I looked around a bit, and it sounds like mostly budgetary, with a bit of storytelling as well (they want a new character for the other characters to react to).

As for why they picked who they did, I have no clue. It seems like a very poor choice for both of them to be female. It also sounds like this will be Paget's last season. The entire cast seems to be stunned and upset by the change.

This kind of thing never works out well for the show.

Emily's a geek

I love the Physics Magic scene, when Reid is showing off his film container rocket to JJ and Garcia, and the container bops Prentiss on the forehead. She starts off with "What the hell?" but as soon as Reid explains what it was, she's all "Oooh, let me see!!"

The end of that sequence is equally hilarious, with the second rocket ending up at Hotch's feet, all three ladies leaving Reid to face the music alone, and Hotch saying, "What did I tell you about rockets in the office, Reid?" After Reid starts stammering out his apology, Hotch hands him back the container, complimenting him on the distance he's getting now, and walking away with a big grin on his face. Love it!

Those scenes are the reason I watch the show. Otherwise it's just too creepy!

Now that I've got the S3 dvds, I was watching the first Rossi ep last night. I'd forgotten that it began with Reid walking into the bullpen in a Halloween mask, noose around his neck, and a rubber zombie head in a bag, talking about how barriers between the living and the dead were "remooooooooved!" and creeping out Morgan. And, of course, that's when Rossi walks in. Way to give a good first impression, Dr. Reid.

I'm watching the episode on ION with the serial rapist that Elle shoots. Morgan is at the women's clinic and has one of his conversations with Garcia, and when he's done he realizes that all the women are staring at him and he gets embarassed. So cute!

"It was a... was a work call."

Hee! I love the little moments on this show.

I rewatched the Fisher King Pts. 1 and 2 last night, and I am still struck at the huge change Hotch has undergone. He was so normal with Haley as he reminisced about being the worst fourth pirate in history and he was more relaxed (though I don't think relaxed is quite the right word) with the team. Now that's all gone, and he physically can't be anything other than Agent Hotchner. Aaron is buried so far down inside that he may never see the light of day again.

Elle's meltdown towards Hotch in "The Aftermath" pushes her right into shrieking harridan territory. That is the moment a character I simply disliked became one I loathed.

I always thought she was cardboard one of the guys (as opposed to Emily badassed chick with a gun, or JJ's "You thought what? I shoot you through the window, fucker") self. She was mostly just sassy and snappy, and managed to evaporate the sympathy she'd gained from that horrible attack.

Yeah, what should have been a showcase for her acting chops instead revealed her weaknesses.