Farewell to Season Seven... See you in Season Eight! Photo courtesy of Greg St. Johns.

CM_SetReport Chat Transcript with Season Finale Writers Erica Messer and Rick Dunkle 5-17-12

Rick Dunkle (RD): Hey all! Rick here. Messer's logging in now then we can get started!

Erica Messer (ECM): Hello Everybody!

RD: That was much faster than I expected!

CrimMindsFans: I was wondering, was Will originally supposed to die but then you decided to let him live to make the ending happy?

ECM: We DID consider that VERY early on because of the drama of it, but when we knew we were losing Paget, there's only so much sadness we can take!

ReidKnits: Will Rossi and Strauss be a couple now, or are they just hookin' up?

RD: I don't think they'll ever actually be a couple. He's been there done that three times.

RD: And I think they've been hooking up for a while.

wheelsup4demily: Erica! Thank you for giving fans perhaps the best season finale yet! It was perfect! Also, you pretty much pleased all the various shippers! Was that intentional?

ECM: Wheelsup! Thank you all for watching and knowing you liked it means everything. Those moments were for all of you shippers -- and some here that can't play favorites! We all secretly wish for some of those match-ups :)

swon: OMG Rick Dunkle and Erica Messer, that was the most amazing finale EVER!!!! You must have known that writing Emily saying "it's a date" and them dancing would cause fans wanting Hotch and her together into a tizzy! Did you do it on purpose?

ECM: Dunkle and I had so much fun figuring out the bookends of this one -- the fun loving start to 723 "Hit" and then the bittersweet ending to "Run." We ALL loved the dancing and smiled huge hoping it would go over big with all of you! Glad it did! And yes, the last words out of Prentiss' mouth "It's a date" was TOTALLY ON PURPOSE!!!!

BethM1992: How much did you love writing the Doctor Who convention scene?

RD: Hahaha. There was a moment at one point where we were possibly going to lose that scene and I fought hard for us to keep it. It helped that it was one of Director Michael Lange's favorite scenes, too, because he's as big a nerd as me. The original version was much more elaborate (read much more expensive) and I have to give a huge thanks and props to line producer Harry and production designer Vincent who found a way to make it work in a streamline edition. Very happy with how it turned out! And Garcia as her own version of Matt Smith? How could you go wrong!?!?

jojo831: How was it to work with little Mehkai? He's soooo cute!!! Was he a good actor?

ECM: He's so adorable and watching him with both AJ and Josh was really sweet. AJ would whisper him his lines then he would whisper them back… it was TOO CUTE!

samiam: Great episode!!! Kept me on the edge of my seat. Was it hard to find the perfect words for Emily to say at the end?

ECM: Thanks! Glad you liked it! It was really hard to figure out what she'd say and think, but then this thing happened where I remembered something I'd heard at the beginning of the season… about every ending also being a beginning and it just clicked. it was too perfect… and adding the "I'd like to think that's true" was for Paget and all of us…

Mellie: How did you come up for the idea of the UnSubs? What made you come up with a female as the dominant partner in a bank robbery?

ECM: We wanted Izzy to be the "evil" Prentiss. She was working as a ghost for years but doing bad things. Then having her be the one who threatens Henry just seemed right -- and then that kick-ass fight was born!

RD: Also, I do work for two women… so it's not that far of a stretch to think of females in a dominant position!

ECM: Ricky Dunkle. You're funny.

travismom: When and where can we hear more from Lilly? The song and voice at the end were great. We want more!

ECM: Hi Travis Mom! We miss you! Lily has recorded her album but it's getting mixed now so stay tuned for more! You can buy the single "As it Seems" on iTunes right now!

RD: You can follow her on twitter for updates: @lily_kershaw And she has a facebook fan page now, too.

iloveemily: Hey guys, please help a desperate Prentiss fan here. I know it's too soon to ask this but please try to answer it: next season, even though we're not going to see Prentiss anymore, will we at least hear about her? I mean, do you intend to have someone on the team mention her once in a while so we'll know where she's at and if they are still in touch with her? PLEEEEASE!!!?!!?!?!

