Celebrating Two Decades of Crime-Solving Excellence
After a brief hiatus of just two years, Criminal Minds has returned stronger than ever, now celebrating its 20th year on television and entering its 18th season — with a 19th season already in the pipeline. This remarkable journey has transformed the series into a beloved streaming and TV phenomenon, captivating audiences with its intense storytelling and complex characters. During a special appearance at IGN Live today, showrunner Erica Messer alongside cast members Joe Mantegna, Aisha Tyler, and Zach Gilford shared insights into what fans can expect from this new chapter and the reasons behind the show’s enduring popularity.
A Sneak Peek Into the Latest Episode and Ongoing Storylines
The panel kicked off with a teaser clip from an upcoming episode, depicting a woman waking up inside a buried box — a chilling reminder of the show’s dark themes. When asked by moderator Kim Horcher about the scene, Mantegna quipped, “We have people in boxes underground on occasion. This is just another example of that!” Aisha Tyler added humorously, “We bury a lady in a box every week! You’ve gotta be more specific!” However, the scene is tied to a deeper storyline about individuals who idolize and seek to emulate Elias Voit, played by Zach Gilford, a notorious serial killer whose influence continues to ripple through the series.
The Secret to the Series’ Enduring Popularity
Reflecting on the show’s longevity, Erica Messer highlighted the core themes that keep viewers hooked: good versus evil. She explained, “It’s been an incredible ride. I’ve been with the show since 2005, and I’m the only writer who’s been part of every season. At its heart, it’s a timeless story, and with this new iteration, Evolution, we’re challenging our heroes in new ways.” She also hinted at the evolving threat posed by Elias Voit, saying, “When Elias walks into the story, he really keeps our team on their toes.”
Cast Contributions Behind the Camera
Both Joe Mantegna and Aisha Tyler took on directing roles this season, a task they expressed great enthusiasm for. Mantegna was especially honored to have directed one of the final performances of his dear friend, the late Linda Lavin, stating, “She really delivered, and it was a privilege to work with her.” Tyler shared her excitement about guiding her colleagues, emphasizing the camaraderie on set: “I love this cast so much. Directing my friends is such a rewarding experience, and everyone genuinely wants everyone else to succeed. It makes for the best show about serial killers ever made.”
The Evolving Character of Elias Voit
Introduced in Season 16 during the series’ revival, Elias Voit has become a central figure in the ongoing narrative. Tyler commented, “Elias is a truly terrible person, but Zach has humanized him in many ways. It’s not about making serial killers sympathetic, but understanding what drives a person to become a monster.”
This season, Elias faces a new challenge — amnesia. Gilford has enjoyed exploring this storyline, noting, “It’s rare to play a character for multiple seasons and get to reintroduce him to everyone, which is a fascinating process.” He further explained the moral questions surrounding Elias’ memory loss: “If someone regrets their actions and has different brain chemistry, how should we treat them? Do we forgive, or do we keep our distance?”
Messer added, “One reason Elias has amnesia is so we can explore different facets of his personality. He’s in custody but still has a conscience. We’ll see if that remains true as the story unfolds.”
Imagining Crossovers: How Other TV Characters Would Fit into Criminal Minds
As the panel neared its end, the cast was asked how three of their other iconic TV characters might fare in the world of Criminal Minds. Gilford joked about Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights, saying, “He’s a hard worker, and while he was pretty smart, I’m not sure he’d be that sharp in a crime-solving context. But he’d definitely throw the ball if needed.”
Mantegna chuckled, “You’d have to keep Fat Tony out of the craft services table — because he doesn’t get angry; he gets stabby!”
Tyler speculated about Lana Kane from Archer: “Lana is arguably the greatest secret agent of all time, so I think she’d be a great asset to the BAU. Though, maybe she should consider dressing more professionally for the job!”
Looking Ahead to New Episodes
Audiences can look forward to fresh episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution premiering every Wednesday on Paramount+. With intense storylines, complex characters, and new challenges, the series continues to captivate fans and redefine the crime procedural genre.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
