The American police procedural series 'Criminal Minds Season 12' just kicked off this September. Rendering double the excitement and thrill for their loyal viewers, fans came across a few changes as the spectacle has plenty of surprises up its sleeves.
'Criminal Minds Season 12' witnessed characters departing from the show, permanently. Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) and Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) said their goodbyes and were not expected in 'Criminal Minds Season 12' (although Gibson appeared on the first two episodes). Aside from the controversial exit of Thomas Gibson from the show, new faces are about to fill in the created void.
Paget Brewster will be joining the cast of 'Criminal Minds Season 12'. She was a regular cast member of the series from Season 2 to Season 7, but then recurred as Emily Prentiss after 2012 as guest character. However, it still remains uncertain whether Emily Prentiss will be the new BAU permanent leader or a new character will be introduced for that role. Considering her whereabouts in the series, it will be established that Prentiss was working for the Interpol for the past four years. But the series will reveal that she is now a BAU chief, a permanent, full-time member of the team.
'Criminal Minds Season 12' will also see the character of Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez. A new yet an integral part of the BAU team, he has replaced Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan. As the role of Thomas Gibson has been terminated, the situation seems a bit of a bitter pill to swallow, especially for the technical analyst Penelope Garcia (Kristin Vangsness). The further episodes will disclose how Garcia will adjust herself around Alvez.
Lastly, the cast shuffling of 'Criminal Minds Season 12' does not end here. Jane Lynch is all geared up to return to the series as Diana Reid, mother of Dr. Spencer Reid (Michael Gray Gubler). She has been a part of the series for four seasons and is now ready to make a comeback after her sudden disappearance from the show. As for now, it is speculated that she will appear in two episodes only.
On the other hand, the controversial withdrawal of Thomas Gibson has gathered a huge response. The actor has thanked his fans for their utmost support. "A Toast! To 11 yrs + 2 episodes of an amazing character... and the Man who made those years worth watching!," reports CarterMatt.
'Criminal Minds Season 12' is currently airing on CBS. Watch the third episode at 9pm.
