Emily Prentiss’s faked death and subsequent reappearance is a pivotal moment in Criminal Minds. She returns to the BAU in Season 7, Episode 1, titled “It Takes a Village.” This episode marks a dramatic and emotional reunion for the team.
Prentiss’s Return: A Deep Dive into “It Takes a Village”
“It Takes a Village” plunges viewers directly into the aftermath of Prentiss’s supposed demise. The episode doesn’t shy away from the complex emotions felt by each member of the BAU, grappling with grief, betrayal (in some cases, feeling betrayed by her departure without telling them the truth), and ultimately, profound relief. The episode masterfully weaves together the case-of-the-week with the unfolding narrative of Prentiss’s survival and eventual return.
The UnSub in “It Takes a Village” is a particularly brutal and organized killer, challenging the team and forcing them to confront their individual processing of Prentiss’s “death.” Rossi takes the lead in channeling his grief into the case, while JJ struggles with the deception and the secrets surrounding Prentiss’s mission. Reid’s intellectual processing of the situation is also explored, adding another layer of emotional depth.
The Circumstances of Her Return
Prentiss’s return isn’t presented as a sudden, unannounced entrance. Instead, it’s a gradual reveal. We learn that she was living under an assumed identity in Paris, still working undercover. She is pulled back into the BAU orbit by the very nature of her previous mission – Interpol needs the team’s help with a dangerous international criminal they’ve been tracking, a criminal connected to Prentiss’s past. This connection forces her to confront her past and her loyalty to the team she left behind.
The episode builds suspense, leaving viewers wondering if Prentiss will truly rejoin the BAU permanently. Her initial interactions with the team are understandably tense, marked by unspoken emotions and the lingering impact of her deception. Ultimately, her undeniable skills and the undeniable bond she shares with the team lead to her full reinstatement.
The Emotional Impact on the Team
The writers of Criminal Minds skillfully portrayed the varied reactions to Prentiss’s return. Hotch, always stoic, reveals a subtle but profound relief. JJ grapples with feelings of betrayal and the fear that Prentiss didn’t trust her enough to confide in her. Reid, perhaps the most affected by her initial “death,” struggles to reconcile the emotional trauma he experienced with the reality of her return. Rossi, as the elder statesman of the team, provides a voice of reason and understanding, encouraging the team to move forward and embrace Prentiss’s return.
This episode beautifully illustrates the resilience and the deep-seated connection within the BAU family. Despite the pain and the deception, their shared experiences and unwavering dedication to catching killers ultimately prevail, allowing them to welcome Prentiss back into their fold. The return underscores the show’s theme of found family and the importance of loyalty in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prentiss’s Return
Here are some commonly asked questions concerning Emily Prentiss’s fake death and subsequent return to Criminal Minds:
FAQ 1: Why did Prentiss fake her death in the first place?
Prentiss faked her death to escape Ian Doyle, a dangerous international criminal she had previously apprehended while working undercover for Interpol. Her continued existence threatened her safety and the safety of those she cared about. Faking her death was a desperate measure to protect herself and the BAU team from Doyle’s reach.
FAQ 2: What season and episode does Prentiss “die”?
Emily Prentiss seemingly dies in Season 6, Episode 18, “Lauren.” This episode depicts a violent confrontation with Ian Doyle, leading the team to believe she has been fatally wounded.
FAQ 3: Who knew about Prentiss’s plan to fake her death?
Only Hotch and JJ were privy to Prentiss’s plan. They helped orchestrate her escape and maintained the secret from the rest of the team to protect them and maintain the credibility of her “death.” This knowledge burdened them significantly, as they had to grieve her loss while knowing the truth.
FAQ 4: How did Prentiss fake her death so convincingly?
Prentiss, Hotch, and JJ worked with a team of professionals to create a believable scenario. This included staging the crime scene, providing false documentation, and establishing a credible cover story. The team leveraged their knowledge of law enforcement procedures and forensic science to ensure the deception was successful.
FAQ 5: What was Prentiss doing after faking her death?
After faking her death, Prentiss lived under an assumed identity in Paris, continuing to work with Interpol on various undercover assignments. She remained vigilant and maintained a low profile to avoid detection by Ian Doyle or his associates. Her experiences during this period further honed her skills and strengthened her resolve.
FAQ 6: How did the team react to learning the truth about Prentiss?
The team’s reaction was a mixture of relief, anger, and confusion. While relieved that Prentiss was alive, they also felt betrayed by the deception. They struggled to understand why they weren’t trusted with the truth. Ultimately, their shared bond and understanding of the dangerous circumstances led them to forgive Prentiss and welcome her back.
FAQ 7: Did Prentiss ever regret faking her death?
While Prentiss acknowledged the pain and emotional toll her decision caused, she believed it was necessary to protect herself and the team. She carried the weight of her deception and the knowledge that she had hurt her friends. The decision haunted her, but she maintained that it was the best course of action under the circumstances.
FAQ 8: Does Ian Doyle ever resurface after Prentiss’s return?
Although Ian Doyle is presumed dead in the “Lauren” episode, the threat he posed and the memories of his actions continue to impact Prentiss and the team. He doesn’t physically reappear, but his influence lingers throughout the series.
FAQ 9: How does Prentiss’s return affect her relationships with other team members?
Prentiss’s return initially strains her relationships with the team, particularly with JJ and Reid. They grapple with feelings of betrayal and the emotional impact of her “death.” Over time, they rebuild their trust and strengthen their bonds, ultimately becoming even closer. Her relationship with Hotch, already built on mutual respect, deepens further.
FAQ 10: Is Prentiss’s return permanent, or does she leave again?
Following her return in Season 7, Prentiss remains a vital member of the BAU for several seasons. She eventually leaves to take a position at Interpol, reflecting her growth and evolution as a character.
FAQ 11: How does Prentiss’s past with Interpol shape her role within the BAU after her return?
Her experience with Interpol provides her with a unique perspective and skillset. She brings a broader understanding of international crime and a deeper network of contacts, making her an invaluable asset to the team. Her past experiences also shape her leadership style, making her a more empathetic and understanding leader.
FAQ 12: Does Prentiss ever become a leader of the BAU?
Yes, after Hotch’s departure, Emily Prentiss eventually becomes the Unit Chief of the BAU. She proves to be a capable and respected leader, guiding the team through challenging cases and maintaining the high standards of the unit. Her leadership is characterized by her intelligence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her team. Her experiences, including faking her death and her time with Interpol, contribute to her effectiveness as a leader.