Recently there has been intense speculation surrounding the exit of Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) in Criminal Minds.

These rumors have been primarily spurred by the fact that Derek's character arc has been rather tumultous and riding a downward spiral, which has brought into question his ability to continue serving with the BAU.

In the last few episodes of Season 11 of Criminal Minds, Derek character has been a great focus and his life seems to unravelling. The latest episode of the series, 'Derek,' revealed Derek's combating his demons.

In the preview for the next episode, entitled 'A Beautiful Disaster,' Derek is seen being thrust into graver spells of madness and it seems like he will find himself in deep danger, even of harming himself.

"Do you see red, I see red," a voice -- most likely Derek's -- is heard in the background. This is followed by a confrontation between Derek and Hotch (Thomas Gibson).

"I can't sit down and do nothing," he says aggressively. To which Hotch responds with stone cold composure: "You're off the case."

In one frame the BAU members are also seen very concernedly looking at CCTV footage of Derek doing something shocking. It almost seems like Derek goes AWOL and off on his own miltant mission. The most heart rending bit comes when a deeply distraught Derek is seen talking to Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) over the phone, revealing something devastating that makes her drop the phone and panic-stricken.

In a TVLine interview Criminal Minds showrunner Erica Messer had dished about Derek character arc in this season.

"There is a lot going on with Derek," she said. "He's really taking up our emotional head space for a good chunk of this midseason stretch."

It would be a massive shocker for fans to see Derek leave, but what adds to this speculation is the fact that Thomas Gibson, who plays Hotch in the CBS series, also revealed in a recent interview that a BAU member might be on his/her way out.

'A Beautiful Disaster' will air on March 23 on CBS.

Watch the preview: