'Criminal Minds' season 12 spoilers: big story arc coming Reid's way is a 'course changer'

Season 12 of "Criminal Minds" has been poised to be a big one for Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) even from the start with the confirmation that fans will be able to see the return of his mom Diana (Jamie Lynch). However, with a mysterious arc like this, some long-time viewers cannot help but wonder whether the budding plot line for everyone's favorite genius is eventually ending with him leaving the team.

The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) has gone through a lot in the last year, to say the least. Narratively, the group of profilers has lost two veterans — Morgan (Shemar Moore) due to his decision to devote his time to his growing family, and long-time leader, Hotch (Thomas Gibson), because of the ongoing debacle regarding Mr. Scratch. While the two's exit could not be any more different behind the camera, it is safe to say that a potential "Criminal Minds" without Dr. Spencer Reid can be too much of a change for a lot of fans.

Cast member and co-writer for the controversial episode 13 of the season titled " Spencer," Kirsten Vangsness acknowledges the seemingly coincidental way in which she is always penning the script for a momentous installment. Much like the upcoming one, she also collaborated with executive producer Erica Messer in Moore's farewell episode last year which makes fans a bit uneasy with this new one that she worked on.

"I seem to co-write the episodes that change the course for people," Vangsness, who plays tech genius Penelope Garcia, told TVLine as part of a roundup of show spoilers. "That does not mean the ends of people, it just changes their course. So [Episode 13] is a course changer. It's a course changer," she added.

As for what is to come in the aforementioned episode, the actress did not say anything but fleshing out Reid would definitely be a welcome plot for the show as a way to develop their remaining original members. As of now, it is difficult to exactly pinpoint what the arc for the outing will be but it sure sounds like a nail-biter.

Meanwhile, tonight's offering titled "Seek and Destroy" will have the team jetting off to San Diego in order to investigate a series of home invasions in some upper-class neighborhoods. Judging by the promo clip for the episode, it seems like the group of unsubs is composed of angsty teens who harbor bad feelings toward their own families.

"Criminal Minds" season 12 airs every Wednesday night, 9 p.m. on CBS.