Criminal Minds fans who have been missing J.J. Jareau will soon have a quick dose of the blooming special agent.  As reported before, the show has incorporated an expectant J.J. to accommodate the real-life childbirth and maternity leave of cast member A.J. Cook.  This means, JJ will be giving birth simultaneously with her portrayer.  And because of this, Cook was originally set to return to work at her leisure, but ideally in time for midseason.

But according to TV Guide, Cook will be returning to Criminal Minds earlier than expected. She  will resurface no later than next week when J.J. pays the BAU a visit with her own newborn in tow.

The Criminal Minds actress reportedly taped the special scene not very long after giving birth to her son Mekhai Allan Andersen on September 13.  She looked “absolutely fabulous” as a new mom, according to a source.

Cook married her long-time boyfriend Nathan Andersen, whom she met in a film class at Utah Valley State College (UVSC), in September 2001.  In March 2008, it was reported that Cook and Anderson are expecting their first child.

“He's such a good baby.  I feel so lucky that he's mine. My husband and I feel very blessed," Cook said at the time.

Subsequent to the December 17 installment, Cook's break will resume as she, as well as her character, enjoy a proper maternity leave.  Cook is expected to return to the police procedural series full-time starting with episode 14, which is likely to air sometime in February.

In the meantime, fans can look forward to a new episode of Criminal Minds tonight.  In the 10th episode of the fourth season called “Brothers in Arms,” the BAU team, is on the hunt for a serial killer who is targeting cops on the Phoenix police force.  The case hits more closer to home given that Morgan was a cop before joining the team.

Criminal Minds airs every Wednesday at 9pm ET/PT on CBS.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: CBS, TV Guide
(Image courtesy of CBS)