When Criminal Minds Evolution season 2 returns, the term "Gold Star" will play a significant role in the show's overarching story. The previous season ended with David Rossi being held hostage by the chilling villain, Elias Voit. Throughout the season, the BAU team worked tirelessly to track down Voit, a prolific serial killer with an extensive online network of fellow murderers. While they were able to capture Voit, Deputy Director Bailey lost his life before they could stop him.
The death of Bailey is tied to the phrase "Gold Star," which Voit mentioned in his conversation with the Deputy Director. In the upcoming season, the mystery surrounding the enigmatic phrase will be the main focus. It holds such significance that Deputy Director Bailey insisted on meeting Voit alone after he mentioned it. Theories about the meaning of "Gold Star" range from reasonable to unlikely. Show-runner Erica Messer has hinted that the significance of "Gold Star" may evolve in the new season.
7 "Gold Star" Means A Deceased Criminal Minds Character Is Alive
According to Messer's comments, the creators of Criminal Minds Evolution seem uncertain about the meaning of the term "Gold Star". However, there is a promising theory suggesting that it could be a means of bringing back beloved characters from earlier in the series. If "Gold Star" refers to agents who are thought to be dead but are secretly alive, it would provide an opportunity for the show to revive seemingly deceased characters. The finale further supports this interpretation.
In the final moments of season 1, the addition of Deputy Director Bailey's name to the wall of gold stars signifies deceased agents. However, it is possible that Voit is referring to characters from Criminal Minds who are believed to be dead but are actually in hiding. "Gold Star" may serve as a codename for these members of the BAU. When the serial killer mentioned this phrase to Bailey, it deeply troubled him, leading to a face-to-face meeting with Voit. Unfortunately, this encounter resulted in Bailey's death. Bailey's fear would make sense if Voit was claiming to have knowledge about agents who are believed to be deceased, including their identities and locations.
6 Gold Star Could Implicate Another Criminal Minds Character
According to calculations by Voit and Bailey during their meeting, only two individuals were aware of the existence of "Gold Star". Shockingly, one of them went on to murder the other, theoretically rendering his knowledge useless. However, the suspenseful conclusion of Criminal Minds Evolution revealed that Rebecca Wilson had knowledge about "Gold Star" as evident from her conversation with her former girlfriend, Lewis. Consequently, Wilson could potentially be incriminated in season 2 of Criminal Minds Evolution, leading her to strike a deal with Voit. This development would undoubtedly deliver a devastating blow to the BAU, as Voit is unquestionably one of the most formidable adversaries they have ever faced.
5 Gold Star Has A Connection To The US Military
In the context of the US military, families who have experienced the loss of a member in military service display a gold star. Wilson acknowledged the existence of undisclosed information within the DOJ when asked about "Gold Star." This acknowledgment gives rise to the possibility that the phrase pertains to military service members whose deaths were concealed by the government. Naturally, this revelation raises further inquiries, such as the source of Voit's knowledge regarding this alleged conspiracy, whether the military is aware of his awareness, and if this knowledge aided him in maintaining a low profile despite his numerous offenses.
4 Gold Star Could Be An Secret Assassin Program
Voit’s familial inclination for violence was revealed by his Uncle Cyrus during the season 1 finale of Criminal Minds Evolution. This revelation hinted at the possibility of their involvement in a government program, akin to the Bourne series, aimed at fabricating extraordinary soldiers. The popular portrayal in the Jason Bourne franchise of secretive initiatives intended to create unyielding assassins has contributed to the promotion of this notion. Consequently, Criminal Minds Evolution possesses the potential to shed light on Voit’s exceptional proficiency in serial killing by exploring a comparable backstory. Given Voit’s uncanny abilities in this domain, this theory appears particularly plausible.
3 Gold Star Could Be Manchurian Candidate-Style Mind Control
Adding another layer of intrigue to the previous claim, "Gold Star" could be a government initiative initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the sinister purpose of transforming innocent civilians into sleeper agents resembling characters from Manchurian candidate, utilizing mind control techniques. Voit confided in his wife about stumbling upon something he wasn't supposed to see at his workplace, and despite his villainous actions, this might have been a genuine revelation. Moreover, this theory could also shed light on the difficulty in tracing Voit's whereabouts. The enigma surrounding the Gold Star mystery in Criminal Minds Evolution suggests that Voit could have been one of these agents, which explains his knowledge of Bailey's expected reaction to the phrase.
2 Gold Star Is A Killer (Other Than Elias Voit)
There is the potential that Elias is aware of another killer who collaborates with the DOJ through the network of serial killers he established during the COVID-19 lockdowns. This could clarify why the DOJ displayed such concern regarding his knowledge, as it could lead to the exposure of a contract killer who they depend on for unlawful assassinations. Similar to the aforementioned theories, this would clarify why the DOJ was open to negotiating with the antagonist, despite the severity of his gruesome crimes. Voit likely possesses incriminating information about the DOJ, and it is possible that the identity of their killer, potentially known as "Gold Star," is that crucial piece of evidence.
1 Gold Star Lets Criminal Minds Evolution Season 2 Keeps Elias Alive
Criminal Minds Evolution appears determined to retain Zach Gilford's new formidable antagonist, Voit, thereby ensuring that the true significance of "Gold Star" remains concealed, enabling his survival. While it seems that Criminal Minds Evolution is laying the groundwork for the series' ultimate conclusion, the show's creators may not be prepared to terminate it just yet. In such a scenario, "Gold Star" would serve as Voit's potent weapon throughout numerous seasons, allowing the Criminal Minds Evolution villain to persistently outwit and prevail despite being apprehended.
Source: TVInsider