When Criminal Minds returns next month for season 7 the big story that fans are waiting to be resolved is how Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) will come back from the 'dead' and how the members of the BAU team will react to this. Only Hotch (Thomas Gibson) and J.J. (A.J. Cook) knew that Prentiss was indeed alive, leaving the rest of the team open to feelings of betrayal.
In reality the cast look more than happy to be back together as the photo (right) shows. This photograph is courtesy of Thomas Gibson's official Tumblr page, which features more excellent behind the scenes images of the cast and other musings.
Executive producer Erica Messer has now revealed to Entertainment Weekly some details of how the characters will react to this big news at the start of season 7:
"I scripted it that everyone was going to have a huge reaction to her returning, but I'm not about to say, 'Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) does this,' 'Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) does that.' I only gave them words. Garcia says, 'She’s alive.' And Reid says, 'But we buried her,' because Garcia is very emotional and Reid is very logical."
These reactions seem appropriate for Garcia and Reid, but it is Morgan (Shemar Moore) who looks like he might have the hardest time with this bombshell. Morgan believes that Hotch has betrayed the teams trust as their working unit is like a family and they have shared their pain over this so-called tragic event. Messer has said that this burden does not leave Hotch unscathed as "when secrets are kept, it’s natural to be complicated."
In other Criminal Minds news, TVLine is reporting that one of Agent Rossi's (Joe Mantegna) ex-wives will be making an appearance this season. Former JAG and Homicide: Life on the Street star Isabella Hofmann has been cast in the role that will see her make an appearance in episode 5 of the new season. Hofmann is slated to appear in 2 episodes and is Rossi's first ex-wife (of three), Erica Messer describes her as "the love of his [Rossi's] life."
The first episode of season 7 is called "It Takes a Village" and will air Wednesday, September 21 on CBS.
Are you excited for the new season? What or who do you think will bring Prentiss out of hiding? Are you looking forward to finding out more about Rossi's personal life? Let us know in the comments below.
I'm confused as I've been reading right along that it will be Dr. Reid who takes the deception the hardest. I would think that this would include anger at all three characters: Hotch, Prentiss, and JJ. I don't know…
But the one storyline I am most interested in is the new storyline arc with Spencer Reid! That is the one I'm dying to know more about!
Ann, you should be happy because I think JJ and Prentiss would leave short hand of team members on the BAU squad. JJ is very good media liason for the team. She the one who shot James Battle "Angel of Death". God Bless you JJ
I read that Morgan finds out about Prentiss being alive and he is instrumental in finding Doyle and making it ok for Prentiss to return.
Hope Erin Struss gets shot or dies from a diease.
I can't wait, I am so glad JJ and Emily are Back. The team is Back, thank goodness.
cant wait to find out more about Rossi!!!!
Finally, the team's getting back together! <333
When does it premier in the UK? Let me no ASAP pleasee :D