Criminal Minds season 12 finale spoilers: Shemar Moore’s return and more

Interested in some of the first Criminal Minds season 12 finale spoilers? You’ve come to the right place to learn more about next week’s episode called “Red Light.” The Criminal Minds finale title itself speaks to a stoppage and a conclusion — it may be a dangerous one, but that is no surprise given the show’s history. Last season’s finale title (“The Storm”) was especially appropriate in retrospect. When you look back on it and reflect, it is perfectly indicative of what we’ve been through most of the season. Mr. Scratch is the eye of the storm, and so far he’s left a wide array of damage. Aaron Hotcher is no longer in the BAU as he attempts to protect his family elsewhere (Reminder: We’re not speaking of Thomas Gibson, but the character), Derek Morgan was left for dead, and Spencer Reid is in jail for a murder he didn’t commit. Hopefully, the finale will bring a calm to the storm, and a chance to see Reid both secure his freedom and save his mother.

We know that the return of Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan has been one of the most-hyped aspects about the Criminal Minds finale, and we understand why. Derek was a beloved part of the series for many years, so any chance we have to get him back and call Garcia his “baby girl” will lead to some fan celebration. It’s also all the more important to have an appearance from him given that Moore has a potential new CBS pilot in SWAT and this allows him a chance to get his name back out there.

Beyond the return of Derek, we do want to point out that Gia Mantegna is going to return once more as Lindsey Vaughn, and that Jane Lynch will be back as Diana Reid. Clearly, the stakes here are going to be higher than ever.

Criminal Minds season 12 finale synopsis – “Caught in an impossible scenario, Reid must square off with an old nemesis, and Derek Morgan (guest star Shemar Moore) comes to the team with a lead that might help catch Mr. Scratch, the elusive fugitive that has been tormenting the team all season.”

As we move into the finale, remember that Criminal Minds already has a season 13 renewal. In advance of this renewal (the producers likely knew they would be back before it was ever officially announced), odds are there will be some sort of tease as to what could be coming up next season.

Have any expectations for the Criminal Minds season 12 finale? Sound off in the comments! Meanwhile, be sure to click here to get some additional news right now pertaining to the show. (Photo: CBS.)