Happy Thanksgiving!

Kirsten Vangsness discusses Thanksgiving!

CM_SetReport Chat Transcript for Kirsten Vangsness 11/17/2011

KV: I’m here! I’m here! Ask stuff!

jobelle: Last night’s episode was so tragically beautiful! Kirsten, you always look so gorgeous, how much influence do you have on Garcia's wardrobe/makeup?

KV: First, I thank thee. And I blush. Secondly, I have about one percent of input I actually try to not have input anfd let the glam squad do their thang I think it makes it cooler.

Brockely: Kirsten, do you ever get a little weirded out that all the Garcia episodes seem to be the really really creepy ones?

KV: WHAT IS FRAKING UP WITH THAT?!?!? Jeeze.

oceanblue78: Hi Kirsten, thank you for doing this chat for the fans. I was wondering how you guys manage to fit other projects like Pretty and Theather of Note productions in your busy CM shooting schedule?

KV: Yes I am saying yes I find it weird she’s like the whipping girl of creepy poor Garcie.

Swon: Kirsten, great episode last night! Loved seeing Garcia out and about...what's this story about a stick that you brought back with you?

KV: Its the newset member of the team POSIBBLY THE GREATEST inanimate team memeber yet second to Reid paper clip. STICK I found her/him in the forest while shooting hope. It was a nice balance I will have cm _setreport post STICK adventure.

3secondsofandersonwasnotenough: Kirsten, first off you were wonderful in last nights episode and I was wondering what you like the most about your character?

KV: Thank you. Again. Blushing. I just love her. I love that she’s so confident and shes like a big open hearted weirdo and i love that she’s SO different from me but we are like next door pals.

cmlover7891: Kirsten, you make this show so enjoyable to watch. How do YOU feel about inter-team romances? Particularly, Morgan & Prentiss? They've been through SO MUCH together.

KV: If we wrote that story line then there would be much less slash fiction to be written about it and thats no fun is it? Also, I like to keep him all to myself.

Reidxmaps: Is Gaiman as awesome as I like to think he is?

KV: MORE AWESOME. I WILL VOUCH. MORE AWESOME.

Kate: heeey so great you´re here!!! i wanted to ask, outside the show.. how is the relationship between all of you? are you friends with paget and aj?

KV: If by friends you mean people I hug and share my dreams and fears and drink wine with and watch movies with and eat food with and giggle with then, yes, friends, yes. I love them. I them each.

Drewy: Hi Kirsten! Will we be seeing more of Kevin Lynch soon?

KV: Well I saw his name at the table read today so i think thats a huge yep

Msynergy: Kirsten! If you could snatch anything for your home from set what would it be? :D

KV: STICK. SHEMAR. THE PURPLE STEGASAURUS ON MY DESK. All the mini milky way midnights in the cady jars. all of them. I would build a fort of delicious chocolate candy and keep shemar hostage in it.

BubblegumFox: What was you most fun episode to shoot so far?

KV: Ok, i'm going to sound pollyanna but pretty much the one we are shooting at that time. i like to live in the now. thanks Eckhart Tolle. Penelope was pretty different and I had neat stuff... but I always have neat stuff... I love to do it that all. I just love doing the show.

IgubeYou: I really love your acting... what or who inspired you to become an actress?

KV: Hey. Thank you xoxox. I was really super shy and so i took acting to help and then i felt really happy when i was doing it and I love learning about it so i kinda poured myself into it. Its fun, its crazy fun and I'm SO HAPPY I get paid to do it.

DoctorSpence: Are you jealous of Matthew since he's in Japan? I know I am.

KV: Oh my God. I'm green. green green green. But he is pretty fantastic so he should be on wild adventures. But so should us all. You and I DoctorSpence will go there in our imaginations

Paula: How many pair of glasses does Garcia has and in which colors?

KV: I think she has 10 pairs? I have 1 pair. I borrow three of her pairs, but I have bought them all with my own money but I bought them for her.

ChocolateDivine: Who would win? Kevin Lynch or Xander Harris of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? (same actor)


KV: I think we all know the answer to that question. (whispers) xander.

teamgarciasshoes: When you're shooting scenes in Garcia's office, who reads the other team members' dialogue?

