batgurl88 | OMG MY WORLD HAS ENDED!!! (Reply)

OMG MY WORLD HAS ENDED!!!

...Or something a little less obsessively dramatic, but really, how could this happen?!?

MGG has announced he's leaving 'Criminal Minds'!!! D:

spoilertv.com has an article from E!Online where MGG announced his decision to leave the show, effective as of the beginning of season five:

""I just felt that it was time to move on," Gubler informed us via phone interview. "The show has meant a lot to me, but I want to move forward with my directing career, and this feels like the right time to do it. The character I play on the show has grown and changed so much over the last four seasons, and I really think I've gone as far with him as I can. It's time for something new."

The Las Vegas native, whose web-based mockumentary series parodying Hollywood divas has gained much popularity on YouTube, added that he does not plan to disappear from the screen entirely.

"I'm not saying I'm giving up acting completely. Definitely, it will always remain a side-passion of mine. But directing has always been my first love, and I'd really like to focus more on that. I'd also like to put more time into my artwork, and really, just see what else is out there for me."

The show made headlines following the abrupt departure of veteran actor Mandy Patinkin from the cast in 2007, a move eventually blamed on "creative differences." Gubler insisted that his decision to leave was not a result of any on-set conflicts.

"Absolutely not. I love the cast and the crew, and I'm very grateful to the show for all of the opportunities it's given me. This is the best group of people to work with, and they couldn't be more supportive or understanding of my decision."

So, when can viewers expect Dr. Reid's farewell to take place?

"I'm definitely finishing out the season," he assured us. "We're pretty much done filming the rest of the episodes - they've got some great stuff planned for the finale - but after that, I'll be taking my leave. The first few episodes of season five will focus on writing Reid out."

When asked how his character will make his exit from the show, the actor, who turned 29 in March, was evasive.

"It's going to be done well," he promises viewers. "I've been in talks with Ed [Bernero, the show's Executive Producer,] and some of the writers, and we all agree that we want something that will do justice to the character. Reid is a very tortured person, in many ways, and they sort of bring that to a head. I don't want to say too much, but I think the fans will really enjoy the storyline they've got planned. It will definitely be worth watching."

Is there any talk of replacing Dr. Reid on the show?

"I don't know anything for sure. Ed is pretty adamant about keeping the team at seven members, so i think viewers can expect to see a new face in the cast at some point, but I don't know if anyone's been approached yet.""

!!!!!!!

I don't even know what to do with this information. This is a gazillion times worse than when Mandy left! You're breaking my heart, Gubler!!

As much as I love the other cast members, I started watching for Reid, and I don't know if I'd still watch if he's not on it. And I'm definitely not too keen on them replacing him (how could anyone replace Reid?!?). Though, I am glad that they're taking the time to give him a proper farewell storyline (hopefully one with lots of teh Reid angst!!) *fingers crossed for schizophrenic- or serial-killer-Reid*

...Seriously, I don't even know how to react to this. I didn't want to believe it at first, but then I saw the article for myself.

My world has just shattered.