'Criminal Minds' season 11 spoilers: episode 'Target Rich' on Nov. 11 sees return of JJ
Jennifer Jareau fans, rejoice! She is returning to "Criminal Minds" next week.
Jennifer "JJ" Jareau had been absent from the TV Behavioural Analysis Unit since the start of "Criminal Minds" season 11. She made a short appearance in the season's pilot episode to see her nursing her newborn baby. But the communications liaison-turned-supervisory special agent is ready to go back in action and leave her baby behind.
Those who follow AJ Cook, the actress who plays JJ, on social media will no longer be surprised that she is making a comeback on the CBS show this November. Two weeks ago, the 37-year old actress posted a new photo on Instagram of her and her new baby (her pregnancy was intentionally written into the show's script to allow her some time off at the start of season 11). The photo was captioned with, "To all those concerned: Don't worry! I'll be back on #criminalminds episode seven. Thank you for missing me and thank you for understanding that I need #mommytime."
Episode seven of the new season will be airing this Nov. 11 and CBS has released more details about JJ's return. Titled "Target Rich," the BAU will once again feel the presence of the Dirty Dozen, which they started chasing down in the pilot episode of the season. Having warned the BAU about the underground hitmen group, Giuseppe Montolo (Robert Neary) will meet his death in prison.
That's not all. A college student will be disappearing, bringing back another familiar face into the show. David Rossi's (Joe Mantegna) journalist daughter, Joy (Amber Stevens West), will be popping in to investigate the disappearance.
Sure enough, the official synopsis posted by Carter Matt also says JJ is definitely returning.
What does this mean for Dr. Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler), who had been filling the female lead shoes in the past six episodes? While it's not yet definitive, signs point to her exiting the show shortly after JJ returns. Her reason for leaving had already been grounded since episode three with her showing signs of stress balancing work and her personal relationship.
Follow more of the BAU as new "Criminal Minds" episodes air on CBS every Wednesday night.