Warning: SPOILERS for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 7.Criminal Minds: Evolutionhas taken many creative risks that set it apart from the original series, but season 3, episode 7 indicated the return of one major character’s old self. Most of theCriminal Minds: Evolutioncast— Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), A.J. Cook (Jennifer “JJ” Jareau), Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), Adam Rodriguez (Luke Alvez), and Aisha Tyler (Tara Lewis)— reprised their roles from the original series, but the tone is vastly different. Additionally, three major characters were introduced: Rebecca Wilson (Nicole Pacent), Tyler Green (Ryan-James Hatanaka), and Elias Voit (Zach Gilford).
The continuation may follow many of the same characters, butCriminal Minds: Evolutionfeels vastly different from the original— from its mature language to its truncated seasons. The crime drama still followsthe FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, but it feels less like the preceding procedural and more like a complicated puzzle that only organizes its pieces in each season finale. There are still the trademarkdisturbing unsubs ofCriminal Minds, butEvolutionhas taken familiar characters into a totally new direction. Nevertheless, “…All the Devils are Here” calls back to what made one character so memorable in the first place.
Rossi Has Not Been His Usual Self Since Criminal Minds: Evolution Started
An Off-Screen Death Changed Him
Practically every returning character was significantly altered whenCriminal Minds: Evolutionpremiered in 2022, but Rossi was unequivocally the most changed. Whereas Rossi was always bold and brash in the original series, there was also a sentimentality about his character that made him endearing, even in his most abrasive moments. Additionally, Rossi contributed to the found family aspect inCriminal Minds, even hosting a wholesome dinner party at his residence that remains one of the most tender moments in all 15 seasons of the original run. Sadly,Rossi’s soft side completely disappeared inEvolution.
There’s an unflinching darkness in Rossi’s character now, bolstered by his obsession with Elias Voit…
In the revival’s premiere, Rossi was harsh, closed-off, and quick to bite at the hands that fed him. Joe Mantegna gave a stirring performance, spouting expletives and snapping at any character who crossed Rossi at a bad time. His behavior was later explained by a shocking revelation: Rossi’s wife, Krystall (Gail O’Grady), died a year prior toEvolution.Rossi’s unresolved grief caused him to lash out, but his character never fully recovered even after he confronted his trauma. There’s an unflinching darkness in Rossi’s character now, bolstered by his obsession with Elias Voit and the Sicarius network.
Rossi Steps Up As A Mentor Figure For Tyler In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 7
The Former Unit Chief Takes The Rookie Under His Wing
Thankfully,Criminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3 proved the old Rossi isn’t gone for good. Though Tyler began as a suspect and then material witness, he became a consultant to the BAU and later enrolled in the FBI’s academy at the end of season 2. By training to be a more official part of the team,Tyler’s role inCriminal Minds: Evolutionseemed poised to offer newcomer Hatanaka some narrative longevity. Yet, in “…All the Devils are Here,” Tyler is reluctant to share his theories with the BAU, writing them off himself due to a seemingly abrupt bout of insecurity.
Enter Rossi, who intently listens to Tyler’s working theory and offers subtle but unmistakable encouragement. Later, Rossi even suggests Tyler present his thoughts at the roundtable, but the rookie bashfully refuses. It’s natural for Tyler to feel uncertain about his profiling skills so early on in his training, butRossi makes it a point to foster a sense of confidence in Tyler, even if it doesn’t immediately pan out inCriminal MInds: Evolutionseason 3, episode 7. The interactions may have been fleeting, but the episode speaks to an exciting potential dynamic between Rossi and Tyler.
How Tyler’s BAU Role Can Help Rossi Find His New Purpose In Criminal Minds: Evolution
Rossi’s Obsession With Voit Will Have To Be Replaced
Aside from being an interesting new relationship between one of the oldest characters and one of the newest, Rossi mentoring Tyler inCriminal Minds: Evolutionwould give his character some much-needed depth. Since the revival’s first season,Rossi has had tunnel vision when it comes to Elias Voit, to the point where the former unit chief hallucinated the serial killer sporadically in season 2.Voit’s ultimate fate inCriminal Minds: Evolutionis destined to come to an end soon, which would leave Rossi without any ongoing storylines or motivations.
All episodes ofCriminal Minds: Evolutionare streaming on Paramount+.
Tyler seeking guidance from Rossi would give him something more productive to focus onand set up a continual storyline that doesn’t depend on an unrealistically unstoppable antagonist. Plus, it would be a mutually beneficial relationship, as it could replaceTyler and Garcia’s divisive romance inCriminal Minds: Evolutionwith a more professional pairing. Tyler’s long-term position at the FBI may still be up in the air, butCriminal MInds: Evolutioncould still enrich his and Rossi’s characters for as long as Tyler’s in Virginia.
