During Criminal Minds Season 15, Episode 8, JJ had to think about her future. She’s still thinking about her future, and it should be as BAU chief.
Caution: There are minor spoilers for Criminal Minds Season 15, Episode 8.
Prentiss and JJ both had to think about their futures in Criminal Minds Season 15, Episode 8. For JJ, she needs to consider whether moving on now is the right choice or if she should hold out for the chance to run the BAU. I’ve always thought of her as a great option for the chief of the BAU, and here’s a look at why.
JJ has always put the BAU first
More from TV Crime Dramas
- Fans get exciting news about Reacher Season 3 on Prime Video
- Found Season 1, Episode 11 release details and spoilers
- School Spirits Season 2 release updates and everything we know
- Accused Season 2 release date, cast, and everything we know
- Wild Cards: What is the new CW crime caper dramedy about?
When A.J. Cook was pregnant, she had to leave the series temporarily. The writers wrote JJ’s temporary exit in by her being reassigned, and it was a believable storyline at the time. JJ was devastated by the news, and the first chance she got to return to the BAU, she took it.
The best thing was that instead of being a liaison to the team, she was a fully-fledged member of the team. It was a win-win situation for all, and it made it clear that she wanted to be part of this team.
Even though she put her name down on a waitlist in New Orleans, she’d forgotten all about it. Not only was it that long ago, but it was something she never really took seriously. It’s clear that her time with the BAU has always been at the forefront of her mind.
Watch your favorite shows on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
She makes a great leader
There have been times that JJ has had to take the lead. When in the field, she has no concerns about calling the shots. Sometimes, her decisions can be reckless but everyone has had a lapse in judgment. Whenever she’s made bad calls, she’s learned from them and not made the same mistake twice.
She leads by example, showing others her dedication and what she expects from them. At no time has she been afraid to speak out and she never treats anyone differently.
JJ has always cared about others on the team. She listens to concerns, but when she’s had to make decisions, she’s gone with her gut with all the information she’s had to hand.
Others respect her
Trust and respect are two-way streets. JJ trusts and respects her colleagues, but she’s also earned their trust and respect. Never once have they looked at her like she can only do half the job because she’s a woman. In fact, the BAU team has always been wholly supportive of females, and females in charge.
She commands respect with her fairness but also her inner strength. JJ isn’t afraid to call others out when they’d said or done something, but she also stands up for her team when she knows they are in the right.
Others see that and will turn to her for advice. They trust her with secrets, and they respect her decisions and her actions.
Her qualities are necessary for a leader. I’ve always seen her as a potential chief of the BAU, and now there may be a chance she steps up into that role.
Do you think JJ would make a good unit chief? How do you see Criminal Minds ending? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Criminal Minds series finale airs on Feb. 19 starting at 9/8c on CBS.