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AJ Cook Reveals How Will’s Death Affects JJ and Show’s Future

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Evolution,” titled “Time to Say Goodbye,” aired on May 22 on Paramount+, and it was particularly poignant. This heart-wrenching episode, which ranks among the most emotional in both the original series and its revival, concluded with Will LaMontagne collapsing in front of JJ, with her subsequently informing the team that he had passed away.

This latest installment primarily focused on the aftermath, specifically JJ’s mourning process at Will’s funeral and her efforts to mend her strained relationship with her mother-in-law Connie in the wake of his passing. The entire cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution appeared, even featuring a short comeback by Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid. Despite this, the narrative largely revolved around JJ, and she skillfully steered the episode towards her character’s journey.

Ebaster had an engaging conversation with AJ Cook, the actor who plays JJ on Criminal Minds, discussing the emotional depth of filming season 3, episode 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution. They talked about how Will’s demise in Criminal Minds will affect JJ in future episodes, and the poignant process of bidding farewell to fellow cast members both on-screen and off-screen.

AJ Cook Sass Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3’s Funeral Scene Was Really Intense To Film

“This One Was Hard Because It Really Hit Home.”

In a more relaxed and conversational tone: Hey Ebaster! This episode really packed a punch, more so than many others in the Criminal series. The funeral scene particularly stood out as your work. Does the awareness that you’re the one responsible for carrying an episode and being its emotional heart add any extra stress to your role?

As a dedicated cinephile, I must admit that, as an actress, I don’t always get the chance to delve deep into the realm of raw emotions on our show. However, that’s my forte – drama, independent films, intensity, tears, and emotion are what I thrive in. It’s no secret to those around me, so whenever there’s a chance to explore these depths, they get thrilled. But this time was different. This one was challenging because it struck a chord. It was something we never wanted to portray and had to wrestle with, which I believe added to its authenticity. Indeed, it was an intense role, without a doubt.

Ebaster: I was definitely bawling.

AJ Cook: Me too, sister!

JJ Is Definitely Going To Go Through Some Things In The Wake Of Will’s Death

“She’s Grieving, And We’re Gonna See Her Maybe Not Make Some Great Decisions.”

In a different phraseology:

Observe: JJ was constantly advised by numerous individuals, “It’s crucial to express your feelings instead of trying to manage everything and be there for everyone. At the funeral, she began to open up, but given JJ’s character, she might slip back into her ‘I can handle it’ mindset. Are you convinced that she has genuinely embarked on the path to healing, or is there a chance that she could face a collapse later on?

Variety 1:
Multiple people told JJ to express her feelings instead of trying to be everything for everyone. At the funeral, she started to open up, but because JJ tends to handle things herself, she might go back to that. Do you think she has truly begun healing, or could she face problems later?

Variety 2:
Numerous individuals advised JJ to express her emotions instead of trying to be all things for everyone. At the funeral, she started showing feelings, but given that JJ usually handles things on her own, she might revert back. Do you think she has genuinely started healing, or will there be troubles later?

Variety 3:
People kept telling JJ to let her emotions out instead of trying to be everything for everyone. At the funeral, she showed some feelings, but with JJ being someone who usually handles things alone, she might fall back. Do you think she has truly begun healing, or will there be issues later?

AJ Cook: Absolutely. We’ll delve into all aspects of grief, as there are many layers, and you must confront them, even if it’s tough. You can’t maintain that state forever. So, we certainly explore – you might witness her losing control occasionally, given the circumstances. But yes, she will find it particularly challenging to juggle work and personal life, as her job is deeply intertwined with her sense of self. It almost serves as a sanctuary, an odd comfort zone, if you will. It’s like she can help others, so she doesn’t have to deal with herself directly.

As a movie critic, I find myself deeply moved by the character portrayed by JJ in this film. With sons at home who mean the world to her, she’s not just a protagonist in this story but a protective mother under immense pressure. The weight of her responsibilities is palpable, and it’s clear that she carries the burden with every step she takes.

Her grief, raw and real, will undoubtedly influence some of her decisions in ways both good and bad. But isn’t that what makes a compelling narrative? We get to witness JJ grapple with her struggles, and I, for one, am eager to see how she navigates through them. The beauty of this story lies in its authenticity – it’s not about perfect characters making ideal choices but a woman striving to find balance in the face of adversity.

For you, it must be quite enjoyable to portray a character who usually maintains order amidst chaotic decisions by others. How do you suppose your role will influence the team if JJ is no longer the dependable one? As Penelope mentioned, you serve as the bonding agent.

AJ Cook: It’s true about working with investigators who are always one step ahead – they can predict your moves before you make them. You understand this concept. So, the cat-and-mouse game isn’t really a thing because I know they’re always five steps ahead. There’s almost a sense of relief in not needing to conceal anything since I’m aware that they are always one step ahead. When JJ is around, everyone is extra cautious, ensuring her well-being while also giving her room to grieve, as that’s what they want most. They simply want her to express her feelings openly.

