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Criminal Minds: Evolution Star Talks About How Filming Will’s Funeral Episode Was Extra Meaningful For A Heartbreaking Reason

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AJ Cook, who plays a key role in the TV series “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” shares the emotional significance behind filming Will’s funeral scene and the reason is deeply moving. Her character, Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, was previously a Supervisory Special Agent within the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), collaborating with law enforcement and media personnel until season 6. From season 7 onwards, she took over as the acting head of the BAU.

During an interview with Alisha Grauso from ScreenRant, Cook discussed the privilege of collaborating with Linda Lavin (Connie LaMontagne) before her passing in December 2024. As Lavin played Cook’s on-screen mother-in-law, she felt fortunate to have worked with her. Although they only worked together on a single episode, Cook cherishes the time they spent working together.

Inquiry: Regarding the scene between JJ and Connie, it seemed quite dramatic. Can you share your experience filming that scene and will their emotional reconciliation play a significant role in future episodes, perhaps expanding into a larger plotline?

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit, it was our collective wish to see the radiant Linda Lavin grace our screens once more. Her ethereal beauty and unparalleled generosity as an actress were truly inspiring. The privilege of sharing a set with her was beyond measure.

Unfortunately, she’s moved on now, leaving us all behind. She took her final bow, or rather, she passed away. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but the fact that I received one of her legendary slaps before she departed was every actress’s dream come true.

We had an exceptional rapport during our collaboration. Some performers simply click when portraying a scene, and our connection was undeniably one of those instances. Working with her felt incredibly natural and effortless.

This episode holds a profound significance for us in numerous ways because, unfortunately, life doesn’t always allow us the luxury of choosing when someone departs. Just as swiftly as an eye blink, it can happen, leaving behind fragments that need to be carefully pieced back together. Despite my anticipation of potentially reconnecting with her, such is life – and this is the reality we grapple with in this episode.

Without a doubt, there’s Josh [Stewart] – he’s someone I deeply appreciate and will sorely miss collaborating with. However, it’s also heartbreaking that we bid farewell to Linda Lavin. In the final episode, we paid tribute to her in a moving memorial. It was one of those exceptional Criminal Minds episodes, unique and self-contained in its emotional impact.

What Linda Lavin’s Death Means For Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

As a dedicated movie reviewer, I must admit that the brief but impactful appearance of Lavin as Connie in season 3, episode 3 of the revamped “Criminal Minds” left an indelible mark on the show’s ensemble cast. In my personal interaction with her, I can attest to Cook’s heartfelt enjoyment of working alongside Lavin, a joy that was unfortunately truncated too soon. However, the spark between them was so palpable that it left me eagerly anticipating future collaborations.

Given the untimely demise of JJ’s husband, Will LaMontagne Jr., in episode 2 due to an aneurysm linked to a rare thyroid complication, Connie’s potential return could have served as a compelling narrative thread. With JJ being left to raise their two sons, a storyline centered around Connie visiting JJ might have provided a poignant and emotional arc for Lavin’s character. Alas, the writers chose a different path, but I can’t help but wonder about the stories that could have been told had Connie made a return to our screens.

In the television series “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” JJ finds herself without company after her husband’s departure and Lavin’s demise. Her support system now consists of her two sons, but Will’s passing might pave the way for a deepening connection between JJ and Spencer Reid. This is possible despite Matthew Gray Gubler (Spencer Reid) not being a permanent cast member in the reboot and only making an appearance briefly, as it opens up the potential for a romantic development.

Our Take On Will’s Funeral On Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

For Criminal Minds: Evolution fans, Will’s funeral was incredibly moving, not just because they unexpectedly lost a major character, but also due to the return of fan-favorite Reid, who had a complex dynamic with JJ during the original series. Since Will’s death, there could potentially be a reunion between Reid and JJ in upcoming episodes.

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2025-05-26 23:27

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