The inevitable has finally happened in "Criminal Minds" as Hotch's (Thomas Gibson) true fate has been revealed.

Since news broke out that Gibson was fired from the Jeff Davis-created show, many fans have wondered who will take over his role as unit chief of the Behavioral Analysis Unit. To make things more complicated, CBS adamantly said that no farewell episode would be filmed in light of the situation which begged the question of how they were going to cleverly write off the character from the show. Despite not being acknowledged earlier, all these questions have been finally answered in the latest installment of "Criminal Minds."

As it turns out, Hotch had to resign from his post of 12 years to join the Witness Protection Program with his son Jack (Cade Owens). Peter Lewis/Mr. Scratch (Bodhi Elfman), who was part of the prison break in the finale last season and has a considerable history with the former BAU chief, was tipped to be stalking his family and Hotch decided he could no longer take the same risk again.

It can be remembered that Hotch's wife, Haley (Meredith Monroe), was killed by George Foyet (C. Thomas Howell) after Hotch refused to strike a deal with the serial killer. Haley and a younger Jack got into the program as well during the time when the Boston Reaper was still at large. Unfortunately, Foyet located the two and killed the Haley before Hotch arrived at the scene of the crime.

"We need to talk," David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) told the  rest of the group as he revealed that their leader was not really on a special assignment and all of this whole play was to keep him and his family safe. "He's OK, but he has not been away on special assignment. That's something we had to say as a cover for the investigation."

"Peter Lewis is not going to stop, which is why Hotch and Jack have entered the program," the BAU veteran member announced.

The installment also saw Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) being named as the new BAU chief which is actually part of the Hotch's last few requests.

Meanwhile, "Criminal Minds" will be taking a one-week break in light of the Thanksgiving holiday which is why no new episode will be airing tonight. It will be back next Wednesday with "Mirror Image," 9 p.m. ET on CBS.