Criminal Minds – What’s next for Hotch?

After the heart pounding nature of the 100th episode, it was inevitable that 101st would be an emotional one. And Haley’s (Meredith Monroe) funeral was actually the least of it. No, what really made for tough watching was Hotch trying to figure out what to do for his son, Jack (Cade Owens). Not because he wasn’t prepared to raise him, but because, what do you do for your son — who’s used to being mainly raised by his mother — after she dies? How do you help him cope and move on?

It was tough watching Jack as he watched videos of him and his mother playing together. He’s old enough to understand, but not old enough to know what to do with himself now. So what is Hotch to do?

The FBI thinks the choice is simply: early retirement, with a full pension and benefits. Clearly they’re not presenting that idea to old Hotch, who might have spit at Strauss (Jayne Atkinson) for suggesting it, but is he prepared to become new Hotch, with new responsibilities and a new focus? Would it be healthy for either him or Jack for Haley’s death to turn Hotch into a new person, perhaps one he isn’t meant to be?

There must be some way for him to remain an aide to law enforcement without putting his life on the line at all times. Maybe as a behind-the-scenes analyst who molds and manages the BAU’s database of profiles and profiling techniques, streamlining it to the agents in the field to make them more efficient in their jobs.

But that wouldn’t be Hotch, would it? I’m somewhat disappointed in his seeming decision to go back to the BAU, because I think its nothing more than a selfish, ego-driven one. To me it’s not about the hours, the travel, or even the promise he made to Haley. It’s more about, how can Hotch be the father that Jack needs when he spends his days in the minds of sick, twisted people who have no saving grace? What kind of man will he be bringing home to his son after a day spent at that office?

Morgan’s on the complete opposite side of the spectrum in those terms. Every time he reiterates it I find it a little harder to believe that he’s so selfless as to have no desire for power, authority, or responsibility. You don’t have to be hungry for it, but everyone has drive and wants to be recognized for their hard work. It was questionable to me when he passed on the New York field office job (not that I’d ever want Morgan to leave the show), so to say that he didn’t care if he was chief or a team member, whatever Hotch needed, just felt hollow to me.

That aside, the good thing is that I think this is a shake-up of the show’s structure. My guess is that Hotch will return, but in more of a Gideon/Rossi role, not as chief, leaving Morgan to steer the ship. What that does to Rossi’s role (do they need two elder sages, even though I never saw Rossi as such?) I’m not sure, but he does click with the team, so I don’t think he’s going anywhere. The problem there is that the result would be a top-heavy team, which can only topple. So maybe Morgan’s set to take his old role again somewhere down the road?

We’ll see. But just one thing … Hotch, do not forget the little boy that you have waiting for you back at home.

Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Dec 10, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT