CBS has seemingly listened to ‘Criminal Minds’ viewers, as fan favorite A.J. Cook will reprise her role of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) media liaison Jennifer “J.J.” Jareau for one episode this spring, tvline.com is reporting. The network received viewer backlash after it announced last spring that after appearing in the first five seasons of the police drama, Cook was fired for financial reasons.
When fans then started an online campaign demanding CBS reconsider Cook’s firing, the network brought her back for two additional episodes to tie up her story-line. There’s no word yet when Cook’s next return to the series will air, or what her role on the episode will be. However, she is expected to film the episode this month. Her return is rumored to off-set the reduced appearance of co-star Paget Brewster, who portrays profiler Emily Prentiss.
In the show, Jennifer’s departure was explained as her being forced to accept a promotion to the Pentagon, as it would look highly on her Section Chief Director, Eric Strauss, even though she didn’t want to leave the BAU. Since her departure, Jennifer’s media liaison position has been split between the remaining BAU members.
Written by: Karen Benardello
