#i may have to do a 1998 week 👀

[uppastthejelliclemoon]

WAS ANYONE GOING TO REMIND ME THAT THE 1998 MOVIE TURNS 25 THIS YEAR OR WAS I JUST SUPPOSED TO REMEMBER THAT MYSELF

[originalsoulduck]

Okay, I've been so excited to post this. It's various facts and inferences about Hotch and the last section is more relating to Hotch and the team. This is just seasons 1-3. There will be three more sets (4-6,7-9,10-12) in the future.

I may have to re-watch 1x1 and 1x2 because I didn't really start this until 1x3 (maybe 1x4) when I spoke with @unionjackpillow.

This is long and wordy and my thoughts are mixed in the last section. Please enjoy.

🧡

Facts about Hotch:

Did not want to name his child after serial killers (1x1)

Worked for 2 years in the Seattle, WA field office (1x1)

Collected coins as a child (1x3)

Was a self proclaimed nerd as a child (1x3)

Left handed. (1x3)

Haley was 34 weeks pregnant during 1x5

Good marksman (1x6)

Carries two guns, one on his side, one on his ankle (1x6)

Jack was born by 1x7, which I'm guessing is equal to March of their timeline? Idk. This is based on 1x19.

Downplays injuries (1x8): beaten and choked with a wire. "I'm fine."

Deadpan humor (1x9) (1x16)(2x3)(3x2 - he had a slight grin telling Derek maybe his next unit chief wouldn't be a drill sargeant}

Reid: can at least one of you look like you're going to see me again?

Hotch: 😐 see you when you get back

Hotch, after Morgan beat up an unsub who attacked him: what you couldn't wait?

Will reach out to others to offer help - 1x10 (Reid & nightmares)(the way Reid responded to help for his nightmares is probably why Hotch didn't reach out with the drug addiction, but also the fact that he probably knew that they couldn't help Reid with it until Reid was ready to quit)

Pushes his team in areas he thinks they need to grow in or are hesitant about, but also has the confidence that they will succeed (Elle in 1x9 (after JJ seems surprised Hotch let her do the interview))

His mother is from Manassas, VA and went to Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA. 1x11

Cares for his team members. Made sure that Garcia was okay after being stuck with Gideon for a case (cleaned up, got her flowers, made her feel appreciated) 1x11. encouraged Gideon to reconnect with his son 1x11. Expressed concern over Elle when she'd be shot (2x1) comforted JJ during a case when she was doubting herself (3x11)

Has a easy going friendship with Garcia (1x11) (1x16)(1x20)

Always drives

Knows how to keep a cool head until it affects his family. He can keep his voice at a neutral level and tone.

His hair went from incredibly floppy/long to medium length during season one. Shorter on the sides with a few longer pieces on top including the piece that always falls on his forehead.

He drinks tea (1x13) (this is actually seen several different times over the seasons)

He chose the BAU because he wanted to stop criminals before the cases reached his desk as a prosecutor. But he's still uncertain (1x13)

Hotch worked with Max Ryan at some point (1x15)

His compassion for victims! 1x15, 2x7,

Has a younger brother, Sean. 8-12 years younger. Sean was 25 in 2005. Hotch has taken a fatherly role towards him since their father died, but is met with resentment. (Adding this in that Hotch must have told Derek and Sean about the other because of familiarity, despite Sean not actually knowing Derek). They see each other at holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). Hotch wants the best for Sean but can be blinded by logic and general head-in-ass-ness. 1x16

His father was a lawyer. 1x16

Father died at 47 via a heart attack. 1x16

Fluent in staring/glaring 1x16 (but shown other episodes too)

Not trustful of practices he doesn't understand. Almost hostile.(John Blackwolf studying the ground, etc) 1x16

He's, appropriately so, uptight on cases. 1x16

He knows how to fight. 👀 1x16

Beer drinker. 1x16, 2x14,

He can use chopsticks 1x17

One of the first cases Hotch worked with Gideon was in Iowa where 2 boys were murdered. They went to interview the unsub and had a weapon. He turned the gun on Hotch, Hotch talked him down and into surrendering. The wife gave the unsub an alibi. Unsub killed one more. Probably around 1998? (1x17)

His birthday is around November 1st/2nd (Dia de los Muertos). Which makes absolutely no sense as Jack looks like he's 6 months old. JJ makes mention of "birthday weekend". DdlM was on a Tuesday and Wednesday. My guess is his birthday is first week of November somewhere. (1x19)

He gets on quite well with his sister-in-law, Jessica. They are close enough that he can comfortably sass her. He took off work for her visit. (1x19)

The man looks mighty fine in jeans, a t-shirt with an undone button up on top. (1x19)

Chooses not to see when Haley gets pissed off about his job. Tries to justify it "she said it was all right." Gideon pushes this wedge that Hotch doesn't really put to a stop. ESH. (1x19)

Gideon is his work wife. (1x19)

When he's deep in thought/nervous he brings his hand to his chin and rubs his thumb and forefinger together. He does the thumb/forefinger thing out of habit when it's down by his side as well. A visible thinking indicator? (1x20)

Enjoys spending time with his family, including doing chores around the house (based on tone in 1x22). Probably has more to do with just being at home.

Was Pirate 4 in The Pirates of Penzance. (1x22)

Was a junior in high school spring '87, which makes him a graduate of 1988. This would put his birth year around 1969 (to graduate in 1988, he started Kindergarten late in 1975). (2x1)

Joined theater club to meet a girl. (1x22)

The only vulgarity Hotch has used is "son of a bitch". (1x22)

Is chivalrous, he gave his suit jacket to Elle (1x22). He went to her home and cleaned her wall after she was shot. (2x1) He stands when women stand and leave the room (2x5).

Bears guilt for something he had no real control over; Gideon wanted the press. (2x1)

Can be a straight-shooter, almost cold in his delivery when he has a concern(2x2)

Was absent-minded in regards to Jack and his "condition". He didn't remember some tests at a hospital. His priorities started getting out of order (2x4)

He became emotional at the thought of the unsub making children act out his rage. Especially after one of the children were killed because of it. He does the fist to mouth to express his distress along with teary eyes. (2x4)

He's especially ragey when it comes to crimes against kids (2x4)

He travels with a photo of Jack and Haley (2x5)

Hotch's badge changed from happy and smiley to somber (2x6) this was just for one episode and then it goes back to the happy badge

He didn't trust what Elle said about the William Lee shooting. He knew something was up but yet again didn't act on it. Or else he couldn't prove something was up and didn't want to confront without evidence. (2x6)

Was a federal prosecutor (2x6)(3x18)

Was a lawyer at least 2 years before joining the FBI.

Start to see the friendship of him and JJ 2x7

Season 1 hair was longer and floppier; season 2 was significantly shorter with no hair really across his forehead

He can be playful - will play cards on jet home despite knowing Reid can/will cheat (2x8)

Did security clearances for Ambassador Prentiss during his early days in the FBI. (2x9)

Sleeps in undershirt and boxers (2x10)

Was more trusting of Emily than Gideon was, despite Emily's later claims. (2x10)

Has a bicycle hanging on his wall as of 2x11.

Won some sort of baseball award (seen on shelf in office, 2x11)

Marksmanship awards (2x11)

Golf award (2x11)

Baseball in case on desk (2x11)

Does not like getting involved with messy politics (2x11)

Not surprising, but he has a JD from George Washington University (2x11)

He was initially trusting of Emily to some degree, if only for the case, however personally he didn't like being asked about a private conversation publically especially not knowing where Emily was in the mess of politics. (2x11)

While he doesn't approve of Reid's physics magic on the job, he can appreciate it for what it is and gets amused by it. (2x12)

Doesn't mind dancing and will show off (2x14)

Regularly called Gideon by his first name, Jason.

His quite a biblical knowledge, at least knowing scripture (2x14)

Despite his actions, Hotch doesn't think of himself as emotionally mature (this may not be put right). He comes across cold to internalize his emotions, even though he does allow himself to express them in certain situations (namely, his compassion) (2x15)

"I always take advantage of Reid for his brain, but I never actually teach him how to deal with things emotionally."

"Lead by example" (Gideon)

"What kind of example is that?"

Is not a narcissist (2x15)

He doesn't think he has a sense of humor(2x15)

Knows how his team views him to some degree (and...quite accurate for someone in a supervisory position) (2x15)

A bully (JJ)

A drill sargeant (Morgan)

Doesn't trust women as much as men (Emily)

He doesn't put himself above the team (actually does what he can to alleviate things from others). (2x15)

He's feeling more pressure from Haley (2x19)

He saves lives but he feels that doesn't mean anything when he gets home because he's never there - he's an absent father and husband (2x19)

He worries about when the job will call him when he's home with his family. He tries to do what he can while he's there with them. (2x19)

I can't put into words the emotional reaction Hotch had at the end of 2x19. He saw himself in the guy. He wanted to help but couldn't do anything. It's one of the rawest reactions he had in 12 seasons.

Hotch flew back to San Francisco to hand deliver a letter from a victim to the victim's son. (2x19)

Enjoys watching old films on reel. (2x22)

One of the first times JJ has used influence (for lack of better word) over Hotch to take a case. First time was 2x8, both were about missing people who weren't officially missing and/or weren't being looked for(2x22)

He "greatly respects" JJ. (2x22)

He doesn't like anyone thinking that higher-risk people aren't worth missing or aren't important at all. (2x22)

He's close enough to Gideon that Gideon would tell Hotch if he's going on a date. (2x23)

While he's questioned himself, he doesn't question his role on the team or his job skills. (2x23)

like a good leader, he takes responsibility for group decisions that end badly. He also ends up taking the punishment too (3x1)

Suspended for 2 weeks for Gideon's decision, really. (3x1)

Thought about leaving the BAU but was not 100% sold on the idea. (3x2)

His trust of Emily changes greatly at the beginning of season 3. Once he knows where her loyalties are, he 100% trusts her. (3x2)

Just as Haley's mind was made up in 3x2, so was Hotch's.

He knows he fucked up, but still doesn't change. The handwriting was on the wall. (3x2)

Was considered more "intense" after Gideon's leaving. (3x3)

Was told by an unsub that his greatest fear was that he can't save everyone. (3x3)

He and Morgan made a deal not to profile each other (3x3)

Despite being left handed, he wears his watch on his left wrist. (3x4)

Says he's done crisis negotiation for 12 years and he "co-wrote the textbook". That would out him starting that particular role in roughly 1995. (3x4)

He also teaches crisis negotiation (3x4)

He can do CPR (3x5)

Rossi says Hotch used to call Haley 10 times a day (3x6)

Hotch is the emergency work contact for Penelope. Probably because he's her boss.

JJ tells Hotch he's never lost it about a case (3x11), but he has, only she wasn't there (2x19)

He was served with divorce papers in front of his entire team, at work. (3x11)

3x12 the first episode Hotch doesn't wear his wedding ring.

JJ can reach Hotch anywhere, apparently, even when other cell phones can't. (3x14)

Under great stress, he will give into the antognizing of an inmate/unsub. (3x14)

Haley wanted him to sign divorce papers uncontested but he says no matter what, he won't get what he wants: his family back and the ability to stay at the BAU. (3x14)

Hotch and Haley married in 2000 in Langley, VA. They were married around 8 years when they divorced, April 2008. (3x14)

While he knew Haley was done, he resolved to remain constant in Jack's life. Hotch opted to try and explain what was happening with the divorce. Jack is supposed to be all of 2.5 years old. It makes me sense when Jack tells him "everything will be alright." (3x15)

He's fair, even when he shouldn't. (3x16)

He knew Reid was at an NA meeting (3x16)

Derek referred to Hotch and Rossi as mom and dad. Seeing as how Gideon was Hotch's work wife, it's safe to say he's dad 😂 (3x18)

Hotch got defensive when talking to Rossi about his past marriages. Rossi said he would have tried harder if kids had been involved. Hotch is defensive saying he tried. Something had to give between his family and his job and unspoken, he chose his job despite him saying he tries hard and is no less committed to Jack. (3x18)

Rossi claims he's the reason Hotch testifies well. (3x19)

Hotch knows when horse race results are posted (3x19)

His puppy dog eyes are effective.

He knew agent Joyner when they liased while she was at Scotland Yard (before she joined the FBI) (3x20)

Inferences about Hotch:

Could very easily be a bully/massive asshole and tear people down (1x6)

Based on that, he's a great actor at changing who he is if necessary for his job (not sure if this is a Thomas Gibson thing or a character thing) (1x6)

Reid says he kicks like a 9 year old girl. (1x6)

1x8, the episode that launched 1,000 whumpfics about abused Hotch. "He was probably abused by one or both of his parents. He learned to take the pain."

Unsub:"You said some people grow up to killers."

Hotch: "And some people grow up to catch them."

He can be nostalgic (1x22)

He doesn't mind sex on a couch (1x22)

Outside of the job, he is a very gentle man. He expresses concerns for people, his mannerisms show that he cares.

1x19 showed where Haley started getting irritated with his job. It wasn't a problem when she visited in 1x7. Her mind was made up by 3x2.

Wasn't from a small town (2x7)

May live in McLean, VA. Haley took Jack to have his picture done. Seems extra to go so far for it, but it was a new mall. I can't see him living so far from work tbh. (2x10)

His compassion may have something to do with penance.

His father may have had affairs. The wording could have been wrong assumption on Hotch's part (2x19)

While he was in high school, his father had lung cancer. (2x19) i think this and the one above was for the case only.

Is either the only Unit Chief for the BAU or actually the only one Gideon knows. Section Chief could be over more than the BAU but the Unit Chief over the BAU itself, so he supervises several teams. (2x23)

Thought Strauss was a bitch (3x1)

I think he had suspicions about Haley, but not necessarily that she was cheating. He knew she hated his job and the hours and that she probably did speak with either a counselor or even a divorce attorney. She probably mentioned him switching departments after his suspension. (3x2)

The things the team said in 2x15 are all things someone would say of someone in a supervisor position who didn't always have that role. Hotch went from an equal to their superior and it would be hard to separate the person they may know outside of work or before to after.

As private as he is, being served so publicly is probably one of the worst things he could experience.

Low-key likes to heckle Rossi about his fame "Ah. A fan. Your world is a crowded place." 3x13

Reid saved Hotch's ass in the interview with Hardwick and Hotch knows it. He probably would have been fired for fighting an inmate, among other things. 3x14

Morgan says Hotch wouldn't have taken the case in 3x15. Evidence would contradict that as Hotch would have given it thought and trusted JJ's judgment on it as well. He had done it a few times before.

There's a certain confidence Hotch had when talking about Charlie Luvet to Will. I guess it was the fact that he's most definitely considered a "man's man" and was squirming at the fact that the victims were gay like so many other shows have troped.

Will: How did I not know Charlie was gay?

Hotch: He didn't want you to know

Will: He flew 700 miles to be someone else

Hotch: No, he flew 700 miles to be himself

Seemed a bit sad that JJ didn't tell him about her pregnancy. He probably felt she didn't trust him. (3x20)

Things worth noting:

Could be intentional lot, but Hotch says Reid has made his life miserable for 3 years in 1x6, but we later find out by this episode, he's only been around a year or so.

1x8, agent from Baltimore's organized crimes unit bursts into Hotch's office and the first thing Hotch says is "first, don't shout at me". Not angry, just firm in speaking.

1x8 when Perotta asks "didn't everyone's?" in response to Hotch asking if his father hit him, Hotch answers no.

1x11, I'm going to note the pruning of roses in winter thing here. Maybe Haley liked flowers and was into gardening and be picked up stuff by proxy. Another flower discussion: 2x23, could be common knowledge stuff.

In describing Max Ryan, Hotch said he's 'intense, brusque, not much of a bedside manner.' to which Elle piped up "sound like anyone else we know' and Hotch side eyes her. 1x15

Hotch talked about keeping priorities in line. When he's with his family he's 100% there, and at work he's 100% there. Where was the giving up of priorities. Hotch himself says divorce is high at the BAU 1x15

I love the whole "that's Hotch's brother"/"now I see it" dialogue from JJ. I've always been unsure if that was directed at the stubborn/hot-headed attitude/temper shown when Sean left or the fact she was staring at his ass as he was leaving and thinks Aaron and Sean both have a similar walking style. 1x16

Corrects Reid in 1x16, this seems more of a subtle humor attempt than an actual correction.

He said his dad knew "what you feel is as important as what you think". 1x16

Regrets having to do his job in regards to having to shoot unsubs. 1x17

About Jessica: she didn't always live close by 1x19. It was an occasion to have her visit, so much so that Hotch took off for her visit.

His wife Haley was one grade behind him, which puts her birth year around September 1970-July 1971. She would have started Kindergarten the 1976 school year. 1x22

Hotch's instructions in 1x22 were not clear because he was stressed and tired. He told Anderson to take Elle home, but told Gideon he sent Anderson with Elle. The instructions to Anderson were not the meaning he told Gideon. It's still not possible for the Fisher King to know which agent's home to go to. He had no idea Elle would be the one sent home.

Haley's mom was alive in 2x4.

I wonder if Haley thought Aaron would quit when Jack was born.

More inconsistencies with the Jack timeline. 2x4, Hotch is watching a video of Jack's first steps he says was filmed 5 months ago. The child in the video was about a year or so old. This would currently put Jack about a year and a half old, maybe a little more. This would almost track with the fact that Haley said Jack was scared at the doctor and wondering where Hotch was.

Jack looks to be 18 months or so in 2x10. His timeline is a hot mess for sure.

