Over the last few years, I heard a lot about the show Criminal Minds. What I kept hearing the most was ‘it’s a great show, but you couldn’t handle it, Twistie.’ I listened. Silly me.
Then over the Thanksgiving weekend, a good friend sat me down for a three-day marathon of Criminal Minds. I’ve been hooked ever since. My friend even knew precisely the door to open first: Garcia.
Look, I found a lot to love about the show in general… as well as a few things to keep me awake late at night, brrr! But I have fallen hook, line, sinker, and the day’s catch for Garcia.
She’s fabulous. She lets her freak flag fly as high as it will go. She’s intelligent and capable and funny and flirty and completely herself, no matter what. She also happens to be fat. No, really, that’s just how it is. It isn’t a Major Plot Point. I haven’t yet seen or heard about a Very Special Episode in which Garcia bemoans her weight or is forced to choose between donuts and a dude. She just happens to be fat.
And so I say I love you, Penelope Garcia. I also have a deep love now for Kirsten Vangsness, the fabulous lady who plays Garcia.
I love Criminal Minds, too, mostly because of Penelope. She always seems to say just what I’m thinking. :o)
I highly recommend grabbing as many of the seasons as you can stand on DVD (or renting them), it’s SO worth it.
Comment by ChristianeF — December 11, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
I love Criminal Minds! I spend most of the UnSub/Victim scenes with a cushion over my face but it’s such an interesting show. Not necessarily a GOOD show, but I do really enjoy.
Garcia has to be one of my favourite characters, she and Prentiss made that show for me. Doesn’t hurt that she’s really very pretty and I do love some of her clothes.
And I have ALL the DVDs.
Comment by Frances — December 11, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
I LOVE Criminal Minds!! Garcia is awesome, and I absolutely adore the relationship she has with Morgan. I don’t ever think they will be a couple, (and I’m not entirely sure I would be excited if that were to happen) but they have a mutual respect and love for one another…freak flag or weight be damned! Morgan knows a kick ass woman when he sees one :)
Comment by Dani — December 11, 2010 @ 11:21 pm
For me, Garcia has been the main appeal of Criminal Minds. She’s just part of the team, her body is never the topic of discussion, and she clearly has a life outside the job, including a sex life. It’s refreshing to see a larger-sized woman on a TV show who isn’t constantly on a diet, pining after a man that isn’t interested in her, or clearly “unhappy” because she’s not a size 2. I also love the friendship between her and Morgan – he clearly loves her as a friend, and their interplay is one of the best parts of the show.
What’s bizarre is that you have these very positive images offset by some of the most horribly exploitative images and storylines about women being stalked, killed, etc. When I watch some of the shows on reruns, I will skip the “crime” to focus on the team members, which I find much more interesting.
Comment by Grace — December 12, 2010 @ 1:16 pm
She might be a little “thick” or “voluptuous”, but I wouldn’t call her FAT, at all.
Comment by Heather — December 13, 2010 @ 3:51 am
Garcia is one of my favorite characters on TV period. She’s awesome, the actress is adorable and look up “onscreen chemistry” in the dictionary and you will see pictures of her and Morgan.
Comment by Beth C. — December 13, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
Garcia is awesome! She’s unfailingly upbeat and doesn’t let others define her. I wish I had half her style and confidence. And she’s dating Xander! I was a little worried on the episode where she took over the publicity job, and briefly morphed into an ordinary-looking FBI type. So glad it didn’t last!
I watch the show for Garcia and Spencer Reid, though I really don’t recommend marathoning it on a dark, stormy night. Especially if you live alone!
Comment by barbara — December 13, 2010 @ 9:46 pm