It could also be a way for the TV show to ensure that when Gibson’s legal case prosper and the producers lose in the end, they can always rectify the situation and bring the actor back in.
According to critics, there are other possible scenarios for Gibson’s graceful or ungraceful exit from the show.
The first of four possible scenarios includes the possible quitting of Hotch from the BAU and taking on a new job in a different division of the FBI somewhere else. The second one is Hotch could die on the job which seems unlikely considering that “Criminal Minds” is not the type of TV show which kills off its major characters.
The third possibility is that Hotch shall be taking a much-needed break as leader of the BAU. This is more plausible but the previous report about him taking a temporary position seems way better.
The fourth possibility is that Hotch will be suspended from something he committed some time ago, which seems plausible considering that the initial thrust of “Criminal Minds” Season 12 is to catch the 13 serial killers who escaped the BAU custody during the Season 11 finale. Hotch could take the fall for the goof up.