The series finale of “Criminal Minds” Season 10 has been a surprise to all. Everyone was so enticed by Kate Callahan and her family. But the finale focused a very serious dynamics in their family.
The show already incorporated Jennifer Love Hewitt’s pregnancy in her Kate Callahan character during Season 10. What the fans did not know was that she was actually pregnant in real life. Hewitt reportedly waited until the last part of 2014 to tell the production about her pregnancy. Hewitt is due to give birth in summer this year.
Showrunner Erica Messer told EW in an exclusive interview that they did not receive any advanced notice on Hewitt’s condition. She also said that the writing team has already set up a story about Kate’s daughter, Meg, being abducted in the series but they had never planned for her character’s going out but they still have to devise something for that.
Nonetheless, Messer said that is was still a blessing since this gave them the chance to write the truth. In “Criminal Minds,” Kate had two children and the newest baby is just on the way, just like Hewitt right now. And, in real life, Hewitt will also have two kids.
Messer said she understand Hewitt’s decision to give her second baby everything she had like her first child. Since Hewitt is due to give birth this coming July and the team would be starting the shoot for Season 11 around that time, there will really be a conflict in the schedule between the two. She said she could not think of a way to see both schedules working, especially since Hewitt still has to recuperate after the delivery. This is also the time when the mother has to be very close to the baby.
The showrunner also said that it actually put the team in a difficult situation because this reflects the idea of life is full of choices and they define who you are. For now, Hewitt decided to leave the show. Messer said that she appreciates the actress’ choice since it reflects the authenticity of the story they portray in “Criminal Minds” because it is what is happening in her real life.
In terms of Hewitt’s comeback, the “Alias” producer said they have left her spot open. If she decides to return, the writing team can easily create a plan for her reintroduction to the show. She also told the star that she will always have a place with them. It was a great season for them and they enjoyed every moment of it. She added that it is very rare for the show to kill anyone and that would not be an option for Hewitt’s character.
When asked if they plan in giving Hewitt a cameo for the next season, Messer said they are moving forward with the storyline. They could introduce new characters as well. She said this move is also for Hewitt, to honor her wishes to focus on her baby for the coming months. But, just in case they would really need Kate Callahan back, she would definitely keep the doors open.