The last episode of "Criminal Minds" was an emotional one. Viewers said goodbye to Gideon, but it was really the perfect way to end his story in the TV show. Fans and critics alike love the fact that Ben Savage was the one who acted out the younger Gideon. Hence, it made the character's exit much more meaningful. 

In episode 13, the young Gideon and Rossi had to go back to one case in the past, which might just hold the secret to catching the UnSub at the present time. However, the team didn't catch the UnSub and Gideon ended up getting killed. 

While the departure of Gideon seems a bit surprising, show creator Erica Messer shared that they've been thinking about it for a while now. 

"I had the idea of the '70s of it all more than anything. And then it was like, 'What is an important enough case that would warrant us going back and seeing where it all started?' Messer told TVLine. "It felt like a really nice way of honoring Gideon. We don't kill off our heroes very often ... it was like, 'Let's give them some real drama.' When it hits home, it doesn't get more real than that." 

So now that Gideon is gone, how will the others cope? It appears that Reid will be the character most affected. 

"It sort of continues the tribute to the character, especially the history between Rossi and Gideon, and Reid and Gideon, so therefore Rossi and Reid. It's a really lovely continuation and then it becomes one of those things that the characters add to their layers." Messer explained. 

Messer also said that the next episode will still be an emotional one, particularly for Reid. However, the BAU team has to move forward because they have an important case to solve. 

Episode 14 is titled "Hero Worship" and it will be about a hero emerging from an explosion. The BAU team will be investigating the culprit behind the explosion and at the same time, protecting the hero and his family. 

The official synopsis reads:

"When an Indianapolis coffee shop is blown up and a hero emerges from the wreckage, the BAU tries to protect that person and his family while searching for the UnSub before more incidents occur." 

The BAU team will have a lot on their hands in the next episode. CarterMatt describes it as one of the season's most violent episodes. The site also notes that there might be something else going on, given that the show loves its twists. 

"Criminal Minds" airs its new episode on Feb. 4 on CBS. Take a sneak peek at "Hero Worship" here.