Criminal Minds - Season 8 - Interview with Joe Mantegna

Thanks to Adam for the heads up.

Adam: Season 8 kicks off with the team coping with the departure of Emily Prentiss and the addition of a new team member. What can you tell us about the first few episodes? How much time has passed since the Finale?

Joe: We usually use the normal 10-week hiatus period as the time off we have between our final season’s episode and our first episode of the new season. I think it helps the continuity of the show to do that whenever possible. The first few episodes will help our new cast member Jean acclimate.


Adam: The BAU is no stranger to changes. How does the team warm up to newcomer Alex Blake (played by Jeanne Tripplehorn)?

Joe: There is a period of adjustment when a new member joins the team, as there was when I joined 5 years ago. I think our writers do a fine job of making that transition as easy as possible and enjoyable to the viewers.


Adam: Tell us more about Alex Blake. What kind of relationship or interaction will she have with David Rossi?

Joe: As to what Alex Blake’s relationship or interaction with Rossi is, is yet to be determined. I think it’s wise to not force too much info in too quickly. Over the season we’ll see how Jeanne’s character of Alex establishes herself with all the team.

Source: Full Interview @ tvdonewright