ECM: Absolutely, she will always be a part of our family and we'll mention her, if we can't see her. It's something I talked to Paget about. She will still be in the team's lives and we will absolutely let that be known!

alext-cm: Man can’t wait for season eight! Do you guys know what the them will be for next season! :D

ECM: All of the writers are taking a break and we'll gather back in a couple of weeks to discuss all of this and more! We can't wait for season 8 either!

clarissa: I'm so happy CM got gangbuster ratings for the finale! Do you feel it's as under-appreciated and under-promoted like we do; but somehow it keeps rising to the top in spite of the networks & critics?

ECM: We've always felt like the Little Engine That Could. I read that story to my kids recently and it was amazing how CM paralleled it! Our fans are so loyal, it helps us keep going.

RD: I think the fan base is a huge part of that… I think twitter and facebook and tumblr help us immensely… Criminal Minds has one of the highest online/interactive presences of any series out there right now and that's thanks to you. And with the addition of CM_SetReport and the Erica Meredith, Haben Merker, Travis Braun videos, and @garcia_bau there's just so much we can do on our own. And get ready for even more next year...

Nataliee: What was the mood like on set on the last day?

ECM: Bittersweet. There were some tears, but a LOT of laughs because we had our Gubbie Awards and the first Talent Show and it just reinforced how great this group of people are together. On screen and off. In front of the camera and behind it -- just the most amazing people.

RD: Personally, I think every season should end with Shemar on a tight rope!

ECM: You're right! It should!

ECM: You're right! It should!

jojo831: I'm a little confused as to what's going on with Kevin and Garcia, did they break up since she turned down the proposal? But yet they still danced together at the wedding? And who's the girl he’s been with??

RD: The girl Kevin was with is CSU Tech Gina Garcia played by Gina Garcia-Sharp. Gina was our casting associate seasons one and two and has appeared as Gina every season I think since the Elle days!

ECM: We're trying to play the reality of Kevin's rejection. He wasn't ready to jump back into the relationship because his heart's a bit broken but they are so good together… and when the city is under attack, he needs to be near our sweet Garcia. They will be figuring out how to move forward given all of this and dancing together broke that ice for us.

RD: She also happens to be one of Kirsten's best friends, so the idea of having Nicky playing around with her and have Kirsten witness it was too awesome to avoid!

RD: "Are you comparing us to POTUS?" One of my favorite lines from ECM!

ECM: Thanks, Dunks.

laurenreynoldsisdead: That finale was, I think, the best ever! I loved it. I was just wondering but where was JJ's father?

RD: Who says she doesn't have two mothers?

ECM: Hey laurenreynoldsisdead! thanks! I talked to AJ about it and we decided he passed away. My two moms!

Ella_GB: What was the greatest challenge writing this episode?

ECM: Keeping it at budget. Oh wait...

RD: HAHAHA

ECM: Seriously, figuring out a way to say "see ya later" [NOT GOODBYE} to Prentiss.

derekandemilylove4ever: Emily never got to have a proper goodbye with the team. We never got to see the reactions of JJ, Garcia, Reid, Rossi to the news that she`ll be leaving. Will we get to see the whole teams reactions & their goodbye`s in season 8?

ECM: There were no words that could define a proper goodbye, so we opted for the AMAZING LILY KERSHAW song and the dance. We also felt like you can't top a funeral as a goodbye and we've already been there and done that with Prentiss!

cheetah_breath: Incredible season finale! Were Prentiss' references to the house and the "cracks in the foundation" a metaphor for her own situation?

RD: Absolutely.

ECM: Hi cheetoh breath!!

