Aimee Garcia Reveals Love for Cast, Her Role, and Possible Return in Criminal Minds Evolution

heads up! The following conversation may divulge crucial details from Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 5, titled “The Brutal Man.” As a die-hard fan, I simply can’t resist sharing the juicy spoilers with fellow enthusiasts like myself!

In the third season of the series “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” there have been unexpected turns, such as serial killer Elias Voit (Zach Gilford) experiencing a traumatic brain injury, resulting in him forgetting his own identity and past actions. However, with the assistance of the new character in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” Dr. Julia Ochoa (Aimee Garcia), Voit’s memories are gradually resurfacing. In this week’s episode, titled “The Brutal Man” from season 3, episode 5 of “Criminal Minds,” one of Voit’s followers, or rather Sicarius’s acolytes, embarked on a brutal killing spree. The methods employed by the Brutal Man are exceptionally gruesome, as he torments families by forcing them to choose who he kills, and then executes all but one, leaving them to endure the terror.

In the third season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” an intriguing episode unfolds. The narrative is presented in a flashback format as JJ (AJ Cook) confides in Dr. Ochoa, sharing a case and her feelings about it, which made her understand she wasn’t prepared to return to work following Will’s demise. A surprising turn occurs when Dr. Ochoa advises JJ to contact Voit, leveraging him to apprehend The Brutal Man. Interestingly, Elias is now conscious of his past, yearning for redemption. However, the BAU team’s actions may push him too far, causing frequent conflicts between Dr. Ochoa and the team as she advocates for a more compassionate approach.

In a chat, Aimee Garcia shared insights about this episode and the entire season of Criminal Minds: Evolution with ScreenRant. The discussion covered which cast members she was most thrilled to interact with, how her character reconciles Elias Voit’s past and present, and if we should anticipate Dr. Julia Ochoa’s reappearance in season 4.

Aimee Garcia Was The New Kid To The Criminal Minds: Evolution Cast – But Knew Exactly Who She Wanted To Meet

“I Completely Fangirled When I Met Her.”

“You’re joining a cast that has been working together for quite some time. How does it feel to join a group that’s already very close-knit and you need to find your spot in this new season?”

Aimee Garcia: “Joining the cast feels like starting at school when everyone has already been through primary, secondary, and high school together. You don’t know what to expect, but I am thrilled that this group has been so welcoming. They are true gentlemen, they are dedicated professionals. They create such a warm family atmosphere that I feel incredibly grateful to Erica Messer for giving me the chance to be part of it.
It was an exhilarating moment for me, as it felt similar to joining a well-established band and being asked to play percussion. I was apprehensive since I didn’t want to disrupt the band, instead, I wanted to complement their music and harmonize with them, given their longstanding chemistry. The fact that I am a big fan of the group added to my nervousness, but overall, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

Did you enjoy watching the series prior to this? If yes, who among the cast members did you eagerly anticipate acting alongside?

Aimee Garcia expressed her excitement by saying, “Kirsten, I acted like a fanatic and hugged excessively when I met her. My hands were sweaty, and I might have even jumped up and down! I was simply thrilled to meet her. Also, Joe, being another Chicagoan, we connected immediately. He’s a Cubs fan, and he seemed so genuine to me – truly a class act. In my opinion, he’s a national treasure that needs to be preserved at any cost.

Working With AJ Cook Was An Incredible Experience For Garcia

“Look, I Am Here For You. I’m Here To Support You. This Is Your Episode.”

ScreenRant: In this episode, you had numerous private interactions with AJ that mostly consisted of conversations between the two of you. Can you tell us about your experience working so intimately with her?

Aimee Garcia: “[Laughing] It felt like being part of a play. She was not just an actress, but also a director, which gave her a unique perspective from both sides of the camera. Working with her was effortless and enjoyable, similar to playing tennis with someone who is receptive and generous. Given that it was a significant episode for her following her directorial debut, I found myself closely mirroring her actions.
If she needed a brief pause, I’d be mindful of that. If she wanted to quickly rehearse her lines, I responded by expressing my availability and support. She’s the central figure in this episode, portraying a character who has been tough but is now grappling with grief over the loss of a loved one after 18 years. So I’ll let her guide our interactions, and I’m ready to provide whatever assistance she requires from me.
She is simply extraordinary. Her acting skills are so exceptional that, if you’re receptive, her portrayal of vulnerability was so powerful it was difficult not to empathize and almost shed tears. However, as a professional actor, I can’t show emotion like that when my character has a gash on their leg. So, the most challenging aspect for me was restraining myself from crossing the table to comfort her because she was so raw and exposed.

Garcia Thinks Dr. Ochoa’s Faith Brings Something Unique To Her Character

“We Never Know When Our Time Is Up.”

In ScreenRant, Dr. Ochoa mentioned her journey towards healing through faith, which is an unusual trait for characters like hers on TV. Was this aspect of your character’s background something you developed or was it already part of the script? I’m curious about how much creative freedom you had in shaping your character’s backstory.

Aimee Garcia shared, “The trio of Erica, Christopher, and Breen – such exceptional writers! It wasn’t until I was given a crucifix as a prop that I realized I was a woman of faith without knowing it.

ScreenRant: You’re like, oh, okay, then.

