What Happened to Derek Morgan in Criminal Minds? Does Derek Morgan Come Back? Who Plays Morgan in Criminal Minds?
by A Maria
Updated Jun 06, 2023
What Happened to Derek Morgan in Criminal Minds?
Season 11 of Criminal Minds presented a challenging journey for the brilliant agent Derek. In the episode titled "A Badge and a Gun," Derek confronts one of his deepest fears when he is abducted by a despicable gang of criminals while out with his pregnant wife, Savannah (Rochelle Aytes). The following episode, "Derek," picks up right where the previous one left off, depicting Derek engaged in a fierce battle against his malicious captors. In a daring move, Derek manages to escape by employing an unconventional method. As noted by Fandom, he swallows and retrieves a SIM card, inserts it into a barely functioning phone, and uses it to contact his trusted colleagues at the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).
However, these two episodes merely serve as a preview of the intense events that lie ahead. In "The Sandman," Derek experiences the harrowing moment of witnessing his wife being shot. Subsequently, in "A Beautiful Disaster," he becomes entangled in a chilling game of Russian roulette with his sworn enemy, Chazz Montolo (Lance Henriksen). Unfortunately, Derek loses the game. In a desperate plea, he asks Chazz to call the BAU team. Astonishingly, Chazz complies. While conversing with his team, Derek seizes the opportunity to grab Chazz's arm, overpower him, and wrestle him to the ground.
The BAU team swiftly arrives at the scene, resulting in Derek's liberation. However, these spine-chilling incidents mark his final moments on-screen. The tumultuous events lead Derek to make the decision to resign from the BAU, opting to prioritize spending time with his family. Season 11 of Criminal Minds takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as Derek faces unimaginable challenges and confronts his deepest fears. The intense episodes serve as a turning point for the character, culminating in his departure from the team. The gripping narrative highlights the sacrifices and choices made by this beloved agent, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the series.
Does Derek Morgan Come Back?
After his departure as a main character in Season 11, Derek Morgan, portrayed by Shemar Moore, made brief appearances in Seasons 12 and 13 of Criminal Minds. However, those glimpses into Morgan's world were short-lived. Fans were left longing for more as he did not appear in the final few seasons of the series. With his absence, viewers were left to wonder about the trajectory of his life and hoped that it unfolded according to his desires. Despite his departure from the show, Derek Morgan remains a beloved character in the hearts of fans, and his presence is still deeply missed by the Criminal Minds community.
Who Plays Morgan in Criminal Minds?
Shemar Moore, the talented actor behind the enigmatic character Derek Morgan on the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, brings a captivating presence to the screen. With his portrayal of Morgan, Moore delves into the intricate world of fixations and obsessive behaviors, showcasing the character's expertise in the field. As a Supervisory Special Agent of the FBI's esteemed Behavioral Analysis Unit, Morgan's skills are unparalleled, and he even served as interim unit chief for a brief period.
Making his debut in the pilot episode titled "Extreme Aggressor," originally aired on September 22, 2005, Moore's character quickly became an integral part of the series. Throughout his tenure on the show, which spanned multiple seasons, Derek Morgan remained one of the central figures, solidifying his status as one of the three main characters to appear since the very first season. In fact, he holds the distinction of being the sole character to have appeared in every single episode until his departure in Season 11.
Moore's exceptional talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed, earning him numerous accolades throughout his career. With an impressive collection of awards, including eight NAACP Image Awards, he has also been recognized with the prestigious 2000 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his remarkable work on The Young and the Restless. Additionally, in 2016, Moore received a well-deserved nomination for a People's Choice Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Criminal Minds.
Shemar Moore's portrayal of Derek Morgan has left an indelible mark on the hearts of both fans and critics alike. With his undeniable charisma and remarkable acting prowess, Moore brings a curious allure to the character, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating each episode and cherishing the memorable moments he shared on screen.
Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds is an acclaimed American police procedural crime drama television series that was created and produced by Jeff Davis. The show first premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005, and originally concluded on February 19, 2020, but it was later revived in 2022. The series revolves around a group of highly skilled criminal profilers who are part of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Utilizing their expertise in behavioral analysis and profiling, they investigate crimes and hunt down the unknown subjects, or "unsubs," who are the perpetrators of these heinous acts.
Throughout its run, Criminal Minds captivated audiences with its gripping narratives and complex characters. The show delves into both the professional and personal lives of the team members, highlighting their dedication to solving cases while also exploring their individual struggles and challenges. As one of CBS's most-watched shows, Criminal Minds became ratings hit, consistently drawing a large viewership over its impressive 15-year-long run.
The success of Criminal Minds gave rise to a media franchise, expanding its reach beyond the original series. Numerous spin-offs have been created, including a South Korean adaptation and a video game, further cementing the show's cultural impact and popularity. The fifteenth season, which consisted of ten episodes, served as the final season of the main series and aired from January 8 to February 19, 2020. It marked the end of the franchise, following the cancellations of the two previous spin-off series, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, due to low ratings.
However, the story didn't end there. A sixteenth season titled Criminal Minds: Evolution premiered on Paramount+ in November 2022, breathing new life into the beloved franchise. Additionally, fans can look forward to a planned true-crime docuseries called The Real Criminal Minds, which has been ordered by Paramount+. Criminal Minds has left an indelible mark on the crime drama genre, captivating audiences with its thrilling storytelling and memorable characters. Its enduring popularity and expansion into spin-offs and related media showcase the enduring legacy of this groundbreaking television series.
Synopsis of Criminal Minds
The series delves into the captivating world of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), where a group of skilled criminal profilers utilizes behavioral analysis and profiling techniques to tackle challenging cases and apprehend the unknown subjects, commonly referred to as "unsubs." Led by Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner, later succeeded by Emily Prentiss, this dedicated team showcases their unparalleled expertise in unraveling the minds of criminals.
At the core of the BAU is Jason Gideon, the esteemed founder of the unit, renowned throughout the Bureau as the epitome of profiling excellence. Joining him is Derek Morgan, a former Chicago Police officer whose expertise lies in obsessional crimes, providing valuable insights into the psychology of perpetrators. Spencer Reid, a brilliant member of the team, specializes in geographic profiling, utilizing his exceptional intellect to unravel the complex patterns behind criminal behavior.
The team's communication liaison, Jennifer Jareau, known as JJ, evolves into a skilled profiler, showcasing her adaptability and resourcefulness in the field. Elle Greenway brings her expertise in sex crimes to the table, while David Rossi, one of the original BAU agents, contributes his extensive knowledge in criminal profiling gained over years of experience. As the team evolves, fresh faces emerge, such as rookie FBI agent Ashley Seaver, linguistics specialist Alex Blake, and seasoned undercover agent Kate Callahan, each adding their unique skill sets to the mix.
Tara Lewis, a forensic psychologist, offers invaluable psychological insights into the minds of criminals, while Luke Alvez, initially an expert fugitive tracker, later transitions into a proficient profiler. The team is further strengthened by the inclusion of Stephen Walker, an expert in counterintelligence, and Matt Simmons, a seasoned profiler who joins from the FBI International Response Team.
Together, this diverse and talented group forms an unstoppable force, relentlessly pursuing justice and striving to protect innocent lives. Their collective knowledge, combined with their unwavering determination, allows them to navigate the darkest corners of the criminal world, ensuring that no unsub can elude their pursuit. Through their shared dedication and unwavering teamwork, the BAU leaves an indelible mark on the field of criminal profiling, becoming a beacon of hope in the face of heinous crimes.
About Criminal Minds
Genre
Created by
Jeff Davis
Country of origin
United States
Original language
English
No. of seasons
16
No. of episodes
334
Running time
42–56 minutes
Original network
Original release
September 22, 2005
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
What Happened to Morgan in Criminal Minds - FAQs
Criminal Minds first premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005. The series originally concluded on February 19, 2020, but it was later revived in 2022.
Criminal Minds revolves around a group of highly skilled criminal profilers who are members of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). They utilize their expertise in behavioral analysis and profiling to investigate crimes and track down the unknown subjects, commonly known as "unsubs," who are responsible for committing these heinous acts.
Criminal Minds stands out due to its focus on the psychological aspects of criminal behavior. The show delves into the minds of the perpetrators, exploring their motivations and thought processes. It also delves into the personal lives of the team members, providing a well-rounded portrayal of their characters.
Viewers can expect a captivating blend of crime procedural and character-driven drama. Criminal Minds offers gripping narratives that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The show explores the complexities of the cases the BAU tackles, while also delving into the personal struggles and challenges faced by the team members.
Criminal Minds captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and a unique focus on the psychological aspects of criminal profiling. Its combination of intense crime-solving and in-depth character exploration resonated with viewers, making it one of CBS's most-watched shows throughout its 15-year run.