Criminal Minds: Evolution Fails Penelope Garcia

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As a devoted fan, let me offer a heads-up: Beware of spoilers for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 9. Among the many familiar faces in this series, Penelope Garcia truly shines, but unfortunately not in a good way. Kirsten Vangsness’ brilliant portrayal of the technical analyst is one of only two original Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) members still present in the reboot. Despite the addition of new characters to bolster the team, certain relationships from the initial series are irreplaceable.

From the time “Criminal Minds” debuted in 2005, Penelope Garcia has stood out as the most unique character among the cast, with her eccentric personality and distinctive style making her immediately identifiable. Amidst the unsettling investigations and sorrowful deaths on “Criminal Minds”, Garcia was an endless wellspring of optimism and hope. Regrettably, the Penelope in “Criminal Minds: Evolution” seems like a completely different character.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Utterly Fails Penelope Garcia

The Reboot Threw Away Her Character’s Original Happy Ending

In the final episode of season 15 on Criminal Minds, Penelope decided to leave the FBI in search of tranquility, fleeing from her demanding, action-packed, perilous work life. However, the reboot contradicts her content ending by compelling her back to the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), a choice that visibly displeases her. Yet, Elias Voit (played by Zach Gilford) and his network of suspected murderers fabricated pressing situations that made Penelope feel responsible, eventually leading her to reconsider her decision.

In Criminal Minds: Evolution, Garcia’s exceptional skills are not fully exploited, making her the least utilized character. This prompts speculation about whether her life might have been better if Luke (Adam Rodriguez) hadn’t appeared in season 16’s opening episode.

In the revamped “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” a romantic entanglement among Penelope, Luke, and the fresh character Tyler Green (portrayed by Ryan-James Hatanaka) was established, causing an ongoing wave of discomfort until its rather disappointing conclusion. However, Penelope’s unexplored feelings towards Tyler pose a challenge to her previously upheld work ethics as she risks violating the no fraternization policy at work, which served as a barrier for her and Luke’s relationship in the original show.

Ever since her former romance didn’t work out, Criminal Minds: Evolution seems unsure about how to handle Garcia’s character. She remains the brains behind the computer at Quantico, but her personal storyline has mostly taken a back seat. The confusion surrounding Penelope in the reboot is further intensified by an unexpected focus on developing Garcia and Voit’s friendship in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Derek Morgan’s Return Could Help Garcia Navigate Her Criminal Minds: Evolution Relationship Woes

Morgan Was Always Garcia’s Closest Companion

Evolution” risk undermining Penelope’s character progression. To avoid trapping this distinctive character in repetitive subplots or a standstill, it would be beneficial for Garcia to receive help. Although Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) and Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook) might attempt intervention, there seems to be no better candidate than Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore).

It’s crucial that Garcia recalls her initial motivation for joining the Behavioral Analysis Unit, especially with the Sicarius case nearing its conclusion. The work Penelope performs, though challenging, is priceless and should not be overshadowed by personal feelings towards Tyler, Luke, or anyone else. Without a doubt, Derek could provide Garcia with the firm guidance she requires.

In light of the team’s past harrowing experiences with dangerous serial killers on Criminal Minds, it’s likely that Derek would provide Penelope with a necessary wake-up call regarding her puzzling attachment to a notorious killer. The amnesia suffered by Voit in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 provides an explanation, but it seems illogical for Penelope to turn to the BAU’s arch-enemy for solace instead of her trusted colleagues.

In the thrilling world of Criminal Minds: Evolution, I can’t help but feel the void left by Derek Morgan as the storyline pushes Garcia into increasingly implausible situations. The lack of his presence is becoming more and more tangible. Similarly, it appears that Penelope has strayed from her true character with her sparse storylines, making me yearn for the return of her romantic counterpart to help her find herself once again.

Why Morgan Is The Only Character Who Can Help Garcia In Criminal Minds: Evolution

Their Bond Transcends All Other Relationships

In Criminal Minds: Evolution, the collaboration among BAU members has had its highs and lows, but no one in the new cast comprehends Penelope as deeply as Derek does. The original series clearly demonstrated that Morgan and Garcia are deep friends, a bond that was more intimate than what many romantic couples portray on TV.

When a case from season 13 brings back painful memories for Penelope, it’s Derek who rushes to console her, even though Shemar Moore had left Criminal Minds two seasons earlier. This action underscores the fact that Derek means everything to Penelope, and it suggests that when Garcia is in trouble, Morgan will be right there by her side. In this way, Criminal Minds: Evolution may well see history repeating itself.

The heartwarming friendship between Derek and Penelope, as portrayed in the series Criminal Minds, has consistently been its most endearing feature. From their playful phone conversations to Derek referring to Penelope as his “divine comfort” following a close brush with death, their bond is truly unique and irreplaceable. Even after all these years since they last met, Garcia remains Morgan’s cherished little girl.

Even though Criminal Minds: Evolution has attempted to present Tyler as a possible substitute for Derek, there’s always an emptiness in Penelope’s character that remains without her original love, Derek. The bond between Morgan and Garcia was so profound, it seems like a piece of Penelope’s essence departed with Derek. By reintroducing Shemar Moore for a Criminal Minds: Evolution guest appearance, Garcia can find closure and feel complete once more.

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2025-07-06 20:08