WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Criminal Minds season 15 that may influence your enjoyment in discovering the plotlines. Read at your own risk.
Viewers will want to tune in to Criminal Minds season 15 as soon as the series returns on the air on CBS. The first episode back will answer and explain that unexpected finale shocker involving Reid (played by Matthew Gray Gubler) and JJ (played by A.J. Cook).
Viewers will recall that, during the finale of Criminal Minds season 14, JJ confessed out of the blue that she has been in love with Reid. She told him that she has been feeling this way after all these years, even now that she has kids and a husband.
Later in that episode, JJ tried to take back what she said. She explained that she simply wanted to get Reid's attention to throw off their unidentified subject who had a hold on them, which worked since they were able to free themselves. However, the two exchanged a knowing look at the end that seemed to suggest JJ was telling the truth about her feelings.
Showrunner Erica Messer said, in an interview with TV Line, that Criminal Minds season 15 will open with this "romance" between Reid and JJ. The first episode back will be delving on this issue right away since, as Messer said, they won't have to leave the viewers hanging over this crucial revelation
When asked why it took the writers this long to introduce this new love angle, Messer said that they needed to give viewers something to look forward to in Criminal Minds season 15. Since it's the final season, they have to find something else that will keep the fans interested.
This isn't to say, however, that Reid and JJ will finally get together in Criminal Minds season 15 since they both lead different lives now despite obviously caring for each other. The writers will likely have to prepare a good bookend to this almost-romance, though, which might be what fans want to see in the series finale.
Meanwhile, Aisha Tyler (as Dr. Tara Lewis) also told TV Line that Criminal Minds season 15 would have "lots of good surprises." She described the last series as "massive, explosive, and transformative."
Incidentally, Criminal Minds season 15 episode 1 will be titled "And in the End." CBS has not yet announced its return date, but it could be taking over the slot of S.W.A.T. during Wednesdays when the latter goes on a hiatus for the midseason.
Criminal Minds season 15 was renewed in January for its last run. CBS said that 10 episodes would be enough for Messer and the writing team to write a good ending that will satisfy the fans and speak highly of their work.