KV: Rarely an actor reads them usually a crew member. Yes, its weird and funny.

Nuria: What is your favorite beginning or ending phrase?span>

KV: Rainmaker.....

Brockely: If you could do a guest stint on any other show, where would you go?

KV: 30 Rock. Or Fringe. Or 30 Rock. Or 30 Rock.

BubblegumFox: Does the show ever 'seep' into your everyday life?... like do you find yourself double checking locked doors because of some of the stuff you see or thinking your're able to hack into anything like your character?

KV: I sometimes think I can hack things.I can hack things. Bread. Cheese. Seitan. And no I dont let the creepy seep in. Don't let it do that to you either. xo

Paget_Prentiss: I think half the world what like to know this. DOES MATTHEW HAVE A GIRLFRIEND? I GOT TO BED EVERY NIGHT ASKING MYSELF THIS?

KV: Yes he does and its you.


Ali_B: If you weren't an actress, what do you think you would do instead?

KV: I would be a DJ or a person who writes plays and performs them on stage... oh wait...

oceanblue78: Hi Kirsten, thank you for doing this chat for the fans. I was wondering how you guys manage to fit other projects like Pretty and Theatre of Note productions in your busy CM shooting schedule?

KV: I make time. I think thats what has to happen. As much as I love my cm job and I do so much-- I am a creator I love creating stuff so I find my days off and hours off and I plug it in there. Kill Me Deadly is like my heart right now and Pretty the Series is SO MUCH FUN, and I am writing a play that premeires next year and i think doing all of those things makes me better at my job. This is a side note: Paget just texted me: MORE GARCIA MORE GARCIA-- See, I told you we are friends


Jasper: If CM ever did a musical episode (shh just pretend), what song would you like for Garcia's big number?

KV: La Vie Boheme and then The Lusty Month of May.


Cheleg: Kirsten, last night's episode gave us lots of little fan cookies and backstory tidbits. Do you love seeing those in the script as much as we love seeing it on screen?

KV: Oh my gosh. Yes.


swon: From all the cast and crew's tweets it looks like you guys have an amazing time on set. Who's the one to usually goof up their lines/have the biggest pottymouth?

KV: Paget, Thomas tie.


BubblegumFox: Are you willing to share any details on the upcoming episodes? Please.

KV: Morgan in a towel. BAM.


SophieFCrowther: If you could have one super power what would it be and why?

KV: To be able to create my own reality. But I think I DO HAVE THAT POWER. My power would be to remember that cos I forget that I can.

Emi9626: What do you guys do when your waiting to film

KV: I have phases, I read, talk with the gang, play wwf, knit, nap, watch movies, listen to things.

Cat: if you could write an episode how would it go?

KV: Pandas! and we solve the whole distribution of wealth thing! and then a fashion show! and Kittens! This is why I dont write for this show.

zimmer483: Hi Kristen :D ! I wanna to ask u what is your real hair color ? lol u wear so many different hair colors for Garcia, that i need to know haha

KV: Lets see-- My hair went silver when I was 17, so i have a HUGE streak of white and then its kinda red brown. No really my natural color is violet green.

Mike.Gaga: Have you become better with computers, having played Garcia all these years? Do you actually know how to code, etc?

KV: No however I have sex with someone who knows how to code and thats pretty good. I'm ok with computers. Better than the average bear but I'm no Garcia.

criminal1mind: What is your favorite color?

KV: black:)

breram18: Does Thomas act like his does during the show off set or is he really fun to be around?

KV: He’s very charming and effusively funny, very different.

issybellaw: So Paget just texted you.... you wouldnt give us her number? ;)

KV: 555-no.

Cat: What is your favourite pen that has been sent in so far?

KV: I love them all. I DO!


livern: Has anyone in the cast ever went on a date or hooked up?

KV: This is really bad that I am telling you but YES we all have a polyamorous relationshipand its going really really good. Wow. I feel so much better now that the truth is out.

gchan_s2: Okay, this question is gonna sound so retarded.. but, what does Shemar smell like? I mean, a sexy guy like him I`m sure smells sexy! LOL! You know, all sexy guys smell great w/ their cologne`s or what not :P.

