In a surprising, positive turn of events, A.J. Cook returned in the Criminal Minds season finale last week and it appears that the actress is rejoining the cast for good.

This followed Cook's firing at the end of season five, a two-episode arc that bid her character farewell, a mid-season guest role and major uproar from the show's fans.

Now that she's back, will J.J.'s role with the BAU change at all?

"All I know is, she's still the coordinator," Cook said in a recent interview. "I don't know if [the team] even needs another profiler. I think she likes her role."

That said, JJ's character will offer a new perspective, A.J. says about her alter ego being a full-time profiler. "She's seen things that these guys haven't seen, so she's grown."

"She's tougher, more experienced. I think now she may be able to bring more to her role, but I don't think it'll be out [in the field]. She's still going to be the face of the team."

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.