‘Criminal Minds’ season 9 spoilers: Will Jane Lynch return before the finale?

When you are on the air for nine seasons, one of the great things is that you have such a huge, robust history of guest stars who have appeared on the show over the years. Unfortunately, the major downside that comes along with that is that sometimes, some of the great guest stars that you have had on your show in the past may now be too busy to come back.

This is an issue that “Criminal Minds” is running into right now when it comes to Jane Lynch, and the character of Reid’s mother. We know that producers would like to have her back, but it’s an issue all about timing. She’s a regular on “Glee,” and that is an issue. However, she also hosts “Hollywood Game Night” on NBC, and in between the commitments to these two shows, it is hard to really figure out how she even has time to breathe at all.

Luckily, we at least know that her character will be referenced this season. Speaking on the subject in a TV Guide interview, executive producer Erica Messer teases a story where Reid returns home, and at least gets some sort of update on how she is doing:

“Reid finds out where she is and how she’s doing, and it’s a nice little through-line to get an update on her without seeing her.”

While this may not be the same thing as actually seeing Lynch back on the show, it’s at least something, and we have to give producers credit for coming up with a solution. There are still hopes to get Jane back eventually, and if the show ends up making it to a season 11, that could happen. (After all, “Glee” is ending after season 6.)

Do you want to see Jane back on “Criminal Minds” by the end of this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.