Criminal Minds season 13 spoilers: How Daniel Henney appears
Well, the answer revealed itself at the TCA Summer Press Tour this week: The IRT no longer exists! Speaking to TV Guide at the event, star Kirsten Vangsness suggested that Simmons joins the BAU following “some sort of scandal that made the IRT collapse.” That’s a far more intriguing reason for him joining than expected! The writers easily could’ve just said he received a better salary offer with the BAU and leaped over. The response team shutting down forces the writers’ hands when it comes to Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. Unless some of those characters get other jobs in the FBI, they won’t appear on the flagship show. Never say never, but don’t hold out too much hope.
Henney, meanwhile, played things a little more coy on his appearance, telling the website that “the IRT was taken apart last season and didn’t make it to a Season 3, so I’m looking for work and apparently these guys call me and I come to help out Penelope.” No matter the reason, Henney will prove to be a great addition to the team. He provides likability, physicality (important for a show like this), intelligence, and great backstory. His skill set also allows for him approach cases in a different way.
The news of Daniel signing on comes following the departure of Damon Gupton. His exit was the result of a creative decision, but he recently landed a role over on Black Lightning. In the end, everything worked out for all parties involved. You don’t see that all that often, so let’s celebrate it when it does!
Season 13 of Criminal Minds premieres on CBS this fall. Unfortunately, few details are available for the story at the moment. The season ended with a dramatic car accident that could cost some agents their lives. (Clearly, Gupton’s Stephen Walker is in grave danger.) Beyond that, new UnSubs and cases will emerge, and hopefully, more backstory to go along with it. Not everyone received the Reid arc all that well, but the potential still exists with the idea. Producers just need to come up with the right character and way to introduce it. Separating Reid from the majority of the team proved to be a bad idea for the duration of the time it went on. Shorten the arc, and make it more interactive for the remainder of the cast. Also, bring in more notable guest stars! Often in procedurals, it’s difficult otherwise to generate consistent excitement.
Now, your take on Daniel Henney joining
Like it? Hate the idea of the IRT crumbling? One way or another, share in the comments!
Meanwhile, click here in the event you do want additional insight on Criminal Minds and the long-term future of the series. (Photo: CBS.)