'Criminal Minds' season 12 release date, spoilers: Thomas Gibson shares his thoughts on the show's success

 cbs.com/shows/cbs-fall-preview-2016

BAU may have lost one of its best men last season, but actor Thomas Gibson revealed that there are a lot of things to look forward to when "Criminal Minds" returns for its 12th season in September.

Gibson, known for portraying the role of the aloof BAU chief Aaron Hotchner in the crime procedural series, explained in an interview with The National how the series has managed to remain interesting 11 years after its debut.

According to the actor, the writers of the show have managed to come up with the best plot that keeps the show relevant.

"We found a way to tell compelling stories, basically. Criminal Minds looks at what happened in a bad person's life to make them capable of doing unspeakable things to other people. I think the question of why they are compelled to do them – when it doesn't occur to most other people – is really interesting," Gibson stated.

But the actor also admitted that he is still having a hard time dealing with the changes in the cast over the years, especially when his long-time co-star Shemar Moore decided to say goodbye to his role as Derek Morgan in the series. According to Gibson, losing a colleague will always be hard, but it also gives a chance to the story to reinvent itself.

Meanwhile, new rumors claim that former cast member Paget Brewster will reprise her role as Emily Prentiss when "Criminal Minds" returns for its 12<sup>th season.

The speculations were ignited when the actress posted a photo of a pair of boots and an Interpol ID on Twitter with the caption "In our darkest hour there can be light." This could mean that the show will call back one of its fan-favorite characters after Derek's exit.

Prentiss and CBS have yet to confirm the character's return. "Criminal Minds" season 12 premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

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