It is known now that a regular BAU member will be taking their leave in season 11 of Criminal Minds.

Could Ella Greenaway Return For Season 11?  

In a recent interview, Matthew Gray Gubler revealed a major spoiler for the next chapter, stating that one of the members will be departing in an episode he will be directing in the next chapter.

This bit of news has thrown fans in a bit of a tizzy, and it seems impossible to see any of the integral BAU members exit the show. Fans have already been subject to much heartbreak on that account, most recently with Kate Callahan's (Jennifer Love Hewitt) exit in season 10.

Gubler's character Dr. Reid can be ruled out of the list of candidates who could be bid farewell, because he is directing the episode in which the character is leaving, and it would be very awkward for him to be doing that for his own farewell. Secondly, the fact thet Reid's personal life and his character arc will be more of a focus in season 11 makes it less likely that they would drop him from the BAU.

A.J. Cook, who plays Jennifer Jareau on the CBS procedural seems like a possibility. The actress, who is expecting her second child, will not be seen in the first few episodes of the series on account of her maternal responsibilities. Hewitt left the show for the same reasons. Could it be possible that Cook is only being brought back for a bunch of episodes in the next season so her character arc could be concluded in a satisfying way?

The other person on our list is David Rossi (Joe Mantegna). Although there is no denying that Mantegna is one of the most crucial members of the team, his character is closer to retirement than the others. The case for his exit can be made more easily without any major chicking twist.

While we don't want to see any of the members of the BAU take their leave from the show, the inevitable has been stated.

Who do you think could be written off in season 11? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Season 11 will premiere on Sept. 30 on CBS.

Watch the preview for the finale of season 10:

Tags: Criminal Minds CBS television