If, like us, you've been cowering behind the cushions watching Criminal Minds for the past 8 or 9 years, then you'll know how important Kirsten Vangsness' Penelope Garcia and AJ Cook's JJ Jeareau have become to the team. We can't imagine the show without them, but we might have to if recent reports are to be believed.
As per Deadline, the girls have kicked up a fuss (and rightly so) because they're apparently paid less than half the amount their male co-stars get for the series, and won't return to the show unless ABC Studios and CBS cough up the extra cash. They're believed to have turned down final offers, leaving their future with the production uncertain. Wah. Pay 'em already.
Of course, the show may not even get a 9th Season: CBS renewed 19 shows for 2013-14 in March, and Criminal Minds wasn't one of 'em. Worrying times indeed, but nevertheless fans may take comfort in the knowledge that Thomas Gibson (Aaron 'Hotch' Hotchner) and Joe Mantegna (David Rossi) are believed to be close to signing new deals, while Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) is also in negotiations.
We'll keep you posted!