Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2’s New Actor Sets Up An Original Character Return After 17 Years

The latest update for the revival sets up the return of an original character to Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, 17 years after they left the CBS series. For 15 years, the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit used its profiling skills to catch serial killers. When their stint ended on network TV, it seemed like the end of a fan-favorite procedural, but proof of how popular the show was, Paramount+ eventually brought it up via a grittier revival, appropriately titled Criminal Minds: Evolution. It’s essentially a continuation of the old show but with a slightly different format.

Certain significant players are missing in the new show, however. Daniel Henney’s Matt Simmons isn’t back in the lineup, primarily due to scheduling conflict with the filming of AppleTV’s Wheel of Fortune. Meanwhile, things are a bit more complicated with Matthew Gray Gubler’s fan-favorite Spencer Reid. Initially, it was reported that the actor turned down the project to focus on other endeavors. Subsequently, however, it was revealed that he wanted to join, but like Henney, his schedule just couldn’t squeeze in the filming. Beyond them, however, other familiar faces can return, including the BAU’s founding father.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Introduces Jason Gideon’s Ex-Wife

Jill Gideon Joins The BAU In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2.

All core cast members from season 1 are returning for season 2, but the Paramount+ show will also introduce some new faces into the fold as the BAU delves deeper into the mystery of Gold Star. Felicity Huffman is joining the ensemble as the ex-wife of Mandy Patinkin’s Jason Gideon. Named Dr. Jill Gideon, the latest BAU member is a brilliant biological psychiatrist who helps the team solve a murderous conspiracy theory. Beyond that, it’s uncertain how she exactly plays into the story of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 or if she will continue to appear beyond the upcoming year.

Nonetheless, Jill’s history with Gideon effectively strengthens the revival’s ties to the CBS show. As a procedural with weekly cases, serialized narratives were only done for bigger arcs and special milestones. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 is in a unique position to mine inspiration from the BAU’s long history and incorporate details into their current storytelling with Jill’s involvement. As it turns out, her relationship with Jason was complicated, but so is her dynamic with Dave Rossi. This would make for an interesting scenario for the BAU as they are forced to work together to solve an intriguing case.

How Gideon’s Ex-Wife Sets Up Gideon’s Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Appearance

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Has A Couple Of Ways To Bring Jason Gideon Back.

Jill’s involvement in the BAU effectively establishes a connection between Jason and Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, and perhaps the rest of its run. That being said, bringing him back isn’t going to be as straightforward as reclaiming his old spot in the team, like floating profilers such as Reid and Simmons. When Mandy Patinkin left Criminal Minds in 2007, he simply walked away from the job after struggling to get used to the emotional and mental toll that it demanded. Subsequently, however, it was revealed that Jason was murdered by an Unsub, resulting in the team rallying to get him justice.

With Jason long dead, it would be impossible for Patinkin to make a cameo, unless it’s via flashbacks in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. Throughout its run, the procedural has used all manners of storytelling format to keep things fresh. As part of delving into Jill’s character and her unexplored ties to the BAU, it would be great to see from her perspective what it was like being with her ex-husband while he was still a profiler. It could be part of her growth and eventual understanding of what it really takes to become an effective SSA.

Aside from an easier flashback, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 can also feature Jason as a vision. The season 1 finale featured a return from Rossi’s late wife, Krystall Richards, that way. In any case, considering Patinkin’s history working on arguably equally gory projects such as Homeland, he may be more inclined to reprise his role as Jason now than a decade ago.

Which Other Original Criminal Minds Characters Can Return In Evolution Season 2

There Are Other Original Criminal Minds Characters That Can Return In The Revival.

Bringing back Jason takes a lot of effort, but the debut of his ex-wife inches Criminal Minds: Evolution closer to an appearance from Patinkin’s character. Beyond him, however, other original characters can return for season 2 of the revival. Reid is currently at the top of that list, considering that he remains a member of Emily Prentiss’ BAU. Derek Morgan is also a great candidate, especially in light of Shemar Moore’s comment about wanting to reprise his career-defining role. Finally, despite his exit, there may be a chance to bring back Thomas Gibson’s Aaron Hotchner to Criminal Minds: Evolution.