In various scenes featuring Paget, Prentiss, and JJ, there are instances where emotional situations arise. In these instances, Prentiss steps up as the calming influence, often telling the others to slow down and take a moment to discuss what’s happening. She serves as a strong support system in these trying times. Meanwhile, Penelope, who is like JJ’s rock, has been his friend through thick and thin. Throughout this journey of dealing with grief, there will be numerous heartwarming interactions between the characters that truly resonate as human experiences.

Cook Is Thrilled With The Extra Time They Get With Streaming For Scenes Like The Funeral Scene

“It’s Been An Absolute Gift To Finally Let These Characters Breathe A Little More.”

In the shift of Criminal Minds: Evolution to streaming platforms, you’ll notice a bit more time in each episode due to the absence of commercial breaks. Although it’s just 5-15 minutes, this additional time can open up opportunities for new narratives and richer character growth. How has this extended space impacted your acting experience?

AJ Cook: It’s truly been a blessing to give these characters some more room to develop. I believe the shift to streaming has been crucial, allowing us to delve deeper into their personal lives, not just their work lives, but also exploring what they do when they’re off duty and how they balance everything while trying to maintain some semblance of a “normal” life.

For me, the experience has been incredibly beautiful, not only as an actress but also as a director. There’s something special about those tender, soft moments when you don’t have to abruptly switch scenes. In episode 3, for instance, Penelope says, “You’re the glue,” and there’s this poignant moment at the door where JJ is struggling to maintain composure because of tomorrow’s big day. As soon as the door closes, you can see JJ gradually losing control, knowing that they’ve left and she can finally relax a bit.

Joe’s choice to capture it in that manner was simply brilliant, and there are instances where words fall short; it’s the silent communiqué of a glance, the raw expression of feelings. The saddest part is when people struggle to contain their emotions, but they eventually burst forth. That moment was truly human and heart-wrenchingly beautiful in its authenticity.

Cook Reflects On The Gift Of Welcoming Back One Former Cast Member While Saying Goodbye To Two Others

“You Don’t Get To Choose When Someone Dies.”

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I found the confrontation between JJ and Connie particularly gripping. Filming that emotionally charged scene was quite an experience; it demanded a deep dive into the characters’ emotions to portray their raw, intense interactions authentically. Whether this emotional reconciliation will form a larger narrative arc in the storyline moving forward remains to be seen, but I certainly hope so, as it promises to add depth and complexity to the characters’ relationships.

AJ Cook: Indeed, we had been anticipating this very outcome. Linda Lavin was not only strikingly beautiful but also an incredibly generous actress, and it was a privilege to collaborate with her. Sadly, she has left us. She has passed away. To have experienced being slapped by the legendary Linda Lavin before her passing is a dream that every actress cherishes.

We truly clicked during our collaborations. Some performers share an intuitive understanding, and we were certainly among them. Our chemistry was palpable, making each scene feel natural and seamless. To put it simply, I thoroughly enjoyed our shared experiences on set.

Initially, I had high hopes that perhaps she would return, only to discover that, regrettably, life doesn’t always go as planned – a reality we confront in this episode. We don’t get to decide when someone passes away. It can happen in the twinkling of an eye, and you’re left with the fragments to mend. This episode is exceptionally poignant and influential for us on multiple accounts.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t hide my deep affection for Josh [Stewart] and the unforgettable moments we shared on set. However, our bond is tinged with sadness as we bid farewell to Linda Lavin, whose presence will be sorely missed. In a poignant tribute, we paid homage to her at the end of the episode, making it a unique and heartfelt addition to the Criminal Minds series that we hold dear.

In a more casual and engaging manner: Hey there! It was great to see Spencer make a comeback in this episode, didn’t he? It’s been quite some time since you’ve worked with Matthew Gray Gubler. Did acting together feel like you never left off, or did you notice any rust after such a long gap?

As a passionate movie enthusiast, it’s not merely an obligation for me when it comes to working with someone I hold in high regard, it’s more like reuniting with an old friend. When I reached out to him, expressing the situation, it felt strange to imagine him not being present. But he assured me of his presence, and that warmth was like a beacon guiding me back home. Having him on set once again was a delight, and I’m deeply grateful for his decision to join us once more.

About Criminal Minds: Evolution’s Latest Episode

Season 3, Episode 3, “Time To Say Goodbye”

After LaMontagne’s passing due to an aneurysm, the team grieves for him deeply. Alvez and Green pay a visit to Ramona Havener, who is the sole surviving individual known to Voit, in an attempt to uncover any means to access his memories.

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2025-05-28 02:00

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