RD: In the opening scene between Morgan and Prentiss when Prentiss asks, "Am I crazy to walk away?" and Morgan responds, "What's your gut telling you?" Insert Messer for Morgan and Paget for Prentiss. We miss her so much already.

ECM: Sadness

erica1021: I NEED to know your thoughts about Morgan and Prentiss?!?!? Is the love that I have always believed to be there actually there?!

ECM: erica1021!!!! Hello! I've always believed Prentiss has a special connection with all of the team, but there's something extra with Morgan. They've always got one another's back in the field and that translates into real life (of the characters) too. It was a BIG DEAL when we shot the dance. I said to Paget, who should Prentiss be dancing with as we end the show and it seemed like Morgan would be the best fit mainly because it bookended the season so well. In the premiere, he was the last to know she was alive and in the finale he's the first to know she's leaving.

RD: Don't worry, in 5-10 years when Prentiss shows up for the series finale with her beautiful mocha baby, we'll finally know the truth.

ECM: RD has lost his mind! It's official!

RD: It must be the meds

crimminds19: Describe season seven in one word.

ECM: Season 7 in one word… FUN! I want to know what you guys think?

crimminds19: AMAZING

erica1021: beautiful

Mellie: Fight-y….

brdbstandardam1: Rollercoaster.

laurenreynoldsisdead: SEXY

hennalilacstar: EPIC!!

CMfan: Great.

EmPress: Bittersweet.

cantdowithouthotch: emotional.

sam-maddy: awesome.

NewBeginnings: OUTSTANDING!

sue5758: crapy.

Prentiss: Prentiss!

Nataliee: Sensational.

RD: WONDERFREAKINGLICIOUS!

ECM: I like that RD made up a new word!

AWreck: To Rick and Erica...thank you for such an amazing season finale. I've never experienced so many emotions watching a tv show. It still today has me feeling so many emotions. The cast and crew and everyone involved should be (and I know is) very proud. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!

ECM: That's so kind, AWreck! Thank YOU ALL!

RD: Thanks! Hard to believe the season is over already. It’s been a fun ride. See you all in the fall!

ECM: Thank each and every one of you for supporting CM this season! Stay tuned to CM Set Report for updates! Have a great summer and we'll chat with you all later! Goodnight! Be well!

All Dressed Up

Anatomy of an Explosion

@CM_SetReport Chat with Rick Dunkle and Erica Messer Login Info

Writer Rick Dunkle and Executive Producer Erica Messer will be chatting tonight at 6PM PST. Please click on the above 'chat now' button/link to join the chat. Make sure java is up to date on your computer. The chat room will open at 5:30PM PST.

Room password: boom

Thanks!

Announcing: @CM_SetReport chat w/Rick Dunkle and Erica Messer

Don't miss 2night's 2hr finale @9PM EST. Writer Rick Dunkle & Exec Prod. Erica Messer will chat thurs 5/17 @6PM PST! And keep your eye on @CM_SetReport twitter and this page for some special videos leading up to the chat. Chat login info will be posted 5/17.

BAU United: A look back at Criminal Minds Season 7

BAU United: Official Lyrics

H.I.M back in the B-A-U

Criminal Minds yo, Criminal Minds yo, Season 7, Rewind!

People be dyin, then we be flyin on our jet to go get dem. Uh!

B-A-U-UNITED!

People be dyin, then we be flyin on our jet to go get dem. Uh!

B-A-U-UNITED!

It Takes A Village yo, you need Proof?

Hey haters this is what we do.

There's bullets raining down in Dorado Falls

UnSub causing trouble, so we took the call,

Cap-gras (What the f**k is that?)

JJ returns as a profiler, she’s now a hardcore brawler. Her babby daddy cares for the kid when she’s away, it strains their relationship, she hopes he’ll stay.

It was Painless, like From Childhood's Hour. We took away that UnSub’s power.

Asymbolia (What the f**k is that?)

