CBS’ “Criminal Minds” and the controversies plaguing the crime drama seem not to end. Following the surprising termination of actor Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner) from the popular series are speculations that could only care about the future of the show.

The strong followers of the show were believed to be upset with a delay in airing of “Criminal Minds” season 12 episode 5. Per Inquisitr, “CBS network has decided to hold the new episode that was supposed to air on November 2 until next week. New episodes of “Survivor” and “Code Black” will still air as scheduled, but the next new episode of “Criminal Minds” will now air on November 9.”

The forthcoming chapter titled “The Anti-Terrorism Squad” is said to feature two high school students who are the only surviving members of a horrible attack. Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) is in charge of investigating the tragic case and will learn that bullying could be the main motive of the suspects in launching the fatal event.

The said episode is the very first where Hotchner is fully invisible from the soap. To recall, Gibson was suspended from the show last August following an on-set altercation with writer/producer Virgil Williams. Gibson's camp issued an official statement revealing creative differences as the very reason for his conflict with the showrunner. A report mentioned that the actor used to direct eight episodes of the series since 2001. Gibson is also noted to have had problems with the show's assistant director and had undergone anger management therapy.

Gibson’s firing from “Criminal Minds” resulted in dismay and outrage of his fans. In fact, recent news says that the audience is “boycotting” the tv series as the followers greatly believed that Hotchner should have stayed and did not deserve the ugly termination. The same article noted that “Criminal Minds”season 12 might be the last installment of the show.

Will the series survive without Gibson’s crucial role?