Criminal Minds: Evolution – How it Connects to the Original Series

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The third season of CBS’s popular revival, “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” is set to debut on Paramount+. This upcoming season promises to reunite fans with the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and its cherished team of profilers. Building upon the foundation laid by the original crime drama “Criminal Minds,” this new series delves once more into the FBI’s operations, focusing on a new network of serial killers known as Gold Star, which emerged during the pandemic. Throughout each episode, the detectives are tasked with dismantling the organization completely and apprehending the mastermind behind its creation, the leading unsub (unknown subject).

In the newest test for the Behavioral Analysis Unit in “Criminal Minds: Evolution”, there are many connections to the original show, serving as a sequel to the final season of “Criminal Minds”. The cast reprises their roles, providing a delightful revival of this beloved franchise. Yet, with changes in storyline and some characters missing, dedicated followers can’t help but notice subtle differences. Here’s what we know about how these series connect (and where they diverge).

‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ Picks Up Where the Main Series Left Off

Instead of numerous prequels and spin-offs that many TV series are producing, Criminal Minds: Evolution is actually a follow-up from the original show’s 15th and last season. Some enthusiasts refer to it as seasons 16-18 of Criminal Minds due to its continuation. However, there has been a small time leap in the storyline.

The new series unfolds its plot in the present, several years after the final episode of the original series aired in 2020. Given the significant impact of COVID-19 and its repercussions on the storyline, this timeframe seems appropriate. Any minor alterations that occurred during the show’s hiatus are clarified effortlessly by the characters at the start of the first episode, allowing them to dive right back into their usual activities.

Returning Characters

Criminal Minds: Evolution introduces several key characters from the initial series to expand the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Leading the team in a supervisory role is Emily Prentiss, played by Paget Brewster, while David Rossi, portrayed by Joe Mantegna, initially holds a higher position as Unit Chief. However, due to FBI Deputy Director Doug Bailey’s decision, Rossi has been demoted, and currently, Prentiss serves as both Section and Unit Chief.

Similarly, actress Kirsten Vangsness takes on her role as Penelope Garcia, the lively technical analyst, once more in the series after leaving the FBI at the end of Criminal Minds Season 15. Instead of working for a government agency, she opted for an independent institution. However, SSA Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) recognized her exceptional digital skills to trace the suspect, Elias Voit (Zach Gilford). The hacker was initially reluctant to return but agreed to assist with the initial case due to a longing to work alongside her team again and bring more killers to justice. Furthermore, media liaison Jennifer ‘JJ’ Jareau (A.J. Cook) and forensic psychologist Dr. Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler) have reappeared in the cast of profilers who are working diligently to uncover Gold Star’s motives and stop its dangerous members.

In the reboot, some characters have returned, but not everyone. Fans were saddened to learn that Dr. Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, won’t be a main character anymore due to scheduling conflicts. However, his character isn’t gone forever; he will make a brief appearance in Season 3. Unfortunately, SSA Matthew Simmons (Daniel Henney) also didn’t return for the reboot.

The show has presented new characters such as Tyler Green, a former intelligence officer turned convict turned consultant for the Behavioral Analysis Unit, played by Ryan-James Hanataka. Additionally, Zach Gilford portrays the chilling antagonist Elias Voit. For Season 3, we’ll also see Aimee Garcia as Dr. Julia Ochoa, a neuropsychiatrist who will appear frequently in the storyline.

Viewers Don’t Really Need To Watch the Original Series First

Despite suggestions of similarity with its original series, “Criminal Minds: Evolution” offers a distinct enough storyline for both long-time fans and new viewers to grasp and appreciate. All changes have been clearly explained, and while there are occasional references to prior agents and key events, the reboot primarily concentrates on its unique narrative.

Previously, showrunners had to abide by the restrictions of network TV, but now, with its release on Paramount+, they have greater creative freedom. This shift has led to a departure from the traditional episodic format and a move towards season-long story arcs similar to those found in other crime dramas on streaming platforms. While each episode still focuses on an individual crime, these crimes are interconnected, forming part of larger mysteries. This structural change is reflected in the series’ slower pace and grittier tone, which emphasizes less on the profiling aspect and more on the grim realities of the BAU’s work, thereby leaning towards the psychological thriller genre.

As a die-hard fan of crime dramas, I’m thrilled to let you know that you can binge-watch Seasons 1-2 of the gripping new series “Criminal Minds: Evolution” right now on Paramount+! Mark your calendars for May 8, 2025, as Season 3 will debut then, with fresh episodes dropping every week. If you can’t wait that long, don’t worry – you can catch up on previous seasons of “Criminal Minds” on Hulu, Paramount+, and Pluto TV as well. Happy streaming!

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2025-04-20 22:38