AJ Cook Teases JJ’s Unhinged Grief Will Shake Up Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

In the third season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” JJ, a significant character in the series played by A.J. Cook, has encountered an unexpected challenge. However, Cook hinted that JJ’s journey through grief is not yet complete. Since its 2020 revival, JJ has been a prominent member of the cast which includes Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), and Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler). Apart from her personal life with two sons and husband, Will LaMontagne (Josh Stewart), JJ has been a dedicated field agent and profiler for the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.

In the finale of season 3, episode 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, there was a sad event when JJ’s husband unexpectedly passed away due to an aneurysm. Although Josh Stewart didn’t return for the second season of the continuation, Will’s death significantly affected the direction of the series. The episode titled “Time to Say Goodbye” only hinted at JJ’s grieving process, but the actress provided a glimpse into what might be in store for the main character’s mourning arc within the show.

JJ Has Always Been The Steady Presence On Criminal Minds’ BAU Team

For Over A Decade, She’s Been A Rock

In the third episode of season 3 in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” character JJ was so engrossed in caring for others that she failed to fully experience her grief until Will’s funeral, at which point she emotionally collapsed during her eulogy. As Garcia accurately observed, JJ is typically the one who supports others, and this selfless nature often overshadows her own emotions. Instead of confronting the harsh reality of her grief, JJ spent most of “Time to Say Goodbye” consoling her mother, taking care of her children, and trying to maintain harmony with her mother-in-law. Cook recently discussed with “Ebaster” where JJ stands now and in the future following her loss, and her response hints that JJ might not be the steadfast presence the BAU has always counted on.

In a different wording: Have numerous characters advised JJ to express her emotions and acknowledged that she cannot be all things to everyone while maintaining control? However, given JJ’s personality, it’s possible she may revert to her “I can manage” attitude. Do you believe she has genuinely started the healing process, or is there a chance she might face difficulties later on?
AJ Cook: We’ll explore various stages of grief since they’re numerous and it’s essential to navigate through them, even if it’s challenging. It can’t last forever. Therefore, we will certainly witness her losing control occasionally, which is completely understandable given the circumstances!
Indeed, she might find it challenging to manage her work and home life, as her profession plays a significant role in her self-image. It seems that her job serves as a sort of sanctuary for her, albeit in an unusual, enigmatic manner. In essence, by assisting others, she avoids having to concentrate on herself.
Apart from her family, she’s responsible for young boys at home. Her longing is simply to embrace them and shield them from any hardships. Consequently, the burden on her is immense and heavy. She’s going through a period of mourning, which may lead her to make some challenging choices. However, this is what makes storytelling fascinating – we get to witness JJ grapple with various issues.

Despite facing one of her most significant personal hardships, JJ consistently kept the BAU functioning throughout the 15 original seasons of “Criminal Minds”. From her early role as media liaison to her transformation into a field agent, JJ always stood by her team and never sought moments for self-indulgence. However, A.J. Cook elucidates to Ebaster how JJ’s work ethic might tip into an excessive coping mechanism, highlighting her mindset as “‘I can assist others, so I don’t have to concentrate on myself.’” Many, including Rossi and Prentiss, cautioned her about this pattern being unsustainable.

The BAU Will Have To Navigate Their Most Reliable Team Member Being Unpredictable In Her Grief In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

During Their Ongoing Battle With Voit, JJ May Become Another Agent Of Chaos

As part of the initial BAU team on Criminal Minds, JJ has consistently been one of the show’s most stable characters. Despite the common traumas experienced by her colleagues, JJ maintained a consistent personality throughout. With Will’s passing and his absence leaving her adrift, it remains to be seen how JJ will adapt in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. Tasks that were once manageable for her, such as speaking with a victim’s family, might now pose challenges. Additionally, there is a possibility that JJ could exhibit an intense fixation when dealing with cases similar to BAU-Gate.

The persistent effort to bring Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), known as Sicarius, to justice within the BAU team has been a long-standing issue since the start of Criminal Minds: Evolution. However, JJ’s grief might push her to extreme actions. If the unity in the workplace starts showing signs of strain, she might direct her anger and resentment towards taking whatever action necessary to keep Voit and his criminal network incarcerated. Everybody has their limits; it’s just a question of whether the pain of losing Will will lead JJ to cross that final, unforgiving line.

How JJ’s Loss Might Change Her Character Permanently

Losing Will Could Have Long-Lasting Consequences In Criminal Minds: Evolution

Grief is a prolonged and complicated journey, and how JJ navigates her sorrow will significantly shape her path in “Criminal Minds: Evolution.” Previously on the original series, Elle Greenaway (played by Lola Glaudini) took justice into her own hands following a close brush with death. She killed an unsub who was about to escape punishment for his heinous acts, only to vanish from the scene after season 2. While it’s unlikely that JJ would make such a drastic move given her responsibilities towards Henry and Michael, she may still take decisive actions during her grieving process that could have lasting consequences.

It’s been evident that JJ has struggled with her work-life balance since the start of “Criminal Minds: Evolution”, as she chose to go through Rossi’s case files instead of resting. This ongoing theme hasn’t always been clearly depicted, but it’s been a recurring undercurrent throughout each season. With Will’s passing, this could potentially lead to some real change in JJ’s life. Over the past 18 years, their relationship on “Criminal Minds” has had a profound impact on both characters. Even after his death, Will may yet contribute to JJ’s personal growth in “Criminal Minds: Evolution”, but it seems like there will be some turbulence ahead first.

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2025-05-24 16:49