Criminal Minds: Mandy Patinkin's Scandalous Exit Ultimately Ruined The Show, And Here's Why 

Criminal Minds is a police procedural series that focuses on the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, which uses psychological profiling to find and catch criminals.

Although the original team consisted of seven main characters, the BAU cast has changed over the years. One such change was the sudden departure of Special Agent Jason Gideon, played by Mandy Patinkin, in the third season.

In Criminal Minds, Gideon returned to the BAU after a six-month medical leave due to post-traumatic stress disorder he suffered when a criminal he was profiling killed six agents on his watch.

He was a sensitive person who carried out his personal and professional responsibilities. As a result, Gideon took responsibility for the suffering of his crew.

In particular, he blamed himself for Dr. Spencer Reid's abduction and torture by a serial killer. Gideon's last act before leaving BAU was to write a farewell letter to Reid, explaining that he left in search of hope.

Mandy Patinkin felt he had to leave Criminal Minds because of the show's dark subject matter. He specifically mentioned the show's frequent depiction of violence against women, which he called a heavy emotional burden.

While the show continued successfully after Patinkin's departure, some fans believe that it ultimately ruined the show, which should have been a very different with Gideon at the helm of the BAU department.

Fans believe that although Criminal Minds is an ensemble project, Gideon should have been the driving force and the unquestioned authority, and he should be the one who motivates viewers to watch the show. Patinkin's departure left a void in his place that none of the other characters were able to fill.

After Mandy Patinkin's exit, the show lost some of the charisma that set Criminal Minds apart from other procedurals, and the show became rather ordinary and mundane.