We were acutely aware that this season of "Criminal Minds: Evolution" would shatter our expectations, ignite our frustrations, and leave us yearning for more. The debut of Season 3, Episode 1, plunged viewers headlong into the tumultuous events of the past six months without missing a beat. The closing moments of the premiere teased us with more questions swirling in our minds than answers provided. Voit continued to grind the team under his boot, relationships were put to the test, Tyler embarked on his training journey, and the probe into the serial killer network remained an open wound. This season promised to stretch the BAU team to breaking points never before envisioned.
A fateful text message intruded upon Tara and Rebecca's tender morning moments, abruptly shifting the atmosphere from celebrating their rekindled romance to sorrowful news. This enigmatic message rippled through the entire team like wildfire before its grim contents were finally announced. I found myself screaming at the television in frustration as they kept it from us, only to erupt again when the truth was finally unveiled.
The first-look photographs captured Rossi, Luke, and JJ gazing angrily through a window, their emotions palpable. Episode 2 unveiled the scene they were witnessing: Voit shuffling with the aid of a nurse. Rossi's peculiar interaction with Voit left him utterly perplexed, a rare occurrence indeed. Tyler's training with the BAU, spurred by Voit's involvement, filled me with elation.
This episode delved deep into the labyrinthine mind of Voit and the nefarious network of serial killers he orchestrated. The team confronted a monster who tortured and terminated his victims within cages, a case that sent shivers down my spine with an unsub who initially seemed harmless. Yet, even a serial killer can feign kindness; it's their insidious form of manipulation. Could Voit be duping the BAU and doctors alike with his apparent recovery from a six-month coma?
At the conclusion of Episode 1, Voit emerges from his coma, astonishing everyone as he startles the nurse. In Episode 2, we learn that far from harming her, he is actually being aided by her as he navigates his hospital room. His swift recovery fills me with frustration, a sentiment echoed by fellow fans and the BAU alike. Rossi greets Voit back into the world of the conscious with a smug smile, eliciting a giggle from me. However, Voit's response not only takes Rossi aback but also leaves me gaping, hand over my mouth, as I witness the unfolding scene. It's almost as if Voit is delighted to see Rossi and has dismissed any notion of having previously tortured him. I'm still reeling from the direction this storyline is taking.
For some time now, Criminal Minds fans have been aware that Josh Stewart was departing the show, hanging up his badge as Will LaMontagne Jr. Yet, none of us could have foreseen how his storyline would conclude or how JJ would proceed without him. Having met Will in Season 2 (2007), his story abruptly came to an end, shattering my heart within seconds. Having endured so many character deaths since Season 1, one might think I'd be accustomed to it by now. Spoiler alert: as expected, I sobbed like a child during Will and JJ's final scene.
In my rose-tinted fantasies, I clung to the hope that Will would linger on as a background character, occasionally popping up on dates with JJ and supporting their growing boys. The promo shattered my illusions, confirming my deepest fears: a funeral was imminent, and Will's was the most plausible. Though they will forever reside in our hearts, we bid them a poignant farewell.
The Twitter discourse surrounding his passing guts me, as fans mourn the sight of the casket in the promo, grappling with the loss of a beloved character.
"Criminal Minds: Evolution," season 3, episode 2 shattered my heart into a million pieces. I anticipated tears, but the conclusion left me utterly devastated. Josh Stewart's exit from the show tore at my emotions, leaving me in shambles. The promo for this season hints at more heart-wrenching moments, prompting an urge to scream in frustration. My affection for these characters and their intricate lives runs deep, making farewells excruciatingly difficult.
Similar to the BAU's challenging cases, the twist in the plot ignited my anger before crushing my heart. Voit's awakening from his coma introduced a new slew of complications. To Rossi's chagrin, he might be the sole individual capable of deciphering Voit's psychological manipulations. Of course, the writers couldn't make our journey easy; unfortunately, the BAU is stuck with Voit's antics for the remainder of this season.
While I don't mind delving deeper into dark territories, Voit certainly tests's patience and resolve. However, I must give him credit for being a formidable villain. He has crafted some genuinely terrifying killers; the Zookeeper sent chills down my spine. Perhaps he got what he deserved, but considering his heinous crimes against his victims, one could argue that his punishment fell short. Like Penelope, I long to solve the mystery, yet I also wanted to avert my eyes from the distressing video he sent to the BAU.
Nonetheless, Voit's psychological games put everyone in grave danger, elevating the stakes this season. Boredom is certainly not an option, especially with cliffhangers like those text reveal scenes keeping us on the edge of our seats. Honestly, I both loved and hated those scenes, yet I couldn't deny their brilliance.
