'Criminal Minds' Season 11 Preview - After Derek Leaves, Emily Prentiss Returns 

welcomes back one beloved face on the heels of bidding adieu to another, when Paget Brewster guest-stars on Wednesday’s episode (CBS, 9/8c).

Setting the stage for the fan favorite’s latest encore: Interpol agent Emily Prentiss reunites with her BAU buds when evidence indicates that a serial killer she has been steadfastly tracking overseas has set up shop Stateside.

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“She has been dealing with a copycat killer that she came really close to catching in London, where he was copying Jack the Ripper,” showrunner Erica Messer previews. “She was kind of having nightmares about this guy and the fact that he eluded her, so she has been on high alert to see where he pops up next, because he has a very clear killing pattern.” Once it becomes evident that said slayer has now landed on the BAU’s radar, Prentiss says to her old pals, “I would love to come help you catch this guy.”

team had been angling to bring Brewster back for a while now. Having last reprised her role as Prentiss in February 2014 (for the series’ 200th episode), the  actress was eyeballed to help fill the void when A.J. Cook went on maternity leave last summer. But when Fox ordered the sitcom

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 excited that we get her finally,” Messer effuses. “And the timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” given that longtime team member Derek Morgan just delivered a round of sad goodbyes, after deciding to quit the FBI and be a family man. “We really wanted to do something big after Shemar [Moore] left,” says the EP, “and there’s nothing greater than bringing back our sweet Emily Prentiss.”

In fact, especially when compared to her previous visit, “It’s more Prentiss than we’ve had in years, which is nice,” Messer reports. “Paget was adorable at first, like, ‘Is there

 much Prentiss in this story?’ I was like, ‘Nooo, there is no such thing!’ So yeah, we were thrilled to have her back.”

Similarly for Hotch, Reid, Garcia and Rossi, their colleague’s return serves as “a happy distraction” as they begin to learn what a Morgan-less team looks like. Says Messer, “She’s sort of delicate about it at first, but then it becomes the ‘elephant in the room’ that they talk about,” benefitting from the BAU alum’s highly qualified perspective. “She can look at it from what Morgan must be feeling right now, because

was once Morgan. She decided to walk away, so she knows what that is. We tried to bring all of that to life.”

Watch an exclusive sneak peek, then read on for more:

All told, “By the end of the episode, it’s a lovely look at ‘Here’s what happens when an old friend comes back.’ It’s laughs and a lot of love,” Messer states, before adding the

caveat: “Killing aside, it’s a feel-good episode.”

, or for any other show? Email insideline@tvline.com and your question may be answered via Matt’s Inside Line.

Fans of CM are excited to see Paget Brewster back but with the departure of Shemar Moore, I’m crossing my fingers to see whether or not the suspense series will be renewed for a 12th and maybe just maybe a proper “final season”.

They were super smart about this! All the “I’m never watching this show again without Morgan.” people (many of which said the same after Prentiss left) will be like “OMG, gotta check Prentiss out!”

I love this show and the cast and truly believe that no one makes or breaks an ensamble show! Will be glad to see her, and will be glad to keep watching afterward!

I want two things from this episode: first, for Prentiss to step off the elevator raving about how cute Hank Spencer is and how much she cannot wait to spoil him, and two, some sort of indication that she and Mick Rawson have a thing. That is it.

This show MUST be renewed! Come on CBS…

Perfect timing indeed. I can’t wait to see her have a few heart-to-heart talks with the others about Morgan’s recent departure, and how they’re dealing with it. Emily bringing in her own experience with leaving will be a good touch, too, to give more perspective.

So excited to see her pop in for a visit! After the sadness of last week, this is definitely going to be a nice pick-me-up. Can’t wait.

I’m glad that Emily is back, bumbed that Derek has gone. ? When will they renew Criminal Minds? Why do they take so long?

We love Emily Prentess .hope she stays for a few shows

By the way I love u Reid hope all your dreams come true criminal minds cast

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