The wait is nearly over for fans of CBS' Criminal Minds, as the popular TV series is set to make return at the end of the month for its highly anticipated ninth season.

Actress AJ Cook, who dons the role of JJ in the program, recently spoke to Parade about how her character will be evolving in the upcoming installment.

"Season 9 is shaping up to be the 'JJ' season, which I'm over the moon about, because there's a lot of mystery surrounding this character. She's got this enigmatic past, where we don't know much about her. She went away in season 6 and she came back a completely different character. Season 9 is going to be answering what happened that year she was away, and what impacted her and what changed her so greatly over that year," she said.

Cook also stressed that JJ will always naturally look after others, which shouldn't be mistaken for a weakness.

"She will still always be the nurturer-she's the 'mom'-but she's grown up a lot. She's had a child. We like to refer to her as Mama Bear. Like, don't piss off Mama Bear, 'cause she will cut you!'" Cook added.

CBS' Criminal Minds will be launching its ninth season on Wednesday, September 25. Be sure to keep checking back for more of the latest details on the popular TV series. 

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Tags: Criminal Minds television CBS