Shemar Moore’s Derek Morgan was a popular character on the long-running television show “Criminal Minds.” But fans were taken aback and disappointed when he quit the show in Season 11.
An exclusive look at Shemar Moore’s reasons for quitting the show and his potential comeback will be discussed in this article.
The End of a Public Favourite
One of the most watched procedural series on television for a long time, “Criminal Minds” included characters like Shemar Moore’s Derek Morgan who made the show a huge hit.
Fans were shocked by Morgan’s resignation because he was an important member of the Behavioural Analysis Unit (BAU) and even briefly held the position of acting unit chief.
There has always been a favorite character leaving “Criminal Minds.” Mandy Patinkin, who played Jason Gideon, abruptly left the program earlier, and Thomas Gibson took over as the lead.
But losing Shemar Moore’s Derek Morgan, who had grown to be the show’s focal point and heart, was particularly difficult for the series.
What happened to Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds?
Derek Morgan left Criminal Minds in the middle of season 11. After actor Shemar Moore decided to leave the show after eleven seasons, his departure was written into the script.
Shemar Moore’s choice to leave “Criminal Minds” was personal, in contrast to some unexpected character exits motivated by turbulence behind the scenes.
Moore thought it was time to pursue other options after contributing to the show for eleven seasons. He felt that he had fully delved into Derek Morgan’s character and was eager to go on to new endeavors.
Every season of a network television program like “Criminal Minds” takes ten months to film, which leaves little time for other acting projects. Moore also desired to have more time for himself. Fans were disappointed by his departure, but the actor took the decision on his own.
In later seasons, Derek Morgan did, however, return for a few episodes, which gave fans some comfort.
The Career of Shemar Moore After “Criminal Minds”
After parting ways with Derek Morgan, Shemar Moore remained in law enforcement. The CBS action series “S.W.A.T.” cast him in the lead role of Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. His portrayal as a committed law enforcement officer in “Criminal Minds” was similar to this part.
Unexpectedly, after multiple seasons, CBS decided to cancel “S.W.A.T.” Moore pushed for the show’s return, and ultimately, the network decided to give it one more season. Moore’s passion for his “S.W.A.T.” character was palpable, and fans welcomed his return to a law enforcement position.
Outside of “S.W.A.T.,” Moore dabbled in voice acting, lending his voice to Victor Stone (Cyborg) in DC animated direct-to-video productions. Additionally, he was cast in motion pictures, one of which was as FBI agent Randall Handel in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”.
The Return of Derek Morgan to “Criminal Minds”
Even after Derek Morgan left the BAU in Season 11, the character continued to exist. The possibility of Shemar Moore’s character returning is left open because he was not killed off.
Moore appeared in more cameos in subsequent seasons. In the Season 12 episode “Red Light,” he returned to the squad and provided emotional support to his former coworkers.
Spencer Reid found comfort in Morgan’s company throughout his imprisonment, and Morgan’s presence also facilitated Penelope Garcia’s reconciliation with Luke Alvez, the team’s replacement. His emotional comeback was featured in “Lucky Strikes” (season 13), where he helped Garcia with an especially difficult case.
In “The Dance of Love,” the thirteenth season episode, it was disclosed that Morgan had become a parent and settled down. Despite not physically visiting the BAU in Seasons 14 and 15, Moore’s persona made appearances in dream sequences and flashbacks.
It’s currently unknown if Shemar Moore will make a comeback for “Criminal Minds'” much-discussed Season 16. But as long as Derek Morgan’s character continues to exist, there’s always a chance for another noteworthy cameo.
Derek Morgan’s Future and “Criminal Minds: Evolution”
Fans of “Criminal Minds” yearned for Derek Morgan’s comeback after his leave. Curiosity about Shemar Moore playing the same part again has grown since “Criminal Minds: Evolution” has been revived on Paramount+.
Shemar Moore’s future involvement in the program is unclear, even if the showrunners have left the door open for the return of fan favorites like Derek Morgan.
The fact that he is dedicated to “S.W.A.T.” and other initiatives might affect his choice. Nevertheless, there is always optimism that Shemar Moore will think about coming back to offer fans what they’ve been waiting for—a reunion with the BAU—given the show’s ongoing success.
Although Shemar Moore moved on to pursue other possibilities, his character’s influence endures, and fans excitedly anticipate his potential return in upcoming seasons.
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