Criminal Minds returned to surprise everyone with its “Evolution”

Known as the BAU – for its acronym in English – the Behavior Analysis Unit is based in Quantico, Virginia, and brings together the foremost experts in criminology from across the United States.

After 15 intense seasons, cases of all kinds and many changes in the team, it was time for the “evolution”. Indeed, this is how the series is subtitled from now on that returned on Monday the 10th to the AXN screen with various news. Between them:

• Due to budget cuts by the FBI, the team no longer has the famous and beloved “BAU jet” to move quickly and efficiently from one part of the country to another.
• The new deputy director of the bureau – played by Nicholas D’Agosto – is obsessed with finding any possible excuse to dismantle the BAU, so the team must manage without margins of error.
• Forensic psychologist and doctor Tara Elizabeth Lewis – played by “Ross’s ex-girlfriend” on Friends, Aisha Tyler – will introduce the team to her girlfriend, who works at the Department of Justice and who could help them deal with their new enemy inside the office.
• Throughout the season, the team must pursue a serial killer who does not follow the usual pattern and escalates in power and deployment, to the point of creating a “serial killer network”.
• The legendary David Rossi -played, yes, by the great Joe Mantegna- will be mysteriously kidnapped and almost all leads and investigations will end in a dead end.

WHO IS WHO IS CRIMINAL MINDS EVOLUTION?

DAVID ROSSI

Played by the famous Joe Montegna, he is one of the founding members of the BAU and since last year, the great leader and head of the unit, something he never had much ambition for. His colleagues call him “Dave” and he tends to act like a father figure to everyone on the team.

PENELOPE GARCIA

The former BAU technical analyst, she left the team at the end of Season 15 accepting a job offer at an independent institution, which she considered a good change. During her going-away party, Luke Alvez finally invited her to dinner, and she happily accepted. The evolution of that romance will be key this season, in which Penelope (played by Kirsten Vangsness) will continue to contribute to the BAU from her new “civilian” status.

JENNIFER “JJ” JAREAU

His dream was always to “fight the bad guys” and he decided on the FBI when he heard a lecture by David Rossi at the university. She started her career at the BAU as a media liaison and officially became a profiler in season 7. She is the only mother on the team, which sometimes makes her feel guilty. Canadian actress AJ Cook is in charge of interpreting her.

TARA LEWIS

An FBI forensic psychologist and Supervisory Special Agent, Lewis (played by ex-Friends Aisha Tyler) joined the BAU at the end of season 10. She’s the only one, along with JJ, still working in the “turf.” On a personal level, Tara will become a girlfriend with Rebecca Wilson (played by Nicole Pacent), a lawyer who works in the Department of Justice and who will be of great help to the BAU.

LUKE ALVEZ

Played by young actor with Latin roots Adam Rodriguez (he shone in Magic Mike and Jane The Virgin, among other titles) Luke joined the BAU at the beginning of season 12 to replace Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) after his resignation. Because of that, Garcia was openly hard on him from the start. As their relationship developed, it became clear that they were attracted to each other. Alvez was part of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Iraq and has various skills, including fugitive tracking and animal training.

ELIAS VOIT

Accustomed to being the “villain”, Zach Gilford faces his most challenging role here, since he will be the great antagonist of the entire season, responsible for several serial crimes, kidnappings and other macabre plans.