It has been an emotional season for fans of CBS' police procedural crime drama series "Criminal Minds" seeing Season 12 without Aaron Hotchner since Episode 2.
It was previously reported that Thomas Gibson, who portrayed BAU Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner, was fired from the series because of an altercation that happened between him and one of the show's writers, Virgil Williams.
Reports mentioned that the two disagreed on a certain part of the script which started the argument that eventually caused the actor's termination. However, when asked about the situation on interviews, Gibson and Williams have different versions of the story.
Because of this, fans and followers of the drama series have been wondering how the show could go on without Hotchner since he is a very significant character on "Criminal Minds."
However, recent reports suggested that the production team had found a way to keep the series going with the absence of Thomas Gibson.
According to Buddy TV, Episode 6 of Season 12, titled "Elliot's Pond", which was aired on Wednesday, Nov. 16, had shown the viewers a perfect way for Hotch to exit the series. For the protection of his family, Hotchner chose to leave the FBI even after a heightened security he has been doing for his son.
He decided it was best for him and his son, Jack Hotchner, to enter the witness protection. Even when at first it was thought that his exit will be brief, Hotch decided to resign from the FBI for good, to avoid danger. It had then been predicted that this move from Hotch is what's best for him and his family.
Cinema Blend reported that an existing character from the series will take over Hotch's job as BAU Unit Chief. Emily Prentiss, portrayed by Paget Brewster, will be taking over Hotch's job in his absence, as per the source. At first, she was hesitant to accept it but with the encouragement of her co-workers, she took the job. Others were saying she is a good fit to the role.
However, there were reports claiming that the series' ratings had dropped after Thomas Gibson's exit. Fans thought that the series is not the same without Hotch on it.
They even called for him to come back but it seemed nearly impossible for the production team to hire him again, not until his problem with the writer gets resolved.
But knowing that the series has got good pool of writers with them, it is likely for the audience to remain engaged with the drama series until the end of the season.