KV: Like the forest and dreams.

GublerGirl: Are you a Potterhead or a Twihard?

KV: Potter. But I like the Twi.

Ali_B: What is your favorite word?

KV: Kiosk or refluctant.

catherine: What is your best memory from the show?

KV: Meeting Shemar.

catherine: Being a huge fan the girls of the CM, can you tell us a fact about them (AJ and Paget) that we wouldn't expect?

KV: Hmmm AJ is almost always dancing and Paget hates xmas music.

rubin145: What was your first paid job as an actress

KV: I was a head on a table covered with fruit and I talked to the guest at a party. it was kinda gross. I made 50 bucks for 4 hours.


livern: What is one thing you could change about Garcia if you could?

KV: I just learned that she doesn't drink wine. That made me sad.

alicemalice: If you could be one of the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS, which colour Power Ranger would you be?

KV: Pink.

isabuttabelle: Do you like the show Doctor Who?

KV: WHO DOESNT LIKE IT? Remind me to be mad at them.

BrielleJMBaker: If you could pick any animal to be a domesticated pet, what would it be?

KV: A skunk.

BrielleJMBaker: Did you know fruit flies don't really like vegetables?

KV: Yes. Now.

Cat: Coke or pepsi?

KV: Izze berry flavored.

Cat: Garcia's turn! Coke or Pepsi?

KV: Uhhh Pepsi.

rubin145: What is your favorite knock knock joke.

KV: Interrupting cow.

Cat: What's your favourite musical?

KV: I like a lot... Little shop of horrors.

a-dilemma: What is your favorite flavor of toothpaste?

KV: Go smile lemonade.. its pricey but they have it at sephora and I spluge on it. I’m kinda a dental hygeine freak. Also, I am not so good with spelling zI -- like transpose i and e a lot.

alicemalice: If you had to pick a stage name, what would yours be?

KV: CERULEAN MINKY the 5th.


Dejautrime: If the BAU team were all animals, who would be what (does that make sense?)?

KV: Reid: spider monkey. Morgan: TIGER TIGER TIGER. Prentiss PANTHER. AJ GAZELLE. THOMAS LEMUR. ROSSI OWL. PG DOLPHIN

srqcmgirl: What's your favorite pick up line?

KV: Hey, I like you. Lets go make out


Sydney: Mac or PC?


KV: Whatever gets you to God, go there.


IgubeYou: Have you learned something from Garcia that has changed you in someway?

KV: Yes, that its good to accept yourself. That confidence will take you far and its a great thing to develop. That it is possible to love everyone.

Cat: What do you see in kevins and garcais future?

KV: I think that its hard to know...I dont know.. hear tell that its coming up. Thank you everyone for hanging out so so much. This is always so fun. I wish you all a night of discovered dreams. Much lovexoxox Kirsten signing off.

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CM_SetReport Chat w/Kirsten Vangsness aka Penelope Garcia

Hi all,

Join @Vangsness in the @CM_SetReport chat room today at 6pm PST. We will post a login link for the chat as well as the room password at 5:30pm PST, here at cmsetreport.blogspot.com

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CM_SetReport Chat Transcript for Virgil Williams 11-11-11

VW: Hello all, excited to be here!!!!!! This is Virgil, writer of ep. 707... Q's??

1000profilers: What made you think up this week's case?

VW: It was all about Frankenstein...so I basically stole it from Mary Shelly - did I spell that right? Shelley?

Kitten0409: Hi Virgil! About last night episode. People that has suffered one, and lived to tell the tale, have been saying it was a very accurate despiction of those situations. Do you have live experience with them? And was the title, There's is No Place Like Home, a reference to The Wizard of Oz? Kansas + tornadoes + the title itself... :D

VW: 1) Yes, the title (as well as many other references) were a nod to the great OZ and... 2) I grew up in Chicago, many tornado and thunderstorm warnings where the sky turned green...but never any 1st hand experience with a twister - thank goodness

flymypretties: Are there any guides provided to help the writers? A cheat sheet of commonly used terminology, or something listing established facts about each character?

