Is A.J. Cook Returning to 'Criminal Minds'?

Could the higher-ups behind A.J. Cook's departure from 'Criminal Minds' be second-guessing their decision to axe the actress from the show?

According to Deadline, Cook is in talks to rejoin the show in the fall, possibly due to the massive fan outcry that occurred as a result of Cook's contract not being renewed and the number of episodes for costar Paget Brewster being reduced. Apparently, Cook was approached to return when writers came up with several storylines for her character, Special Agent Jennifer "J.J." Jareau.

Other changes are afoot, too. Showrunner Ed Bereno is leaving the series and transferring his showrunner powers to fellow executive producer Erica Messer, while Brewster could also return to 'Criminal Minds' for good depending on the fate of her NBC comedy pilot, 'My Life As an Experiment.'

Bernero announced his exit to the cast and crew last night. "I'm leaving the show in the capable hands of Erica Messer," Bernero said. "I'll still be around."

As for the male 'Criminal Minds' stars, Thomas Gibson and Shemar Moore are both in talks to return next season but nothing has been signed yet.