Shemar Moore's return as Derek Morgan in the season 12 finale might be his last on the show. Meanwhile, series showrunner teases that no one is safe from the finale's cliffhanger car crash.
In the season 12 finale of "Criminal Minds," Moore returned to the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) brought by a mysterious text who appeared to have been from Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness). However, it was a trap set in motion by Mr. Scratch, which ended up putting Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), JJ (A.J. Cook), Walker (Damon Gupton), Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Prentiss (Paget Brewster), and Lewis (Aisha Tyler) in a terrible car crash.
Both fans of the show and the BAU rejoiced upon seeing Derek rekindle with the team. However, executive producer Erica Messer admits it might be the last time Moore reprises his role on the show.
"Shemar's appearance was a sort of a dual purpose. Fans have been missing him, obviously. And we had such a big story line with Dr. Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) all year that would have been great to have him a part of," Messer shares with Entertainment Weekly.
"He got cast in this S.W.A.T. pilot, and we knew if it went to series, ... we would never to get to use him again. So it felt like now or never," the showrunner adds.
Meanwhile, Messer teases that none of the BAU members in the car crash are safe to return in season 13.
In an interview with TV Guide, Messer says she hopes that everyone does survive from the car crash. However, changes for the storyline of season 13 can still happen since the writers of "Criminal Minds" will only resume in June.
However, fans can rest assured that Reid and Garcia will be alive and well in "Criminal Minds" season 13, since both are not involved in the car crash set up by Mr. Scratch.
"Criminal Minds" season 13 is anticipated to premiere in 2018.