VW: Yes, we get a lotta help. There is actually a guide the writer's room came up with last year. There are also our former FBI profiler advisors, who are invaluable, but basically when I got hired...I had a CM marathon...and then another one... and then antother...we're in season 7

SergioCushion: I really liked that you included the moment with Rossi and Garcia at the begining of the episode, it's a character relationship that we don't get to see a lot of in the show. What made you decide to include that part in the episode?

VW: I spent 4 seasons on the show "ER" where we did a lot of character stuff - those kinds of scenes ALWAYS make shows better.

Frivolouswhim: Virgil, the ep you wrote is my favorite so far this season. How did JJ's storyline about Henry getting sick come about?

VW: Clearly you have impeccable taste. I have 2 kids and raising little ones is a universal issue a lot of people can relate to. What does a working mom do when she has to fly off and go catch crazy killers?

angry_emily: Who wrote the little star poem?

VW: I wrote it. We couldn't clear any of the classic kids books. So I thought of my kids and out it came.

Rensomnia: How do you writers manage to make so many of the UnSubs both horrifying AND kind of pitiful at the same time? Brilliant!

VW: Good question. It's always a bit more interesting when you find yourself feeling pity for this CARAZY person. Sometimes we try to write to that. Sometimes we just want a bad guy doing bad things...depends.

angry_emily: How much more post-production goes into an episode with so many special effects?

VW: A lot

soundofmescreaming: Do you write how every interaction among the characters have to be or do they improvise some of them?

VW: They improv a lot - we collaborate on that when we're shooting but the actors have a very personal relationship with those characters and their instincts are usually right...usually

lcm18: Have you already started working on your next episode? Can you tell us something about it?

VW: Yes, people will die ;) and its a hate crime....ooooohhhh

Jasper: What do you think are the challenges of writing for the 7th season of a show?

VW: The biggest challenge is the 100+ other episodes - we've done everything - so how do we keep it fresh? Hard to do in season 7

thecriminalprofiler: In one word, how would you describe writing for Criminal Minds?

VW: Fun

FunSub: Last nights episode was one of the best episodes so far this season! What is your next epsiode, and which character will it focus on?

VW: Morgan...and thank you...again someone with impeccable taste

flymypretties: What's your writing process like? Do you have any rituals or habits?

VW: To gory to reveal...but yes

soundofmescreaming: Is it hard to write a background story of the unsubs?

VW: Yes, because sometimes they take up a lot of script space, so you have to be efficient...oh and interesting...and good too...a lot to ask

ChocolateDivine: Found it hilarious that normally unflappable Rossi was having a hard time flying through turbulence. What inspired you to peg him for it?

VW: Because it's funniest with him since he's unflappable

angry_emily: There's a belief that art imitates life... Is television trying to tell us that RVs are generally bad news?

VW: I would stay away from anything bigger than a pick up truck

flymypretties: How does the environment on the set compare to your time at ER?

VW: It’s great here. It was great there too. Just different. But in all honesty this is one of the best groups I've ever worked with.

angry_emily: I noticed that Rossi tells JJ to control Reid on the plane. Is JJ the team mother, even though she no longer presents the cases?

VW: No that was just for the humor of the moment - it was funnier with him begging her instead of telling Reid to shut it

Frivolouswhim: Can you please get Shemar (at least half) naked in your next Morgan centric ep? As a late Christmas present to the fandom? :) :)

VW: Stay tuned...and Merry X-mas (but it may be more of a Valentine's gift)

BubblegumFox: What led you to start writing for television?

VW: When I was a kid I was an actor. So I got bit by the bug at around 8 years old. By the time I got to college it was California or bust. I was broke as a joke...but writing was free. So I wrote. I've always written. But screenwriting really kinda found me. I had a passion for comics, movies, Tv, books my whole life, just something inside me. When I got a job as a PA on "Lois & Clark" I really got turned on to TV

kat: What's the biggest challenge writing a script for this show--balancing the case with the personal, making the dialogue sharp, or keeping the suspense level high?

