Tonights episode ofCriminal Mindsis a big one that Ive already teased.
Proceed for insight from the star and second-timeCMdirector as he talks about what it was like having A.J.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How was it giving directing a second shot?
Credit: Matt Kennedy/CBS
MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER:It was as great as the first time, if not even better.
Was it easier this time?
I was like, What the hell?
So this time I was braced more for double duty of directing and acting.
So that made it a bit easier.
This was definitely a big episode to be asked to direct.
Such an exceptional honor.
Im really rambling now.
But its so rich with story!
And this was absolutely one of our most important episodes ever.
And just to be asked to do it meant the world to me.
Since its such a big episode, are you nervous for people to see this one?
That I was worried about people seeing because it was a divergence from our typical style of show.
This one, I know its about one of our beloved characters and she did such a phenomenal performance.
And everyone else did just touching performance.
Were there any new challenges you faced this episode around?
Any moment in a directors day is a challenge, which is why I love it.
The show we dont really do a lot.
Theres freaking hand grenades and handguns stuff that isnt my forte, per say.
Im not an action guy in real life.
I dont watch action movies.
That was a challenge that presented itself.
I had to think about how to film a guy on a boat talking to his son.
Weird people doing weird things.
But I learned that you point the camera and the action speaks for itself.
So it was a challenge and a relief.
After experiencing it this time around, is this something you want to do again?
Theres so much movement in action.
If you look at it more like a ballet, you might see the beauty of it.
By action, I mean we dont have machine guns on our show all the time.
And theres a fight scene and all this stuff thats just thrilling to film and thrilling to watch.
How was it being behind the camera with A.J.
It was an absolute pleasure.
The family the band was reunited.
I almost felt like it was hard to go wrong.
[Laughs] It was great writing and great returns.
It made my job as a director so much easier.
So this is Paget Brewsters last episode.
How can we look for the dynamic to change?
We all feel the loss.
Paget has this infectious laugh.
The table read after this one, she wasnt there and I was like, Ah!
Its kind of sad.
But shows change and life changes.
I hope that in some weird way theyll come back.
This is an interesting year for us.
We have a spin-off.
Some characters have their contracts up.
There are so many unknowns, and I hope we get to keep making a great show.
Its a great thing to be a part of for half a decade.
When you put it that way…
I could have gone to med school and been a heart surgeon by now.
- So for the non-spoiler folk (a.k.a.
not me), what can you say about this episode?
All we cared about for this episode was making it fan-friendly, hence the return of A.J.
A lot of adventure and action and espionage sort of a new world.
A lot of craziness and drama.
Epic is the world that comes to mind.
I cant believe Im selling my own episode with epic.
No shame in that!
Especially if its true.
[Laughter]
I love that.
[Laughs] Its perfect!
So on set, did you all do anything special to mark Pagets big exit?
But we stuck around after, and a few of us had a toast of fine wine Pagets favorite.
Paget and I were in denial it was happening.
It hit us all by surprise.
But how great that it was you who got to do it.
It was an absolute honor.
Read more:
Criminal Minds spoilers
