Penelope Garcia is the BAU audio/visual technician.
Background
Garcia is into online games, specifically MMORPGs. She has said she can run U.S. Central Command from her office while also playing online poker. She is extremely protective of her computers and the FBI database, though she once allowed a serial killer to access the database while having her laptop connected to the FBI's network (to play an online RPG).
On the Job
Garcia seems to share a playful, flirtative relationship with Derek Morgan. When working together, they refer to each other by such names as "sweet cheeks" or "baby girl". There hasn't been an actual romantic relationship, though Garcia once got a little jealous while watching Morgan dance with two women.
Some cases seem to eat away at Garcia, as she often gets nervous or upset when analyzing video or sound recordings of murders or other serious crimes, as she has to listen to and watch them over and over again many times. In one episode, she showed a fondness for Reid, offering to take him out on the town to distance himself from a subject, only to have it interrupted by the subject's attempted suicide.
Personal Life
It is revealed in the episode "Penelope" that Garcia went underground after her parents were killed in a car crash and learned computer code as a way to deal with their loss. It is also revealed that she is considered by the FBI as one of the most dangerous hackers in the world, and, when she was finally arrested after several years of mercenary hacking, they offered her an expunged record and amnesty if she agreed to join the FBI.
Penelope was once shot at near point blank range by Jason Clark Battle. While lying prone after the gunshot, she held her breath while Battle looked for any signs of life. She nearly died at the hospital but a surgeon was able to save her. The entire BAU team was there for support. While she was recovering, another hacker was brought in to cover for her while the team investigated her shooting. Garcia and the new hacker, Kevin Lynch, made friends while collaborating and would later begin a romantic relationship.
Like most characters of her type (Abby of NCIS, for example), Penelope has a very eccentric and eclectic personal appearance. Though her clothing style varies, her basic theme could be described as a blend of goth and hippie culture. As of the end of season four, she has added black and red streaks to her blonde hair.
Notes
- Refers to a public restroom as a loo.
- Uses an entirely Linux based operating system on her computers.
- Doesn't speak Spanish even though her last name is Spanish. She mentions in Machismo that it's her step-father's name, who is Hispanic[1].
- Speaks French
Behind the Scenes
Penelope Garcia is portrayed by Kirsten Vangsness.
References
- ↑ From a Latin American country, as opposed to Spain