Mind-Bending Twist: The Ultimate Return of These 7 Criminal Minds Characters in Evolution Season 2!

Summary

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 takes a longer storytelling format, devoting a whole season to one unsub, allowing for a deeper exploration of the case.

In season 2, viewers can anticipate the reappearance of beloved characters like Alex Blake, Kevin Lynch, and Matt Simmons. Their anticipated return will undoubtedly bring a sense of familiarity and excitement to the latest storyline.

Additionally, there is potential for the comeback of Aaron Hotchner, along with the inclusion of Jack Hotchner or Derek Morgan. If recasting is not feasible, this would serve as a fitting conclusion to Hotch's story, and fans would eagerly embrace the reunion of these characters with the BAU.

Multiple original series characters have the potential to make a return in the second season of Criminal Minds: Evolution. The renowned Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI has successfully transitioned from CBS to Paramount+ with its revival project. Apart from the change in broadcasters, there are other notable distinctions between Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 and its predecessor. Paramount+'s adaptation employs a longer format for storytelling. Instead of following a case-of-the-week structure where the BAU tackles new investigations each episode, the new incarnation dedicates an entire season to unraveling a single unsub. This approach allows Criminal Minds: Evolution to thoroughly delve into the intricacies of the case, much like it did with Elias Voit.

Serving as a continuation of the original Criminal Minds series, Criminal Minds: Evolution maintains the same core ensemble of characters, making it easier for devoted viewers of the CBS show to adapt to this fresh iteration of the police procedural. Nonetheless, Section Chief Emily Prentiss is currently lacking some of her usual allies, as the FBI relocates a subset of her agents while they confront their most significant case yet. However, along with the currently active profilers, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 has the potential to reintroduce other familiar faces as the BAU delves deeper into the enigma surrounding Gold Star.

7 Alex Blake

6 Kevin Lynch

Following Prentiss' departure from the BAU, Alex Blake, portrayed by Jeanne Tripplehorn, joined the team in season 8 of Criminal Minds. Over time, she established herself as a vital member of the BAU, forging strong connections with her colleagues and contributing significantly to their work. However, her complicated relationship with Erin Strauss created challenges in her professional life. Eventually, due to the psychological trauma she experienced, Alex decided to pursue a career as a teacher. Nevertheless, considering the positive rapport she had with the remaining profilers, it is conceivable that she could return to assist the team in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. Such a comeback would also present an exciting opportunity to witness her interactions with Prentiss.

Penelope Garcia, the tech analyst of the BAU, faced a pivotal moment in Criminal Minds season 3 when she was shot. To aid in uncovering the perpetrator's identity, another tech analyst named Kevin Lynch, portrayed by Nicholas Brendon, was introduced. Kevin's involvement in the investigation proved crucial and led to him becoming a recurring guest star on the show. Not only did he provide valuable assistance to the BAU whenever they required additional support, but he also embarked on an on-and-off romantic relationship with Penelope.

As the team in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 tackles larger and more challenging cases, having someone like Kevin would greatly benefit the BAU. Moreover, his presence could bring additional excitement to the developing romance between Penelope and Luke Alvez. However, given Brendon's encounters with the law, Paramount+ might consider recasting the character.

5 Matt Simmons

Following the cancellation of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Daniel Henney's character, Matt Simmons, became an essential member of the BAU during the final years of the original series. When news of the revival on Paramount+ emerged, there were concerns about his involvement due to his commitment to Wheel of Time. The whereabouts of Matt Simmons have yet to be revealed in the evolving storyline of Criminal Minds: Evolution, even keeping Prentiss in the dark. However, it is clear that he remains an active FBI operative, leaving the possibility of a reunion with the BAU in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.

4 Aaron Hotchner

When Criminal Minds premiered in 2005, it featured a cast of seven main characters. Over time, the show experienced several changes in its cast, making character departures a regular occurrence. Despite this, Thomas Gibson's exit as Aaron Hotchner remains one of the most significant in Criminal Minds' history. Gibson's departure was sudden and controversial, resulting from an altercation on set, which followed prior issues. CBS managed to address his absence in the narrative without requiring an on-screen farewell. In the story, Hotch chose to enter witness protection to protect himself and his son, Jack, from the serial killer Peter "Mr. Scratch" Lewis.

Following the resolution of the Mr. Scratch case by the BAU, Hotch made the decision to permanently leave the FBI and focus on raising Jack. This choice was understandable given the traumatic experiences they had endured together. However, it has now been over a decade since Hotch's departure, and Jack no longer requires constant supervision, while Mr. Scratch is no longer a threat. From a narrative standpoint, there are no obstacles preventing Hotch from returning. Nevertheless, considering his previous on-set issues, Hotch's potential return in season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution may not be a straightforward process.

3 Jack Hotchner

If Criminal Minds: Evolution is unwilling to bring back Gibson as Hotch and recasting is not an option, it can still integrate him into the series without requiring a physical appearance through Jack. Since the young Hotchner is now an adult, just like JJ and Will's Henry, Jack can also be included in the Paramount+ show. This incorporation could potentially provide a fitting conclusion to Hotch's story in Criminal Minds if the franchise intends to never use the character again. Rather than connecting the Hotchners to a specific case, the storyline could revolve around their personal journey within the BAU.

2 Derek Morgan

Shemar Moore's character, Derek Morgan, was an original member of the cast when Criminal Minds first aired in 2005. Over the next decade, he played a crucial role in the operations of the BAU, but in season 11, he decided to leave the project to explore other opportunities in his career. From a storytelling perspective, the profiler determined that retirement was the right path for him, allowing him to prioritize his growing family. Despite his departure, Morgan made several guest appearances on Criminal Minds, each time bringing excitement and enjoyment to the viewers. Fans of the show eagerly anticipate the possibility of Derek's return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, especially because of the highly anticipated reunion with Spencer.

1 Spencer Reid

Criminal Minds: Evolution suffers greatly from the absence of Matthew Gray Gubler's beloved character, Spencer Reid. Reid, one of the original characters who remained throughout all 15 seasons of the CBS show, holds a special place in the hearts of long-time fans. His absence in the Paramount+ series, as the BAU relentlessly pursued Voit and his band of serial killers, was a significant blow to the team. While Gubler's absence is attributed to various factors, all those involved in Criminal Minds: Evolution remain hopeful for Reid's eventual return.