Criminal Minds Once Lost Fan-Favorite Character Due to Creative Argument-Turned-Brawl

When it was announced that season 15 would be the last for Criminal Minds, many hoped to see their favorites return.

Some, like Jane Lynch, who played Diana Reid, did, and others, like Thomas Gibson, who played Aaron Hotchner from the beginning of the show for 11 full seasons, did not.

Despite the character's popularity with viewers, the circumstances of his departure were too harsh to even negotiate a return.

The last time we saw Aaron Hotchner on screen was at the end of season 12, during the flashback to season 1.

Hotch's absence was gradually explained over the course of the season, but fans were still confused as to why there would be a need to write such an important character out of the script.

The truth behind this decision was quite shocking and caused the biggest noise among all the departures the Criminal Minds cast has gone through over the years.

According to TMZ's sources, the problems started with a small argument with one of the writers during the filming process.

Unfortunately, the argument turned physical, resulting in a temporary 2-week suspension for Gibson. Later, the suspension became permanent and Gibson was officially fired by network authorities.

"There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and always will," the actor himself addressed the situation in his statement to TMZ.

While it is disappointing for the fans, it is easy to understand why a comeback for Aaron Hotch for the final season of Criminal Minds was not possible for the production team.

Either way, the finale did justice to all the seasons before it and gave the story the ending it deserved.

You can stream Criminal Minds on Netflix or buy it on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.