Derek is 30 in 2x12. Even though he was 10 in 1985 when his father died ("Derek") and should have been 30 in 2005, he's 30 in 2006. Derek was 15 in 1991. Goddamn, later in the episode they say his age is 33.

My opinion is there is more than one team on the BAU. Will address this in the future.

In The Evilution of Frank, they say Jane was 22 when Frank anducted her. She was 19. She states that in No Way Out.

Jack finally looks of a right age? Maybe? His fine motor skills seem pretty good for being not even 2. He can feed himself fairly well. (3x1)

My guess is that he contemplated the job switch to placate Haley and try to work on their marriage. It's not who he is though. I think Haley realized it wouldn't have solved their problems either, despite her talking it up. She knew he wouldn't be happy.

I'm not in the firm camp that Haley had an affair. There's evidence that they loved each other a lot but wanted different things. Haley wanted him home and wanted the stability. Hotch wanted the job and his family and couldn't do both. An affair would ruin Haley's attempt at reconciliation.

Another opinion of mine that I've stated before is that Jack shouldn't have happened. I don't think they planned to have him. Hotch had been with the BAU for years and Haley knew the drill. He could also be a band-aid baby. Having a baby will fix things. Maybe then Hotch would change jobs. I'm not a big fan of Haley by any means but I think she ended up with a shitty hand, too. They weren't fair to each other. Life and marriage isn't fair but this was all-in-all horrible. If this was an AITA on Reddit, ESH would be the answer.

If he was born in 1969, that would put him at 25 for majority of 1995. If he completed his JD at the average pace, he would have only received it that year, and depending on the time of year, would have just sat the bar (he would have received the pass/fail in October). He wouldn't have met the minimal requirements of three years work experience the FBI wants. Exceptions can be made of course, but it seems highly unlikely a first time agent would be that strong in crisis negotiation. (3x4)

Despite the separation, Haley never denies Hotch the chance to see or talk to Jack when he wants/needs. (3x4) (3x5)

Between 1x19 and 3x5, Jessica moved closer to where Hotch lives as that's where Haley stays.

Hotch is almost protective of JJ when Rossi first comes. Rossi makes an almost untoward comment ("wow we didn't have that 10 years ago") and when Hotch asks for clarity, he says "communications coordinator" with an incredulous look on his. Hotch responds fairly deadpan with 'right" as if he doesn't quite believe his friend. (3x6) This happens again but with Garcia in 3x9. Rossi makes a comment about how she dresses and lives and Hotch gets ruffled and asks if Rossi thinks thats why she was attacked.

In 3x6 when they're driving, behind Morgan is pasture with no buildings but behind Rossi and Hotch there are buildings.

Rossi is 52 in 2007. Roughly puts his birth year at 1954/5 (3x7)

Penelope is 30 in 2007. (3x9) birth year around 1976/7

Reid was 24 in 2005. Birth year 1981. October or September.

Foreshadowing! 3x10 Prentiss and Rossi talking.

Prentiss: he [unsub] went from successful writer and artist to a brutal killer in 6 months

Rossi: he suffered an unbelievable tragedy

Prentiss: I know. I get it.

Rossi: So what's bugging you?

Prentiss: it just makes me wonder... Are we all capable of becoming something like that?

Rossi: life is a hell of a thing to happen to a person.

The camera then slowly zooms in on Hotch, who's staring off into nothing.

Rossi supposedly started at the BAU in 1986. One of his "first cases" was 21 years prior.

The "Reid...be careful" in 3x12 just makes me chuckle. Hotch has read the damn room with him

Haley has JJ's phone number so she can reach Hotch. JJ still refers to her as Mrs. Hotchner even after he was served divorce papers. Even though they had team get togethers, they weren't close enough on a first name basis.

Hotch's witness for the divorce papers when signed was an Andy Swan, a name used for an FBI agent in season 6, except the agent was female, Andi. (3x14)

In 3x16, Reid refers to an unsub from 3x12 as a kid, when in reality, the unsub was older than him. Unsub was 28 but Reid is 27.

3x16 is filmed in Piru, CA with a Texas highway sign 67, between Odessa and San Angelo. Please don't ask how long that took or why I looked.

In 3x18, a phone number is used that will later be used as a phone number in Hotch's address book.

Prentiss graduated in 1989, putting her birth year between September 1970-August 1971. Either Prentiss had lots of gap years in university or she has multiple degrees because when Hotch first worked for her mother, she was at a university and there's only a year or so age differences. (High school mention 3x19) (University mention 2x10)

Reid joined the team in 2004, Garcia joined shortly after Reid. (3x19)