Former agent Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) returns this week, when his friend and ex-colleague Penelope Garica (Kirsten Vangsness) is having a rough time. 

In the episode, a killer from Season 3 will resurface, bringing back painful memories for Garcia. 

Back then, Garcia was targeted and shot by a sadistic cop. She survived the attack, but was left shaken. Morgan was there for her then, and he’ll be there for her now.  

Morgan and Garcia always shared a special bond. Their flirtatious, yet platonic relationship was often the comic relief in the otherwise dark drama series. They supported one another through the frightful ups and downs of catching serial killers.

When he first joined the FBI's BAU team, Morgan was a little arrogant. An attention-seeker eager to prove himself a hero. However, he evolved into a mature, trustworthy agent. 

Always polite and loyal, (and easy on the eye), Morgan was a fan-favourite during his time on the show. 

He left Criminal Minds back in Season 11. The arrival of his new-born son made him rethink his dangerous job as a BAU agent.

We’re excited to have Morgan back on the squad, even if it’s just for a little while! 

Criminal Minds is available Thursdays from 10pm on TVNZ OnDemand. Stream the latest episodes right here.