Rossi’s first wife Carolyn, tells him she’s sick and will be dying. She needs help with suicide, but Rossi he won’t abide. Rossi won’t do it he’s too strong of will, but it’s too late she already took the pills. 

It’s your Epilogue, There's No Place Like Home, where Hope reigns, and butterflies roam.

We save a member of Garcia’s support group, no UnSub better mess with our troop. Garcia’s boyfriend Kevin proposes, she denies him he should brought roses. 

It’s a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy, with death murder and catastrophe.

Erin Strauss is a drunk, Erin Strauss is a drunk, Erin Strauss is drunk! 

People be dyin, then we be flyin on our jet to go get dem. Uh!

B-A-U-UNITED!

People be dyin, then we be flyin on our jet to go get dem. Uh!

B-A-U-UNITED!

The Bittersweet Science, with that the guy from Southland, beating up fools with his bare hands.

Sometimes in life you find a True Genius, like an Unknown Subject singing bad lyrics. Dendrophilia (What the f**k is that?)

Reid has trouble with Prentiss’ return, he considered taking that dilauded burn. This year’s birthday he turned 30, you’d think he’d grow up but he’s still nerdy. 

Snake Eyes are your kryptonite, roll eight Superman and win big tonight.

In the city of angels it’s Closing Time, some love and some hate, it’s A Thin Line.

During hiatus Hotch went commando, strolling through the dessert like John Rambo. While training for a triathlon, he meets Beth who’s got it going on. He struggles with bringing her into Jack’s life, could this be his second wife?

It's A Family Affair, I Love You Tommy Brown, who’s hot for teacher? It’s time to get down.

There’s cracks in the Foundation of Heathridge Manor, is that Freddy Krueger on the police scanner?

Searching for more than a decade, Morgan finds his cousin who’s a sex slave. He’s got guilt about the Doyle situation; he doubts his abilities as a tactician.

The Company strikes like a Divining Rod,

We’ll find that dark muse crazy broad.

Prentiss is back she returns from the dead. She needs a therapist to deal with her head. She talks to the team to make amends, they forgive her they will always be friends.

Back to the basics, Profiling 101, Criminal Minds season seven, it’s a Hit And Run!

People be dyin, then we be flyin on our jet to go get dem. Uh!

B-A-U-UNITED!

People be dyin, then we be flyin on our jet to go get dem. Uh!

B-A-U-UNITED!

Criminal Minds yo, Season 7, that’s a wrap! 

CM_SetReport Chat Transcript w Writer/Producer Virgil Williams 5-10-12

VW: Yo yo yo! What's up super fans! 


NNatalieee: So who is the genius, Garcia or Reid? 
VW: I would say it depends on who you ask. And by the way, that's thanks to the comic stylings of Breen Frazier. 


CMfan: Hi virgil, excellent writing on last night episode. where/how did the idea for this episode came from? 
VW: Mostly from a true-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas.


laurenreynoldsisdead: What was your favourite line from last nights episode? 
VW: Sloan: OHMYGOD. Ewwwww! 


Ella_GB: I loved the episode last night, It was an interesting set up, what made you think about doing a flash back episode? By the way, the happy birthday sung by unsub gave me night mares. 
VW: Our pleasure to give you nightmares. I just wanted to do a case that spanned many years. And flashbacks happen to be a part of that. Happy accident! 


NNatalieee: You've written three episodes this season, was this one your favourite? 
VW: They're all like children. I can't pick a favorite. And they ALL drove me crazy. 


wheelsup4demily: VIRGIL! Awesome episode last night! It really felt like we got back to the basics that make CM great! So we've been promised some Morgan & Prentiss awesomeness but haven't seen it yet. Will we get it in the finale??? 
VW: BOOM! 


ana_clara: Hey Virgil, you're one of the best writers...Congratulations for you job! Love from Brazil [= 
VW: Obrigado brasil! 


SSA_River_Song: Hey Virgil!!!!! Where did the idea for Zimmerman come from? 
VW: Bruce BIG MONEY Zimmerman! Who I love and adore.