VW: Yes. All of the above.

Frivolouswhim: Which part of writing do you enjoy the most? Collecting ideas, the writing process itself or seeing the ep done and ready to air? Or do you love it as a whole all the same?

VW: Good question - I actually hate the act of writing. But I LOVE having written. It's the finished product that makes the process totally worth while

flymypretties: What is the relationship between the writer and director during the process of filming an episode?

VW: Like 2 peas in a pod - if you're lucky - lotta collaboration

BubblegumFox: How long do you spend deciding on the baseline for a episode? Then how long on average do you spend actually writing the script for a episode?

VW: A couple/three days to break the story. A week to write the outline. 2 weeks to write the script.

angry_emily: What was cut from this episode?

VW: Not much was cut, not much at all

flymypretties: What's the name of the Garcia and Kevin-centric episode coming up?

VW: "Snake Eyes"

flymypretties: What can you tell us about "Self-Fulfilling Prophecy"?

VW: People die...and Strauss has a secret

FunSub: There hasn't been an unsub that tries to get close to the investigation in a while. Do you think there will be one this season? Will there ever be one that gets romantically involved with a member of the team just to get on the inside of the investigation? Particularly Reid? *Hint Hint* :P ::laugh

VW: Hmmmmmm....maybe. Stay tuned.

Carol: Hey Virgil. Loved the episode, congratulations. Can you give us any information about the 150th epi that is Emily-centric?

VW: It's shooting right now and was written by my esteemed colleague, Breen Frazier. A jet scene like none other. And people die.

BubblegumFox: Are there ever times you think it is too much writing for this type of show ::blink ?? and do find yourself double checking the front door to see if it is locked?

VW: Yes, it has changed my outlook a bit. Trust no one... and, yes, when I'm writing this show I have to take a lotta breaks just to get out of the Criminal Mind

ChocolateDivine: Is there any ep coming up where someone on the team gets beaten up or has his/her life in danger?

VW: Yes...stay tuned

angry_emily: are you determined to not give us any information

VW: Yes...and did I mention to stay tuned?

Rensomnia: You crack me up with your "And people die" bit...can you work your own sense of humor into scripts or are you fairly limited in where you can go with it?

VW: Yes, it's hard to get humor in since every ep has a crazy on the loose. Sometimes it gets awkward when you try to force the humor. But I feel like humor is essential. I always say "Never cut funny".

flymypretties: Anything you can tell us about "True Genius"? Is it going to be a more lighthearted episode, or angsty?

VW: It’s one of the smartest episodes of the year. And people will die. Oh and crime author, Patricia Cornwell, makes an appearance

disillusioned: please tell me there will be some morgan/prentiss stuff coming up

VW: Now that you mention it - M & P have some biz in my next episode

thecriminalprofiler: Whos idea was it to have AJ's son in real life to play Henry on the show?

VW: It just made sense, especially since he played her son before

thecriminalprofiler: What is your opinion on inter-team romances? A lot of the CM fandom want to see Hotch & Prentiss hook up!

VW: I support it - but the network...not so much. From my "ER" experience, we used to do that all the time. I've also been on other shows that did it. We even did it on "24". But it's not my show. I just run the plays the coaches tell me to run and try to write them so you guys have a great 42 minute experience on Wednesday nights.

Rensomnia: Do you have any ideas for guest stars you'd like to see brought in for an ep or two?

VW: We actually just cast an UnSub in 709 that I used in an ep of ER - Shawn Hatosy. He's also on "Southland". Great actor.

Frivolouswhim: Which of the characters would you take on as a room mate in real life? :D

VW: Prentiss - she's hot. But my wife would kill me. And then they would have to investigate my murder.

angry_emily: Gideon Prentiss and Morgan were both profiled in the past. Will any others be profiled this season?

VW: Hmmmmm - stay tuned

Frivolouswhim: Virgil, your middle name should be Tease. Or is it? :D

VW: No it's danger

ChocolateDivine: Would it be feasible to do a crossover episode with another crime drama series? Or even any other show?

