The upcoming episode of "Criminal Minds" season 11 marks the homecoming of AJ Cook as JJ after a maternity leave. However, as fans may have already expected, the returning agent will promptly spring into action mere minutes upon her arrival.
In the installment titled "Target Rich," JJ, together with the team, helps out Rossi's daughter Joy, whose fellow college student has suddenly disappeared. As teased in the promo, the case in BAU's hands is "50 shades of twisted." A scene with the kidnapped girl blindfolded and chained is then shown.
Indeed, JJ's first day back on the job in "Criminal Minds" season 11 will be very hectic as she and the unit also have to deal with the death of Giuseppe Montolo in prison, which is believed to be the responsibility of the underground hitman group Dirty Dozen that he tipped Morgan about.
As Carter Matt pointed out, "Target Rich" does not only celebrate JJ's return but also the re-emergence of the killer group of hired guns, which was first seen in action in the premiere episode of the season, as well as that of Rossi's daughter, who appeared in two episodes back in season 10 of the hit series.
But apart from the reappearances of a whole host of characters, fans can also expect new ones to come along, thanks to Cook's real life maternity. Just like that of Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Cook's pregnancy will be played out in "Criminal Minds" season 11.
"You'll get to meet AJ's real little baby, Phoenix. Like what she did with Mekhai [playing JJ's first son Henry], she's having her actual child play JJ's child," executive producer Erica Messer told TV Guide. "His name is Michael. Henry and Michael. Her whole family will be TV stars," she added.
"Criminal Minds" season 11 episode 7 "Target Rich" airs Nov. 11 on CBS.
