Movies

Criminal Minds: Evolution Shocks Fans by Killing Off a Major Character After 18 Years

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Over the years, I’ve watched as this popular procedural TV series has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception back in 2005. Now, with an impressive 18 seasons, multiple spin-offs, a mobile game, and even novels, it continues to dominate the genre and thrive. The latest installment within this universe is called “Criminal Minds: Evolution” and can be found on Paramount+. Despite some familiar storylines, twists, and characters, taking a look back at 2005 reveals just how much has evolved in this cherished show.

Although a show like Criminal Minds has been on the air for a long time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that those in charge have always made the best decisions. In fact, there’s quite a bit of discussion about whether the Criminal Minds franchise is heading in the right direction now. Some viewers are even complaining that the latest installment focuses too much on sensational twists without providing a satisfying resolution to the storyline.

Criminal Minds Just Killed Off Another Major Character

Will Was Used For a Shock Twist

Fans who’ve been closely following “Criminal Minds: Evolution” might have observed a recurring trend: the unexpected deaths of long-adored main characters. This has occurred more than once, and these episodes… Because the essence of the series is undergoing a transformation. Each time one of these essential characters is taken off the game board, there’s a sense of emptiness that lingers. In a team like this, every member plays a crucial role, and although the showrunners might have a master plan, it could seem to some as though characters are being unnecessarily written out.

As a devoted fan, I must say that Will, portrayed brilliantly by Josh Stewart, was one of the most intriguing additions to Criminal Minds back in 2007 when the series was still establishing its identity. He quickly became a significant element within the show’s tapestry, leading many viewers to anticipate his continued presence as Criminal Minds: Evolution approached.

However, the unexpected twist that unfolded left fans reeling. To our shock, Will was abruptly written out of the series, with a plot turn none of us could predict. In an unprecedented move that left a bitter taste, the showrunners chose to end Will’s character arc prematurely, denying him the heroic farewell he deserved.

In the series, a character is depicted as experiencing a headache and later being urgently taken to the hospital due to severe complications. It appears he suffered an aneurysm, and doctors are working tirelessly to keep him alive. Unfortunately, this was the end for Will, as his death occurred off-camera. Fans learned of his passing when JJ informed the team that he had passed away. This unexpected turn left many puzzled, as Stewart wasn’t brought back for a final scene to provide closure on the character’s storyline. Instead, previously recorded footage was utilized for this significant moment, sparing the actor from returning solely to die.

As a movie reviewer, I must admit, the latest episode of “Criminal Minds” felt like a sudden goodbye to one of our longest-standing characters, Will. Although it’s been a while since he first graced our screens back in Season 2, Episode 18, this farewell didn’t carry the emotional weight that it could have, falling short of the poignancy executives might have envisioned.

However, the decision to write off Will for good, with no chance of a comeback, seems to reflect a broader trend in the series. With the arrival of “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” it appears that even original characters from the original show are being given a hasty exit. It’s a bittersweet moment, indeed, as we bid adieu to characters who have been integral to the fabric of “Criminal Minds” for so long.

The Show Continues To Kill Off Original Characters

Ratings Boosts & Packed Schedules Have Led To These Choices

It’s not just Will who’s met this unfortunate end. Fans have picked up on a recurring theme: important characters like Gideon often meet tragic fates. For instance, Gideon played a significant role in “Criminal Minds” from 2005 to 2007, making 47 appearances. He was a complex character – an obsessive, imperfect man who drew audiences in. He went through some grueling ordeals and eventually departed the show when actor Mandy Patinkin decided to leave permanently. In Season 10, it was revealed that Gideon had passed away, ruling out any possibility for Patinkin’s return.

In the new series of Criminal Minds titled Evolution, Mandy Patinkin won’t appear in any scenes as his character won’t play a role in the storyline unless there are planned flashbacks. Since the show has been rebooted, new viewers might not recognize this significant character due to his absence. This situation is reminiscent of another key character, Will, who also appears to have been written out, allowing other characters to step into the forefront. Whether it’s intentional or just a coincidence, this pattern can be observed in other productions as well.

Meredith Monroe made her debut on the TV series “Criminal Minds” in 2005. Despite appearing in just 15 episodes throughout the series, she left a lasting impression and played a crucial role as Halech’s wife, Haley. Although she wasn’t as frequent a cast member as others, her presence on the show extended until 2013, making her a familiar face within the ensemble. However, just like other characters, she was eventually written off the show in a surprising way – through a shocking death scene that erased all traces of her character’s impact on the show.

In another tragic development, yet another beloved character has been written out, met with a violent demise in this case. Although Haley’s death served to intensify the plot, create a stronger antagonist, and heighten the drama, it seemed an unnecessary fate and a convenient way to tie up loose ends. For now, attention is shifted towards “Criminal Minds: Evolution”, but this pattern of killing off original cast members has been pervasive across the series, and there are numerous instances. It’s puzzling why so many original characters meet their end!

Criminal Minds Is Alienating Its Fan Base

The Show Doesn’t Look As It Once Did

Upon the debut of “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” some viewers speculated that the series was distancing itself from its past in an attempt to attract a fresh audience. The departure of characters like Will seemed to support this notion, serving as a potential entry point for newcomers. However, the killing off of key characters is not a recent phenomenon on “Criminal Minds,” with this storytelling device being employed extensively throughout the show’s history to inject suspense and unpredictability into the narrative. This tactic can sometimes be manipulative, offering more shock value than genuine viewer satisfaction.

In summary, having a way to limit the large number of recurring characters can be beneficial for the production team, as it simplifies the storyline and makes it more feasible for cameos or brief appearances. This is especially important when considering characters that may have moved on from the show and are unlikely to return due to their busy schedules. However, fans often express a desire to see certain characters reappear, so striking a balance between fan expectations and practical production considerations can be challenging.

It appears that Criminal Minds often employs a technique suggesting no one is invulnerable, as there’s always risk involved in the challenges the team encounters, and any member could be eliminated. However, this concept becomes questionable when characters are written off due to health issues instead of in-show conflicts. Finding that delicate equilibrium proves challenging for Criminal Minds, as it seems to overstep boundaries by removing characters without fully explaining why their departure impacts the narrative.

It appears that the new season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” may be phasing out the original characters, paving the way for a new leadership. This could suggest that the creators want to start fresh, erasing old elements from the series. The question remains, is this reboot still open to its original fanbase, or is it being tailored towards a younger generation of viewers who may not be as invested in the show’s complex narrative? Regrettably, this issue is being discussed on many popular TV shows today.

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2025-06-02 01:22

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