Season Nine

Season Nine. On May 9th, 2013 CBS announced the renewal of Criminal Minds for the 2013-2014 TV season, with a full order of 24 episodes. The season premiered on September 25, 2013.

Ratings
No ratings information is available at this time.

Cast

 * Joe Mantegna - David Rossi
 * Thomas Gibson - Aaron Hotchner
 * Shemar Moore - Derek Morgan
 * Jeanne Tripplehorn - Dr. Alex Blake
 * Matthew Gray Gubler - Dr. Spencer Reid
 * A.J. Cook - Jennifer Jareau
 * Kirsten Vangsness - Penelope Garcia

Highlights
The series marked its 200th episode this season; in this episode, the period of time in Season Six in which JJ worked at the Pentagon was revealed as she finds herself in a life-threatening situation. Esai Morales appears as new BAU Section Chief Mateo Cruz, who has a previous working relationship with JJ at the Pentagon (which was explained in full detail in the 200th episode), and became a recurring character. Eva LaRue also appeared as Agent Tanya Mays in the season's third episode. Additionally, Camryn Manheim guest-starred as the protective mother of an unsub in a two-part season premiere, and Joe Mantegna directed his first episode of the series. The fifth episode focused on Hotch's emotional state since his ex-wife Haley's death at the hands of the Reaper. An episode focused on Garcia's past as a hacker on the FBI's list as the BAU investigates a case that pits her "against her old hacker world"; this was later further specified as an ex-boyfriend and former mentor of Garcia's named Shane Wyeth. Paget Brewster also returned as Emily Prentiss for the 200th episode, as did Jayne Atkinson as Erin Strauss. Around mid-season, Blake's brother Scott and father Damon were introduced when they assist the BAU in a case in their hometown.