‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Producer Talks About Thomas Gibson’s Departure and Possible Return

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 is underway and will return with new episodes next month. With new cast members, fans couldn't help wondering whether Thomas Gibson, who played SSA Hotchner on the show, will be back after his dismissal.

Cast changes were the most surprising thing in "Criminal Minds" Season 12

"Criminal Minds" producer and writer Erica Messer told TV Line that the biggest thing changed the Season 12 script was the introduction of new cast members and the departure of Thomas Gibson, who was fired from the show mid-season.

She said that, before Gibson had to leave the show, her biggest introduction was Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), who would fill in Derek Morgan's (Shemar Moore) role as the team's action man. While Agent Alvez is, by no means Derek Morgan, he is a welcome addition to the show. After Rodriguez was set to join the "Criminal Minds" Season 12 cast, a fight broke out between Gibson and one of the writers.

Messer said that, although they had to write in Hotch's departure, she was very sad about it. Hotch is one of the show's original characters and the team's boss. Damon Gupton being part of the show, however, was a decision made by the higher-ups in the network.

No talk about Thomas Gibson returning to the "Criminal Minds" set

According to Buddy TV, Hotch was supposed to be killed off, but the character has so much history with the show and the crew and cast wanted to send him off with love. When asked whether there was a possibility of Hotch coming back, Messer said she wasn't sure. At the beginning seasons, the writers had also written in Jason Gideon's (Mandy Patinkin) departure in the story. There was a chance his character could come back, but it never happened. Some seasons later, the character died off-screen.

Fans are still hoping to see Hotch on TV again, but considering that the reason of his dismissal had something to do with the "Criminal Minds" production crew, it's highly unlikely. "If the show goes on ten more years, who the heck knows?" Messer said. Although she'd like to see Gibson again, there has been no talk about bringing him back.