Ella_GB: yo yo yo! Ella GB here. That mullet on Reid was an inspiration. But seriously, what is your favorite/leats favorite thing about working with the cast and crew of Criminal Minds?
VW: This cast is great. They bring it every week. Can't pick a favorite and can't find a least favorite. 


clarissa: Was the shirtless Rossi in-between wives, or was that young thing wife number 2 or 3?
VW: Hmmmmmmm........you decide. 


elle: Loved the lecture style going on at the beginning. When you've got a complex scene with the entire cast taking turns speaking, how do you decide who's going to say what? 
VW: Balance and rhythm. 


Baby_Girl_Shayna: Was there anything cut from the episode that you wanted us to see?? 
VW: A love scene between Morgan and Prentiss!! ;-)


ReidsMullet: Have you started breaking scripts for season 8 yet? 
VW: Yeah! 


clarissa: As a devoted Hotch/Prentiss shipper who has been broken hearted this season, is there any value in my my watching the finale? 
VW: It depends on how devoted you are. But my advice? Don't miss it. 


SSA_River_Song: Virgil, what's the best thing about being a screenwriter? 
VW: Great question. Getting paid to write. I would do it for free. Shhhh...don't tell the studio. 


NNatalieee: Who's the voice behind Penelope Garcia's twitter page? Said person is hilarious. 
VW: Garcia, who do you think!?

laurenreynoldsisdead: Can you give us spoilers about season 8 yet? 
VW: People will die! 


laurenreynoldsisdead: What will you miss most about Paget
VW: Everything. 


Ella_GB: Mr. Virgil Williams, how did you get into screen writing? 
VW: It depends on when you start the story. I was an actor when I was a boy. I found writing in high school. Then I got rejected from film school. And I wrote. And wrote. And wrote. And then I got an opportunity on "24" and made the most of it. I've been blessed and the rest is history, and hopefully there's a lot more future to come.


daretobeclever: How often do you get writers block? Writing for such a successful show must be stressful. 
VW: It's my baseline. 


ana_clara: Have you had an idea/inspiration for a episode in a strange situation? 
VW: I'm from Chicago but now I live in Los Angeles. Life is STRANGE. 


Baby_Girl_Shayna: How was the last day of filming for season 7??? Us fans were an emotional wreak.. What was the "Vibe" on set.
VW: People were throwing themselves from the roof. And lighting themselves on fire. Kidding. Food trucks and drinks. Awesome.


NNatalieee: How are you spending your hiatus? 
VW: I will write. And write and write and write and write.


wheelsup4demily: What would you recommend as the next step for a graduating English major who wants to get into the business? Grad school? Work experience? Something else?
VW: Write. And then write some more. There is no wrong choice. Observe. Listen carefully. Live. And then go write some more.


Amplifigaytion: Is there a theme for s8 yet? Like s7 was focusing on the team as a family 
VW: Not just yet. Season eight is still gestating. 


Amplifigaytion: What do the writers take away from these chats? 
VW: Feedback from the true fans -- vitally important. We do THIS for you guys. 


erin_locks: What is a typical day of filming like? 
VW: Loooongggg.


SmileyGidget: Is what your currently doing your dream job, or is there something else you would love to do even more? 
VW: Fighter pilot. Or bounty hunter. 


NNatalieee: There's always a split with Erin Strauss, but do YOU love or hate her? 
VW: Love to hate her. 


erin_locks: What do you consider the creepiest episode of Criminal Minds? 
VW: Episode 100. 


sam-maddy: Who is your dream guest star? 
VW: Carrot Top! 


NNatalieee: I'm actually jealous that you're from Chicago. I'm from Ireland which sucks in comparison. 
VW: Really? I've always wanted to check Ireland out. 


