Paget Brewster will reprise her role as Emily Prentiss in episode three of "Criminal Minds" Season 12. Prentiss will lend a hand to FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) while Hotch (Thomas Gibson) was sent on a special assignment.
The sneak peek for the upcoming "Criminal Minds" episode featured BAU newcomer Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) telling Prentiss that they can't talk about a specific case. "What happened out there, Prentiss -- keep that between us," Alvez said mysteriously.
According to TVGuide, Prentiss and Alvez's first case together focuses on the disappearances of three women, whose severed limbs were found encased in cement. Whatever happened between Prentiss and Alvez will be unveiled when episode three airs. "Criminal Minds" showrunner Erica Messer said that a "fun friendship" will brew between Prentiss and Alvez despite having an awkward encounter at first.
Episode two of "Criminal Minds" focused on Jennifer "J.J." Jareau (A.J. Cook), who was visibly shaken after a case that involved child abductions in Los Angeles. The case is tough for everyone at the BAU, but it hit J.J. really hard given that she's the parent of two young boys, according to TV Fanatic.
J.J. failed to save all three abductees from the warehouse fire set by the unsub and she blamed herself for it. Her husband Will, however, assured J.J. that she's still a hero for everyone, and her choice made her save two people's lives. In episode two's last season, Gibson's Hotch was seen asking J.J. to take a break from work for at least a week due to her ordeal.
Gibson's vacant spot on "Criminal Minds" will be filled by Damon Gupton, who will portray Special Agent Stephen Walker, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Stephen came from the Behavioral Analysis Program, FBI's counterintelligence division, and is an experienced profiler. Stephen will make his debut in season 12's eighth episode.
Gupton's recent casting mirrors Rodriguez's; the latter was cast to replace longtime star Shemar Moore after he left his Derek Morgan role in season 11. Gupton previously appeared on "Empire," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and "Prime Suspect."
Episode 13 of "Criminal Minds" will be co-written by Messer and Kirsten Vangsness, who plays Penelope Garcia in the crime procedural drama. The episode will be big, Parent Herald previously reported.
"Criminal Minds" continues with its third episode titled "Taboo" on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 9/8c on CBS. Watch the promo below.
