"Criminal Minds" Season 11 is shaping up to be quite an eventful cycle for Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) as the creators and executive producers eye the return of his mother, Diana, and the possibility of a new romantic interest for the socially awkward Behavioral Analysis Unit resident genius.
In an interview with TV Guide, showrunner Erika Messer disclosed that Jane Lynch, who previously played the formidable Coach Sue Sylvester in Ryan Murphy's "Glee" TV series, might be making a comeback this season. Citing the conclusion of "Glee" and the more accommodating schedule afforded to Lynch by CBS' "Angel From Hell," Messer believes that a mother and son reunion between Reid and Diana is now a possibility. She said, "We absolutely want her [Lynch] back. I've talked to Matthew about it." Messer went on to say, "We've got to find a reason to bring her back because I don't want it to be unrealistic or just to have her. And we want to be able to use her well too."
With that in mind, Messer pointed out that a good storyline should be pitched to pave the way for Lynch's return and hopefully, regular appearance in "Criminal Minds" Season 11. According to TV Guide, the last time fans and followers of the BAU team heard of Lynch's character was in "Criminal Minds" Season 9. After receiving a postcard from his mother in that season, Reid revealed that Diana was in a supervised trip to the Grand Canyon - reiterating the situation that his mother is inflicted with schizophrenia, a fact that has the genius worried for his own psychological wellbeing.
"She was doing well last we heard, which is great," said Messer, referring to the last interaction between Reid and Diana. The showrunner then added, "But often with the drama shows, you need a dramatic reason that she's back, so we're going to figure that out first. But I think she'll come back and play again."
Meanwhile, the entrance of Aisha Tyler as Tara Lewis in "Criminal Minds" Season 11 will mark another notable aspect of Reid's life. According to MNR Daily, Tyler is currently under consideration as a potential love interest of Diana's son. Replacing Jennifer Love-Hewitt's Kate Callahan, Tara Lewis will also play the part of a forensic psychologist. While no official confirmation has been given in terms of Reid's possible connection with Lewis, Tyler herself guaranteed her involvement in "Criminal Minds" Season 11 via social media.
"Criminal Minds" Season 11 will hit the small screens on Sept. 30, 2015.