VW: We're thinking about a "Grimm" cross over ;)

Kitten0409: Why the great CM tradition of concealing who the unsub is until the team discovers his/her identity seems to have been completely lost? We love NOT to know who the unsub is... :-(

VW: Every show evolves and changes. We may get back to some of that though.

BubblegumFox: Are there any places that you would like the show to go to? Like having an unsub in Hawaii so they all catch the jet there... and just forget about the unsub for once...

VW: Great idea, we'll call it Vacation Minds...spin off?.

FunSub: Do people die in the next episode? :PP haha

VW: No, not a one.


VW: You guys are awesome. Thanks for the ?'s and thanks for your time. STAY TUNED!

CM_SetReport Chat w/Virgil Williams

Click the above link to login and join us for a chat with Virgil Williams, writer of EP7x07 "There's No Place Like Home." 

Room password is: wichita

In honor of the 150th episode of Criminal Minds, we present: Messer's Mailbox.

ICYMI: A wrap on #CriminalMinds 7x11! Writer: Sharon Lee Watson. Director: Glenn Kershaw. Look for it Jan 18 on CBS!

Criminal Minds is nominated for Favorite TV Crime Drama at the 2012 People’s Choice Awards.  Go vote now!  You can vote as often as you like.  Thanks for the support!!

http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/vote/votenow.jsp

CM SetReport Chat w/Virgil Williams

Please note, the chat with #CriminalMinds writer / producer Virgil Williams will be this FRIDAY at 9am pacific time. Hope to see you there!


Login details will be posted 30 min prior to the chat. 

Mmm…Mmm… They melt in your mouth, not in your hand.

CM_SetReport Chat Transcript for Joe Mantegna 11-4-11

JM: Joe here. Excited to see your questions.

Smiley: Joe, it is fantastic that we are starting to see more into Rossi's personal life... are there certain things you would like to approach for the character?!

JM: I love when we get into the personal aspects of the character as well. I hope to in the future get into Rossi's military background.

JennSeiler: My question for Joe is if he was surprised by the whole Rossi had a son part of the story and if so, would he want to explore that storyline in any more detail? I would also like to know what he thinks of the Bears' chances of going to the Super Bowl?

JM: I was consulted about that aspect of the script and thought that it was a very interesting and appropriate aspect of the character. And being a cub fan, I am not holding my breath for the Bears.

Em_prentiss: Are we going to meet anymore of Rossi's wife later on in season 7? Did Rossi every tell anyone about his child he lost?

JM: Since there are two other wives there's always a possibility that they might rear their heads. I think Hotch is the only person I would've talked to.

Explodingegg: Hi Joe! So my question is, Rossi's got a rep for being kind of a gamer. Do you play any computer games in real life?

JM: I have two daughters in real life so I'm better with Barbie knowledge than computer games.

SesameSquirrel: After making a list a while ago (and esp. after 7x06) I realized Rossi is the only BAU member who's never been shot / concussed / stabbed / impaled / in a car crash, etc. on screen. What's your secret Joe? ;)

JM: I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Lisa: Do you prefer long haired Reid, or short haired Reid?

JM: Reid is my boy, long hair, short or bald.

oceanblue78: Hi Joe, thank you for doing this chat for the fans. Thomas Gibson said you were pretty good at cooking italian food. Have you got any plans on releasing an italian cook book of some kind if you haven't already done that?

JM: Not a bad idea. We own a restaurant in Burbank California so maybe a cookbook by Rossi is next.

goingnuclear: Joe, congrats on your recent "star" in Hollywood! I have a few questions. How do you think season 7 is going so far? Which episode in this season has been your favorite to shoot? Do you have any major hopes for this season we haven't heard about?

JM: Season 7 is going fantastic especially since we're at full strength again. I enjoyed doing the two episodes involving my first wife and my only hope is that we do what we've been doing...onward and upward.

swon: Awesome episode Mr. Mantenga! Just wondering with doing Criminal Minds, it can have pretty heavy topics, is it refreshing to do other projects/comedy such as the Simpsons?

JM: Ironically I did a Simpson's episode today. It's nice to do a little comedy like that now and then but I get a little comic relief now and again on C.M. as well.

