Paget Brewster reflects on leaving and returning to Criminal Minds, reminiscing on the four years she spent away from the show as a regular character. Brewster's return as Emily Prentiss has added depth to the show's evolving storylines, made all the more important because of her lengthy absence. Prentiss is a key character thanks to her leadership skills, enhancing the show's impact from the original to Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds, has opened up about her exit from the original show, reflecting on how she left and returned a few years later. Prentiss first joined the cast of Criminal Minds in season 2, a supervisory special agent for the Bau who later became their Unit Chief. She appeared as a regular on the show until season 7, after which she departed. Following a few guest appearances, she came back as a regular character once...