It has been five months since the eleventh season of "Criminal Minds" ended, and fans just can't wait to see what crimes they'll soon witness in the 12th season of CBS' long-running crime drama series, especially since there are rumors about Thomas Gibson leaving the TV show.
On the eleventh season finale of "Criminal Minds," the team must face a new problem as 13 convicts escaped their prison cells, paving the way for another troublesome storyline in season 12. Unfortunately for this season, the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) might not be the same as before, especially since reports are spreading that Thomas Gibson — who plays Aaron 'Hotch" Hotchner — has been fired due to disagreements with "Criminal Minds" producer Virgil Williams.
"Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date," CBS and ABC Studios, said in a joint statement. Gibson was officially suspended by ABC and CBS earlier this year on Aug. 12, leaving fans of the series wondering what will happen to Gibson's character.
However, recent rumors suggest that Gibson may appear in the first three episodes of "Criminal Minds" season 12 to create a fluid exit in the series' storyline. In line with this rumor, word has spread that in the early episodes of season 12, Hotch will be shown being assigned to another temporary duty in another area.
Furthermore, "Criminal Minds" fans can expect a new face coming to the scene as "CSI: Miami" star Adam Rodriguez enters the series as the new FBI fugitive task leader Agent Luke Alvez, a character introduced in season 12's premiere episode titled "The Crimson King." What's more is that Aisha Tyler — who plays Dr. Tara Lewis — will be coming back in season 12 with a promotion waiting for her character.
On another note, the leaked titles for the second to eight episodes of the twelfth season of "Criminal Minds" are "Sick Day," "Taboo," "Keeper," "Anti-Terror Squad," "Elliott's Pond," "Mirror Image," and "Scarecrow."
New episodes of "Criminal Minds" season 12 airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT on CBS.