Jasper: How are the writers going to tackle integrating an eventual (probably inevitable) new profiler? Seaver had so much potential, but with the anger over the network's treatment of CM's female cast she got the brunt of ill-feeling.
VW: Honestly, time will tell. 


gray: Has CBS ever completely rejected a script you've written? If so, why do you think that was? 
VW: A script, no. Not to my knowledge. 


resainez: How much does cast input affect the script writing process? 
VW: On the actual script writing process, limited. But the entire process is very collaborative. 


laurenreynoldsisdead: If you were an unsuub, how would you kill? 
VW: With kindness! 


NNatalieee: Why are so many people guest starring/reappearing in the season finale? Strauss, Jack, Beth, Clyde.. .e.t.c 
VW: We're bringin' it home! 


erica1021: Whats your take on the Morgan/Prentiss partnership/relationship, etc? 
VW: Love it! That's why I featured it in A Thin Line.


Tracey_Lane: How does the script writing process go, do you all just write several and submit them and hope one of yours gets chosen to become an episode? How does that work? 
VW: Every writer pitches ideas. Messer, Janine and the room decide which ideas are best. Then, as a group, we break the story, which is to say, figure out what the hell happens. After that, the writer writes an outline. After that, the room gives notes. After that, the writer writes the script. After that, the room gives notes. After that, the studio and network give notes. After that, we shoot it. 


AnneLaure: what's most fun : shoot on the set or on location ??
VW: Depends on what we're shooting. 


NNatalieee: When does filming start up again? 
VW: July 6th or 9th or something. I don't know the date.


AnneLaure: I know you love french and speaks it very well, Have you ever been in France ? How is Thomas Gibson's French? 
VW: I have. Three times. I proposed to my wife there.


laurenreynoldsisdead: In the finale, there will be a wedding. Will we seen the proposal? 
VW: Yes. 


Jasper: Will there be any new writers for s8, or the same team?
VW: Same team. Can't wait! 


NNatalieee: Is there a serial killer you find particularly intriguing? 
VW: Intriguing, no. But I'm shocked by them all. 


Jasper: Is there anything the writers will be doing differently than in s7? Things you've learn from, processes or approaches that you might tweak? 
VW: Writing scenes without Prentiss :-( 


AnneLaure: How did you feel when you saw for the first time the episode you wrote on TV ?? 
VW: Thrilled. A dream realized. I still find it exciting. Ask me how I felt when that first residual check came in. ;-) haha 


Jasper: Which dynamics are you hoping to explore next season? 
VW: Too early for that question. We're on hiatus. 


pennyj: Please tell me we'll be seeing more of Reid in season 8. He's a great character with a lot of potential but lately he seems neglected...either pushed in the background or just spitting out facts. He's such a popular character so many of us are so confused and frustrated. Please tell me this will change for season 8. 
VW: We love Reid. We know you guys do too. He'll be there.


erica1021: which character do you think will miss Prentiss the most? 
VW: Definitely Morgan. Garcia's his baby girl. But Prentiss always had his back in the field. 


Ella_GB: If you could write for any other show ever, what would you want to write for? 

VW: Fantasy Island or the Twilight Zone. Thank you awesome fans! Keep watching. We love you guys. See you in season eight!

CM_SetReport Chat with Writer/Producer Virgil Williams

Writer/producer Virgil Williams will be chatting tonight at 6PM PST. Please click on the above 'chat now' button/link to join the chat. Make sure java is up to date on your computer. The chat room will open at 5:30PM PST.

Room password: birthday

See ya there!

Announcing: CM_SetReport Chat w/Virgil Williams

Don't miss 2nite's all new #CriminalMinds "PROFILING 101" Writer @VirgilWilliams will be in @CM_SetReport chat room on Thur. 5/10 @ 6PM PST! Details will be posted tomorrow morning. Thanks!

Don’t miss 2nite’s all new #CriminalMinds EP721 “Divining Rod.” No chat this week but plenty of treats still to come! Stay tuned!!