After what feels like forever, I have finally finished watching Criminal Minds in its entirety but rather than attempt to write a review on a series that is 323 episodes long, I figured it would be easier to do something a little different and rank my favourite members of the BAU team from worst to best.

Although there may be a difference of opinion for those in the middle of the list, given what I know about about other fans of the show, there will be very little argument about those in the top and bottom spots.

Worst – Elle Greenaway

This was not a hard decision for me, Elle Greenaway was THE WORST!! She was only in the show for a couple of seasons but she left a bitter taste in the mouth. I found her to be a little pretentious and arrogant without any actions to back up her attitude. I know that she was suffering from PTSD towards the end of her run, but her behaviour towards Hotch and the rest of the team was a big no-no for me.

Ashley Seaver

Acting as something of a replacement for JJ, Ashley Seaver had some big shoes to fill but – let’s be honest – she was just fifty shades of Beige. I’ll admit she had a really interesting backstory but, other than as a way to introduce her to the team, the show didn’t really capitalise on the potential and as a result we ended up with a character that was almost instantly forgettable.

Kate Callahan

As an individual character, Kate Callahan is actually pretty cool. She had a successful career in the FBI’s Sex Crimes Unit before joining the BAU in season 10, has a solid stable family life and the kind of backstory that is emotional without being overly done. That being said, she sits pretty low on my list because she didn’t really add anything new to the dynamic of the team.

Stephen Walker

An experienced profiler with a history in counter-intelligence, Stephen Walker was brought into the team in season 12 to help them catch Peter Lewis aka ‘Mr Scratch’. For me his character was a little underdeveloped, the audience were given just enough to make his departure an emotional gut punch but other than that, he didn’t really have much of an impact.

Alex Blake

I wasn’t Blake’s biggest fan when she first arrived on the scene but I grew to appreciate her more as the show went on. I loved the linguistic element she brought to profiling and she had a great relationship with Reid, in fact, she was the only member of the team who really came close to matching Reid mentally.

Matt Simmons

After a few earlier appearances as a member of the IRT (International Response Team), Matt Simmons officially joins the BAU team in season 13, after the death of Stephen Walker. As a result, his placement as a permanent cast member feels a little like putting on your favourite pair of pajamas.

Tara Lewis

I really liked Dr Tara Lewis’ introduction, unlike Alex Blake and Kate Callahan, the audience could clearly see how she earnt her place on the team, stepping up when she is needed. She brings a real calming presence to interviews but there is a clear strength of character that is pleasant to watch.

Jason Gideon

I know that Jason Gideon is a bit of a fan favourite and a lot of people felt the show wasn’t the same after he left but I always found him to be a little abrasive and boring. I did warm up to him eventually as he had some sweet and funny moments, and it was clear how much he respected the other members of the team.

Emily Prentiss

Emily Prentiss seems to be a bit like marmite to the Criminal Minds fandom, they either lover her or hate her. Personally I think she is a bit of a badass. She had a rocky start in the BAU and she really had to earn her place in the team, reaching highly respected levels within the FBI and Interpol by the end. She breaks a lot of gender stereotypes without sacrificing her femininity or vulnerability, and she speaks seven (!) languages.

Luke Alvez

Replacing Derek Morgan in season 12, Luke Alvez had some big shoes to fill and for me, he nailed it. Unlike some of the other new additions, Alvez wasn’t a perfect profiler when he joined the team but instead needed to learn and evolve new skills, and I think it is this character development that ranks him above some of the other more established members of team.

Jennifer ‘JJ’ Jereau

As the literal and figurative mum of the group, Jennifer ‘JJ’ Jereau is fiercely loyal and protective of those she loves but also quite reserved and slow to open up about herself. I have always liked JJ, and she had a great evolution throughout the course of the show, from Communications Liaison to fully fledged profiler to acting Unit Chief.

Derek Morgan

Ah, ladies man Derek Morgan… *swoon*

There is a lot I like about Derek Morgan. He has a hugely powerful and affecting backstory which was perfectly delivered by actor Shemar Moore. He was a valued member of the team, often willing to sacrifice himself to help others and, while he respected those above him, he wasn’t afraid to challenge or speak up if he didn’t agree with something. And who didn’t love his friendship with Penelope, along with all its flirty banter.

David Rossi

Despite my somewhat indifference to Jason Gideon, I’ll admit that I was a little unsure when David Rossi stepped in as the seasoned veteran, and co-founder, of the BAU but it didn’t take long for me to warm up to him. He may have become a silver fox by the shows end but he was still quite young at heart and his sassy attitude providing some little gems of dialogue.

Aaron Hotchner

He was often rigid and serious, a stickler for the rules and not quick to smile but I absolutely LOVE Aaron Hotchner. Of all the cast members to come and go, Hotchner was probably the one I related to the most and I was a bit gutted when he was kicked off the show.

Penelope Garcia

Technical Analyst, hacker and super nerd, Penelope Garcia was the spark of light and hope in a world that is dark and twisted. Her quirky and colourful personality provided some comedic relief and she was a constant reminder that love and kindness conquers all.

Best – Spencer Reid

I think I have a type, no matter the show – Bones, Agents of Shield, Arrow – if there is a geeky genius (usually sporting a cardigan or two) then they will almost always become my favourite character and Criminal Minds’ Spencer Reid is no exception. The amount of trauma and growth he goes through on the show is why I am a sucker for character development and why Spencer Reid will deserves to be at the top of this list.

So there you have it, my ranking of the Criminal Minds profilers. Do you agree with my list?