Sergiocushion: Joe, just wondering if you would rather end up in a fight with Rossi or Fat Tony? They're both pretty tough guys!

JM: No problem. I can take them both.

gchan_s2: Which ex-wife was Rossi`s one great love? (Like for Hotch, it was Hayley).. Or is Rossi still looking for the final Mrs. Rossi? :).

JM: After 3 wives I think Rossi's done looking...but you never know...

HoneycombHead: Hey Joe! Was wondering what do you think is Rossi's biggest strength and biggest weakness?

JM: I would think Rossi's experience may be his biggest strength and his attachment to his old ways on occasion may be his biggest weakness...but I'm learning.

Marisa: Have you ever consider directing an episode?

JM: I've directed one feature in my career called LAKEBOAT and it was quite an endeavor so I don't take it lightly. Maybe down the line but right now Dr. Reid is our infant terrible of directing. He does a great job.

HoneycombHead: Has there ever been a plotline that has been particularly hard to do emotionally?

JM: A few seasons ago my own daughter Gia appeared in an episode and it was a little tough seperating fact from fiction with her on the set. She did a great job though and I was very proud of her doing a very difficult role.

pastaroni: The last few scenes of last night's episode left me in tears. How do you get in that mindset you need to be in when you're going to film difficult scenes like that?

JM: Our writers do a wonderful job of setting up a situation that for me my job is just to say the words with all the meaning I can muster and hopefully the emotion intended will be there.

goingnuclear: Do you think Rossi prefers boxers or briefs?

JM: Maybe we'll find out in a later episode:}

love_sil: Did Rossi really know Emily was alive? Is he gonna say something about it?

JM: As I inferred in an episode that I had a hunch she may have lived. I think Rossi may indeed have had such a hunch.

jillian: Hey Joe!! What is your favorite part of working on Criminal Minds?

JM: My favorite part is just being here each day. There's a quote that goes if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. That's where I'm at.

gchan_s2: Who was your favorite unsub?

JM: I've had a few. Jamie Kennedy as the cannibal was a good one, and C. Thomas Howell did a great job as the Reaper.

owllover: Joe, how do you feel about owls?

JM: My roommate in college actually owned an owl named Van Hoo. It kept me up at night.

criminallymindless: Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?

JM: Just enjoy yourself at whatever level you do it. It's all about the journey, not the destination.

NittyMcNitpicker: In "Exit Wounds" the team members had to double up. We know Morgan shared a room with Garcia, JJ and Prentiss probably shared, but how was the rest of it divvied up? Did Rossi share with Hotch or did he get to be on his own?

JM: Rossi has a lot of cash....I share nothing.

NittyMcNitpicker: Did Rossi give Reid any wardrobe advice? In the beginning it was said that Reid emulated Gideon, but after Rossi joined, Reid started wearing nicer and more fitted clothing. Can this be attributed to Rossi's influence?

JM: You'd have to ask Reid, but I'd like to think it's true. If it end in a vowel, I'll wear it.

criminallymindless: Did you enjoy working with Isabella Hoffman?

JM: Working with Isabella was great. I knew her as a friend and it was great to be able to work with her on such a moving storyline.

Explodingegg: OK, gonna ask you my favorite dumb question - and I'm serious... If you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be?

JM: David Rossi....T Rex....what else!

gchan_s2: Did Rossi and Strauss have a "thing" in the past?

JM: Rossi and Strauss have something going....we'll see where that takes us.

swon: How did this Criminal Minds job come about for you? Did they have the character of Rossi created with you in mind? Were you a fan of the show before you joined?

JM: As you probably know I came in under unusual circumstances, but I think it made it all the more exciting as we had to fly blind for a little while. I had a lot of input on the character, including his name and background.

NittyMcNitpicker: I think I read somewhere that you like cats. I have 8 of them myself; how many do you have? Do you have any favorite breeds or types of cats?

JM: We've had cats for many years. We have 3 right now. Most any breed is good for me, but I’m partial to our Siamese right now.

owllover: Do you think Rossi and Hotch are like the parents of the team?

JM: Not sure about that but when I came in I thought Gideon had been somewhat of the mother hen so I thought I'd come in as the rooster.

Britt: Who do you think Rossi's favorite author is?

JM: I was a huge fan of Robert Parker and did a lot of his books on tape. I think Rossi would like him as well.

criminallymindless: What's your favorite dish at Taste Chicago? I need recommendations!

JM: It's all good, but Joe's half and half is the best sandwich in the world. Of course I'm prejudiced.

Becca: Aside from Criminal Minds, do you have any other TV show favorites?

JM: Are there other TV shows? Actually I host a show on the Outdoor Channel called Gun Stories which traces historical firearms, an interest of mine.

Pise7en: Which character is your favorite? Apart from yours of course.

JM: Since I'm older than the other cast members I can't help but think of them somewhat as my kids....and you don't play favorites with your kids. You love them all equally...and I do.

anniebelle: What's the oldest/coolest firearm that you own?

JM: David Mamet presented me with an old pistol from the early 1900's engraved with the saying, "Never Forget Chicago."

adeaner: Where did the ring that you wear on the show come from?

JM: The ring is the one given to agents who have been with the FBI for over 20 years.

Sergiocushion: If you could have anyone guest star on Criminal Minds, who would it be?

JM: Ringo himself told me he was a fan of the show. It would be my dream to have him come play with us sometime.

Dan: What is your favourite kind of music?

JM: I like all kinds of music, but one episode mentioned my attraction to the Ratpack, and their music is certainly among my favorites.

love_sil: Do you actors give ideas to the writers?

JM: We actors have a great dialog with our writers. The episodes involving one of my wives was one I had suggested awhile back.

paparossi: What did you do for Halloween?

JM: I worked most of Halloween but we were sure to let Matthew enjoy his favorite holiday with the day off.

elle: Rossi makes an interesting mentor and confidante for the individuals on the team. Do you have a similar relationship with the cast?

JM: I think often art imitates life and vice versa.

smritzbitz_CM: What's your favorite holiday?

JM: My favorite holiday is Memorial Day. I've been hosting the National Memorial Day concert in Washington D.C. for 10 years now and I think it's very important because that holiday honors the men and women who made all our holidays possible.

JennCMFan: When MGG directs is it more fun on set ?

JM: When Matthew's on set, it's ALWAYS fun.

paparossi: What do you think sets Criminal Minds apart from other crime shows?

JM: I like to think C.M. is the thinking fan's show. We demand a little more from our viewers and you guys step up to the plate.

anniebelle: What's one thing you've given to Rossi's character? What's one thing you've taken away?

JM: I've given Rossi maturity....Rossi has taken away my sleep!

jillian: Do you think you could actually be a profiler?

JM: I have the utmost respect for the real profilers. I'm happy to play one....not sure if I can be one.

swon: Would you like to see Rossi in a physical confrontation with an unsub?

JM: I had one little mix-up with Jason Alexander's character in an episode, but for the most part we let Morgan do the butt-whipping on our show.

JennSeiler: Who is the better cook at home: you or your wife?

JM: My wife is, hands down. But I do make a very good carbonara.

Heidi: What is the best prank that any of you have ever pulled on each other?

JM: I think Shemar meets the Bear was a good one.

criminalminds82: When Rossi came back he was not much of a team player, now he is what do you think changed that?

JM: I think it was a good example of how people can and do change when necessary. It's part of the growth of all of us.

procrastinator: Who was in the bear suit?

JM: That's what made it great. It was no suit!

Explodingegg: If you could drink beer with any historical figure, from any time period, living or dead, who would it be and why?

JM: I would want to have a beer with Jesus, Buddah and Mohammed and ask them, boys, let's get together and bring some understanding to people everywhere.

anniebelle: Yeah, have you noticed profiling qualities seep into your everyday life? Like, do you see people and think, "Impotent narcissistic sociopath!"?

JM: I play David Rossi, but I'm a lot more Dean Martin. No profiling for me on my free time.

JM: Thanks everyone. I love being part of this show. I hope you continue to enjoy being part of it with us.

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