Rodriguez: The Prodigal Son Returns

Adam Rodriguez (Eric Delko) is glad to be returning to CSI: Miami full time for season nine. (Potential spoilers after the jump!)

As CSI Files previously reported, Rodriguez is coming back to the series despite his previous plans to leave. He appeared during season eight on a recurring basis, but now he’ll be back full time. “The best thing that happened was when we decided to part ways last year I spoke to [executive producer] Ann Donahue and said, ‘What’s important to me is coming back and fixing the character properly. I don’t want to leave the audience wondering, ‘What happened to Delko?’ How ever many episodes it takes, let me know and I’ll be there,'” Rodriguez explained to Fancast. “She loved that idea, three episodes turned into 11, and so I was bouncing back and forth with Ugly Betty and CSI Miami.”

Despite the sporadic appearances last season, Rodriguez said his return as a full time team member will be very smooth. “This is like family—‘the prodigal son returns’—so it’s not awkward at all,” the actor said. “Even the crew members were like, ‘It’s great to have you back every day.'”

The relationship between Delko and fellow CSI Calleigh Duquesne (Emily Procter) won’t be going anywhere during season nine. “I think they’re going to ride that train until they figure out a way to derail it or pull it into the station,” Rodriguez revealed. “I don’t know what’s in store, but I look forward to whatever it is. There are just so many ways you can go.”

One thing he knows for sure is that Miami will not be writing in Procter’s pregnancy. “It would have been interesting, but it’s abrupt,” he explained. “It’s a little abrupt. There wasn’t enough build up to have a pregnancy.”

Whatever the series holds in store for Delko and the rest of the Miami team, Rodriguez is glad to be back—and he’s grateful for the support he has received from his fans. “I just want to say thanks for your support and all of the love that you’ve shown,” Rodriguez said. “You guys are what matters and that’s why I’m coming back. I hope I can deliver for you!”