspects. Throughout the show, this process, though collaborative, benefits from each team member’s distinct skill set. In response to skepticism about behavioral analysis by a defense attorney, Hotch provides an impromptu, compelling demonstration, enlightening not only him but the entire courtroom as well.

As a film enthusiast, let me rephrase that intriguing exchange: In one of Criminal Minds’ memorable lines, I, as the Unit Chief, quip back at the attorney by coolly stating “charcoal gray” when he jokingly guesses about my sock color. Delving deeper into his character, I expose his gambling issue and subtly reinforce the BAU’s necessity by doing so. While many on our team could have profiled him, it was only I who delivered that perfect, dry wit that left everyone in awe.

6. Hotch Stands His Ground During The Hostage Crisis

Season 4, Episode 3

One of the most significant episodes in the ‘Criminal Minds’ series is season 4, episode 3, titled “Minimal Loss“. This particular episode was inspired by a real-life case, making the actions of the unsub particularly chilling. However, it was not the cult community that placed Prentiss and Reid in danger; instead, they were compromised due to an unexpected operation by the state police.

The memorable moment showcased the intense level of involvement that Hotch had in the hostage situation, so profoundly that he struggled to preserve his professional detachment and indifference. Beneath his usual facade, Hotch’s devotion towards his team’s wellbeing exposed a deep-seated passion within him.

5. Hotch Agrees To Investigate The Death Of Emily’s Friend

Season 4, Episode 17

For 15 seasons on Criminal Minds, Emily Prentiss has been a central figure with some of the most intense plotlines, such as staging her own death and leading a secret life. Now, she’s deeply involved in the “Demonology” case due to the fact that the initial victim was her friend. Despite Hotch having the option to dismiss this case and make Emily move on, he chooses to delve into it further and involves the entire team as well.

Occasionally during the case, Emily’s personal involvement created potential risks for the BAU, and Hotch had to intervene multiple times to keep her focused. Nonetheless, it’s evident that the team’s determination intensified as they sought answers for one of their own. The question of whether Hotch was right to proceed with the investigation is open to discussion, but he was resolute in standing by his team.

4. Hotch Kills Foyet

Season 5, Episode 9

In the realm of television’s crime dramas, I must confess that no unsub has left an indelible mark on me quite like George Foyet, alias “The Reaper” (portrayed by C. Thomas Howell). This chilling character, reminiscent of real-life killers such as The Zodiac, was a masterful blend of terror and intrigue.

Foyet’s chilling obsession with my character, Hotch, created a tension that echoed through the series. Over time, we became an unlikely pair – adversaries of sorts, bound by a mutual understanding that our paths would cross again and again.

In this twisted game, Foyet made no distinction between us as individuals; instead, he targeted the dearest pieces in my life: my wife, Haley (Meredith Monroe), and son, Jack (Cade Owens). They were mere pawns in his macabre scheme, serving as a constant reminder of the danger lurking just beyond the periphery.

In the 100th episode of Criminal Minds, the conflict reaches its peak when Foyet murders Haley and warns Hotch that he intends to kill Jack as well. The two men engage in a fierce fight, but Hotch’s anger overwhelms him when Foyet tries to surrender, leading him to brutally defeat The Reaper. As the rest of the BAU team attempt to pull Hotch away and console him, the tough and tenacious Unit Chief crumbles in tears. This poignant scene showcased a raw human emotion that added genuine depth to Hotch’s character.

3. Jack Dresses Up As Hotch For Halloween

Season 6, Episode 6

Following Haley’s demise, the theme of Hotch’s fatherhood emerged subtly throughout the series Criminal Minds. The remorse over his wife’s passing gnawed at Hotch, yet Jack never held him responsible for Foyet’s heinous crimes. In fact, in season 6 of Criminal Minds, Jack chose to dress up as his father for Halloween, as opposed to his initial costume (Spider-Man). This was because, in Jack’s eyes, Hotch was a “true” superhero.

As a movie critic, I must say that while Prentiss and Hotch share some commonalities, there’s a unique bond between Hotch and his son that simply can’t be duplicated. The emotional highs and lows we witnessed throughout the series offered a rare glimpse into Hotch’s soul, revealing his son as the most vital individual in his life. Unlike any other BAU member, it wasn’t just about solving cases or apprehending killers; Hotch’s role as a father was an integral part of who he was as an agent and as a person.

2. Hotch Shoots An Unsub Underwater

Season 6, Episode 22

Despite the situation, a well-executed sequence of events remains impactful. In the series Criminal Minds, there were numerous standoffs with unidentified subjects (unsubs). More often than not, the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) either managed to persuade the killer or arrived in time to save the last victim. During season 6, episode 22 of Criminal Minds, after the unsub crashes his car into the water, Morgan promptly jumps in to free the woman trapped in the passenger seat. However, the unsub regains consciousness and attempts to hinder him.

(The sentence structure has been rearranged slightly for clarity, but the meaning remains the same)

The intense standoff is momentarily halted when Hotch, unexpectedly submerged underwater near the car, discharges a shot through the windshield to eliminate the unsub at close range. It’s hard to envision anyone else delivering such an impactful entrance and maintaining composure while handling business. Hotch was known for his calculated approach and cool demeanor, but he never missed an opportunity to step into the thrilling scenes of Criminal Minds.

1. Hotch Has Dinner With Garcia

Season 11, Episode 9

Hotchrically kept his emotions hidden on Criminal Minds, but he wasn’t hesitant to express feelings through actions. In situations like when Garcia needs to stay at the office during a case, her distress is evident. She suggests making a “veggie omelet” for Hotch, yet it’s clear she isn’t hopeful. Rather than leaving Garcia by herself or going home, Hotch instead enquires about jalapeños and gives a friendly smile.

In the realm of “Criminal Minds,” it’s those subtle moments, like Hotch’s grin as he prepares peppers, that make him utterly indispensable. His stoic facade only serves to magnify his emotional outbursts, and the unspoken yet palpable affection he holds for his team adds depth to his character. Prentiss excels in her role as Section Chief in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” but she can’t quite match up to Hotch’s unique charm. The original essence of “Criminal Minds” resides with Hotch, and while “Evolution” is a commendable spinoff, it can’t help but feel like a worthy imitation rather than the genuine article.

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2025-04-19 19:09

9 Scenes That Prove Hotch’s Absence Is Felt in Criminal Minds