There are also reports saying that Gibson is exploring his legal options in an attempt to overturn his firing from the show, that was obviously dear to him.
In a recent statement, the actor said that he loves “Criminal Minds” and have put his heart and soul into the TV series for the last 12 years. He added that he hoped to see it through to the end but with his firing from the show, it no longer becomes possible for him.
As Gibson has already filmed a couple of episodes of Season 12 of “Criminal Minds,” the producers have no other recourse but to incorporate the rumored demise of his character, since it is unlikely for the actor to come back and reprise his role in the future.
According to previous reports, Hotch would most likely be killed by Mr. Scratch, his arch-nemesis in the show as of late. It could be recalled that Mr. Scratch drugged Hotch and subsequently mind-controlled him in Season 11 so the writers and executive producers would probably look into that angle to write off Gibson’s character from the show. Now it seems that his character would not be killed off after all but only sent on another FBI mission.
What seems certain at this point is that the departure of Thomas Gibson, being the lead star of “Criminal Minds” is bound to shake up the show’s Season 12.