Shemar Moore on 'Criminal Minds' Finale - Producers Explain Why He Came Back!

Shemar Moore‘s character Derek Morgan was brought back for the 12th season finale of Criminal Minds last night, and now producers are revealing their reasoning why.

“Shemar’s appearance was a sort of a dual purpose,” executive producer Erica Messer said (via EW). “Fans have been missing him, obviously. And we had such a big story line with Dr. Reid all year that would have been great to have him a part of.”

“He got cast in this S.W.A.T. pilot, and we knew if it went to series – and all signs point to yes – we would never to get to use him again. So it felt like now or never,” she added about Shemar‘s new show.

See stills from the season finale below…