‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Spoilers: ‘Lost’ Alum Cast In Recurring Role, Is He Hotch’s Replacement?

It takes an army to replace Hotch (Thomas Gibson)! “Criminal Minds” had added yet another character to the show after the former BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) Chief left the team.

“Lost” actor Harold Perrineau has been cast in Season 12 of the CBS series in a major recurring role, TVLine reports. He plays a former FBI Agent named Calvin Shaw who was found guilty of killing one of his informants. Shaw will bump into a member of the FBI’s BAU. The profilers will have to decide whether Shaw is a good guy or bag guy.

It is unclear if Perrineau’s character is replacing Hotch and joining the BAU as a profiler. However, judging from his past and the fact that he is a former FBI Agent, it seems unlikely that he will join the “Criminal Minds” team.

Perrineau’s casting news comes after Gibson was abruptly fired after he was involved in an on set altercation with a show’s writer and producer. Before that, Shemar Moore opted to leave the long-running procedural last March in order to explore other career options.

In Season 12, Adam Rodriguez joined the cast as FBI Agent Luke Alvez and promoted Aisha Tyler, who plays Dr. Tara Lewis, from a recurring role to a series regular. Paget Brewster, who was initially slated to come for a short while as Emily Prentiss, was promoted to series regular following Gibson’s departure. Additionally, Damon Gupton was cast as Stephen Walker, the newest member of the BAU.

Wednesday’s episode of “Criminal Minds” saw Rossi (Joe Mantegna) getting a call from his old foe, Tommy Yates (Adam Nelson), on his birthday. The criminal called Rossi to inform him that he was out of prison and back to killing people.

“Criminal Minds” airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST on CBS.