With CBS deciding to axe "Criminal Minds" lead actor Thomas Gibson following an altercation between Gibson and one of the show’s writers, the latest episode of the long-running procedural drama series details why fans will no longer see Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner again.
It can be recalled that it was in mid-August when news emerged about Thomas Gibson’s suspension from the "Criminal Minds". Later on, fans of the award-winning series were shocked to find out that the suspension resulted into a termination instead, the cause of which was the actor allegedly “kicking” writer Virgil Williams following a disagreement over a particular line of dialogue.
Fans have been left to wonder since then about the fate of Gibson’s character Hotch, but as it turns out the "Criminal Minds" most recent episode doesn’t pull any punches as right off the bat it has Rossi announcing that Hotch, contrary to popular belief, hasn’t actually been working on a “special assignment” in weeks past. Rather, Thomas Gibson’s character has decided that quitting and signing up for the Witness Protection Program with his son is the best thing he can do to keep Jack safe.
Prior to his departure, Hotch has issued one last request and it’s to have Prentiss take his place as the bureau chief. As the "Criminal Minds" episode closes, fans will see Prentiss, played by Paget Brewster, accepting the new position after a little bit of prodding from Reid and JJ.
"Criminal Minds" debuted in 2005 and with CBS ordering Season 12 for the show last September. It distinguishes itself from other crime drama series with its deliberate focus on criminal profiling as opposed to focusing on the actual crime, as what has been in the case in series like CSI and its various spinoffs. Also unlike other crime series is the way the cast refers to suspected criminals as the “unknown subject” or “unsub”.