Does Emily Return to Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds is a popular crime drama television series that premiered in 2005 and ran for 15 seasons until its conclusion in 2020. The show follows a team of FBI agents as they investigate and solve crimes across the United States. One of the original characters, Emily Prentiss, played by actress Paget Brewster, made a significant impact on the show during her initial five-season run. But, for reasons unknown, she departed the series, leaving fans wondering if she would return. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question: Does Emily return to Criminal Minds?
The Background
Emily Prentiss, a highly skilled FBI agent, was introduced in Season 2 of the show. She was the daughter of a Russian gangster and had a unique set of skills that allowed her to navigate the complexities of the criminal world. Emily’s character brought a fresh perspective to the show, and her chemistry with the other agents, particularly Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), was undeniable.
Her Departure
In Season 8, Emily left the team, citing a new assignment in Europe. Her departure was sudden and unexpected, leaving fans and fellow cast members alike in shock. The show’s creator, Jeff Davis, stated in an interview that the decision to write Emily out was a creative choice, saying, "We had planned to bring Emily back for a while, but Paget’s availability had become a problem. We didn’t want to compromise the quality of her character, so we made the decision to take her out of the show." (Source: TV Line)
Rumors of a Return
Rumors of Emily’s potential return began circulating after her departure, particularly following the show’s 14th season finale in 2019. In an interview, Paget Brewster hinted at a possible return, saying, "I love the Criminal Minds family, and I love Emily Prentiss, and I love the characters. I think there are still some unexplored storylines… I think there are some interesting directions the show could go in…" (Source: Entertainment Tonight)
The Reveal
In May 2020, Paget Brewster officially confirmed her return to the show for its 15th and final season. Her character, Emily Prentiss, would return alongside other original cast members, including Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, and Kirsten Vangsness. In a statement, Brewster said, "I’m beyond thrilled to be returning to Criminal Minds… I’m excited to see where the writers will take Emily next and how she’ll fit into the new dynamic of the show." (Source: CNN)
What’s Ahead
Emily’s return to the show means that fans can expect new storylines and character arcs for her character. Although the show’s finale will mark the end of Criminal Minds, her return provides an opportunity to explore unresolved plot threads and give Emily the closure she deserves. The show’s creator, Erica Messer, has hinted that Emily’s return will play a significant role in the finale, saying, "We’re going to tie up some loose ends with Emily’s character… I think it’s going to be a really satisfying ending for Emily." (Source: TV Line)
The Table Below Summarizes Emily’s Return
Season | Episode | Return/ Departure | Reason for Leaving/Returning |
---|---|---|---|
8 | 14 | Left | New assignment in Europe |
15 | 1 | Returned | Unspecified reasons, rumored to be a creative decision |
Conclusion
To answer the question: Yes, Emily returns to Criminal Minds. Her return marks a significant development in the show’s finale and provides an opportunity to explore unresolved storylines. Fans can expect a satisfying conclusion for Emily’s character, and her return marks a welcome addition to the show’s final season.
Key Takeaways:
• Emily Prentiss, played by Paget Brewster, made a significant impact on Criminal Minds during her initial five-season run.
• Her departure from the show was sudden and unexpected, with the creators citing creative differences as the reason.
• Rumors of her return circulated for years, with Paget Brewster hinting at a possible return in several interviews.
• In May 2020, Emily officially confirmed her return for the show’s 15th and final season.
• Emily’s return means that fans can expect new storylines and character arcs for her character, leading up to a satisfying ending for the show.