In the series “Criminal Minds: Evolution”, Will’s passing in season 3 was unusually emotional, but A.J. Cook’s acting skills added depth to his funeral scene. Josh Stewart played Jennifer “JJ” Jareau’s long-term partner for almost two decades, with their first encounter happening in the second season of the original “Criminal Minds”. The married duo were among the original characters who reappeared in the cast of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” during its 2022 revival. Their relationship formed a key subplot for the first season. Interestingly, Josh Stewart was noticeably absent from the second season, and unexpectedly, Will met his end in “Criminal Minds: Evolution” during season 3.
In an interview with ScreenRant, A.J. Cook discussed the challenging role of being the emotional centerpiece in Criminal Minds: Evolution episode 3, where JJ’s grief was deeply examined. Unlike previous episodes that blended personal stories with fresh murder mysteries, “Time to Say Goodbye” focused solely on the aftermath of Will’s death and its effect on JJ. Cook’s background in indie films and drama aided her in accessing the required emotions, as she found this particular scene particularly challenging due to bidding farewell to her long-time on-screen partner.
As a devoted film enthusiast, let me tell you, this particular installment really packed a punch compared to many other crime dramas I’ve seen. It seemed like all the weight was on your shoulders, particularly during the poignant funeral scene. When you realize that it’s largely your performance that drives an episode and serves as its emotional heartbeat, does that added responsibility ever make you feel a sense of increased pressure?
AJ Cook: To be honest, as an actress on a show like this, we don’t often get to delve into the intense emotions. However, that’s where my passion lies – drama, independent films, raw emotion; it’s what I excel at and what I enjoy doing most. They know this about me, so any chance to showcase that, they are thrilled. But this particular scene was challenging. It was tough because it resonated deeply with us, as it wasn’t something we ever wanted to portray and required a great deal of contemplation. This struggle, I believe, made the performance even more authentic. Indeed, it was an emotionally taxing experience.
What This Means For JJ’s Future In Criminal Minds: Evolution
Playing More “Big Emotions” Could Be Pivotal To Her Season 3 Storyline
Evolution, there might be an opportunity for the show to incorporate more heartfelt scenes for her character and the rest of the cast. Historically, the crime drama hasn’t emphasized the characters’ emotional depth due to its focus on maintaining a calculated, cool demeanor. However, given JJ’s current situation as a new widow with two children, a demanding job, and lingering trauma, she seems ideally positioned to deliver more poignant performances.
Indeed, the turmoil JJ experiences throughout season 3 of “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” following Will’s demise, is a logical progression for her character. The show takes care to not expedite her grieving in “Time to Say Goodbye,” but instead, JJ’s intricate voyage through grief promises to be a significant theme throughout the season. This arc mirrors the Gold Star brigade storyline from season 2 or David Rossi’s (Joe Mantegna) bereavement in season 1. Consequently, it appears that A.J. Cook will have numerous chances to showcase her impressive acting skills during “Criminal Minds: Evolution” season 3.
Our Take On Will’s Funeral In Criminal Minds: Evolution
The Entire Episode Was A Standout
A.J. Cook’s acting in “Time to Say Goodbye” was some of the most impressive performances Criminal Minds: Evolution has shown since its revival, and Will’s funeral scene stood out particularly. When a character can hold an audience’s attention for extended periods without losing interest, it speaks volumes about exceptional writing and acting skills, both of which were evident in season 3, episode 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution. Though the crime and drama are fundamental aspects of the show, incorporating more heartfelt, emotionally charged scenes every now and then could enhance Criminal Minds: Evolution further.
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2025-05-29 02:39