‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Episode 3: Hotch Leaves Temporarily? What to Expect in Episode 4

Thomas Gibson is done being Behavioral Analysis Unit's (BAU) Chief Aaron Hotchner or "Hotch" as he is fondly called by his team. Paget Brewster, who played Emily Prentiss, made a return to the series and replaced Gibson in "Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 3.

Episode 2 of "Criminal Minds" Season 12 is the last of Gibson. His absence was supposedly for only two episodes but it seems that it will be for good.

In the storyline of "Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 3 it was said that Hotch was on a temporary assignment. It was reported that Gibson was fired because of an alleged assault on the series' writer-producer Virgil Williams. The actor did apologize for what happened the next day but was not asked to come back after filming an episode.

Movie News Guide reported that a comeback for Hotch is speculated. The Hotch who will return will not be the same as viewers know him.

There was no confirmation that Gibson will return to the show. It was further speculated, however, that Hotch will return in Episode 4 or 5 to be the one being hunted down.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 4 will be aired soon and titled "Keeper". A teaser for Episode 4 showed the BAU hunting down a fugitive, responsible for the serial killings in the Central City, in the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. It was speculated that the serial killer's identity is soon to be revealed.

Casualties or damage are speculated for episode 4 as this will be Emily's first to lead the team, as reported by iTech Post. Also, the Appalachian had been the hideout of the fugitive so he must have known it like the back of his hand.

Episode 4 of "Criminal Minds" Season 12 is expected to be a whirlwind because of the big reveal of the serial killer. "Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 4 will air on October 19 at 9:00p.m on CBS.