As a movie enthusiast, let me say this rings true! [laughs] “This feels familiar.” I believe you’re on point; it’s indeed unusual. Lucifer’s Ella Lopez, portrayed by Aimee Garcia, was not just a forensic scientist but a woman of faith as well. And yes, it was heartwarming to witness, in a series that focuses on love and family, an exploration of spirituality – especially in the context of losing loved ones.
As a cinema enthusiast, I find Paget’s character’s words particularly poignant: they suggest that this profession isn’t solely about confronting evil. Instead, it’s about resilience – the ability to endure loss. In the current scenario where JJ’s character seems to be at her lowest ebb, can she find the strength to rise again and keep moving forward? Frankly, my role in all of this is negligible.
I appreciate the fact that they discussed Dr. Ochoa’s loss too, as it allowed her to connect with another professional woman – my father was present at the table, and then he wasn’t. It seems that this is a shared experience, reminding us all of the unpredictability of life and its sudden stops. I believe faith can offer comfort during such painful moments. And I admire how they subtly introduced faith through Dr. Ochoa’s story.

Garcia Thinks The Balance With Voit This Season Exemplifies Why Criminal Minds Has Lasted So Long

“It’s So Compelling, And There Are So Many Curveballs.”

As a cinephile, I’ve seldom encountered a film where the serial killer, Elias Voit, experiences a traumatic brain injury that seemingly reawakens his capacity for empathy. The challenge faced by Dr. Ochoa in treating Voit is intriguing; she must grapple with his past as a monstrous individual while maintaining her professional duty to care for the patient before her. How does she navigate this ethical tightrope, ensuring both compassion and caution?

Aimee Garcia expressed her viewpoint: “She needs to focus solely on her professional duties. She took an oath not to cause harm. Regardless of whether a patient has a criminal history, as mentioned in her debut episode, that information is immaterial. In the eyes of the BAU, she encounters a serial killer or monster, but for her, the individual is a patient requiring aid, a patient emerging from a coma, or a patient on the road to recovery.
It’s fascinating to observe these two characters constantly clashing, with one group viewing Voit as a nuisance. In fact, Voit has been the source of Rossi’s sleepless nights due to his troubling presence. He’s managed to unsettle this team significantly. Now, consider what happens when this irritant is confronted by scientific inquiry? Dr. Julia Ochoa symbolizes science, and to this group, science is virtually impervious to criticism.
It’s intriguing to witness these two characters in constant conflict, with one faction perceiving Voit as a hassle. Remarkably, Voit has caused Rossi endless sleepless nights and destabilized the team profoundly. What happens when this irritant is confronted by scientific exploration? Dr. Julia Ochoa embodies science, and to this group, science is almost impossible to discredit.

The contrast that Garcia finds fascinating is what keeps Criminal Minds engaging for such a long time, due to its captivating narratives exploring various aspects of human nature and the essence of evil.

Aimee Garcia: “What makes these writers and their stories so captivating, as you pointed out, is the fact that it’s surprising how we develop empathy towards a character who creates chaos over 20 episodes. And it’s only Zach Gilford who can evoke such feelings in us.
I believe you really hit the mark with that! It’s what keeps the show running for so long in TV history – it’s absolutely captivating, full of unexpected twists and turns. You’d expect one thing, and it takes a completely different route. A scene could go as you imagine, or surprise you entirely. Characters you anticipate to dislike may end up becoming favorites, while those you adore might leave a sour taste.
The show presents a fascinating exploration of what drives people to do wrong. Is it their inherent nature or the environment they were raised in? Is evil something that’s innate or learned? I can’t say for sure, but that’s the central question the series aims to answer. It’s so compelling that for two seasons you feel like tossing your shoe at the screen in frustration, and then suddenly this season, you find yourself wanting to embrace him. You start questioning if you too are capable of such actions [laughing].

About That Possibility Of A Lucifer Reunion For Garcia And Ellis On CIA…

“You’ve Given Me A Good Idea.”

Regarding the topic of whether villains can be reformed, your former co-star from Lucifer, Tom Ellis, is currently working on a new series involving the CIA. Have you ever considered reaching out to him, perhaps saying something like, “Hey, maybe there’s a part for me in your show?

As a film enthusiast, I haven’t managed to connect for a round of golf with the best golfer I know yet. I reached out to him about a charity event in Chicago, suggesting we practice beforehand. Unfortunately, he was away at that time. I do touch base with him every quarter or so just to check on his family and general well-being. But your suggestion has sparked an idea, one that might have originated during our virtual interactions – sometimes the best ideas emerge from Zoom calls! [laughs]

Garcia Talks About The Possibility Of Returning For Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4

“From Your Lips To The Bosses’ Ears!”

In simpler terms, ScreenRant asks if Dr. Ochoa is a good fit for the team and adds an intriguing twist, potentially setting up conflicts. They wonder if you could play a regular role on the show and offer a balancing force against the team.

Aimee Garcia expresses her hope to return to the show if they welcome her back, as no characters are secure on Criminal Minds. She swiftly checks the script to see if her character might have met her end, without revealing any spoilers. If she were to survive this season, and that’s a significant “if” in the context of the show, she would enjoy contributing more to the team in whatever role. So, she subtly hints that she hopes the decision-makers take note of her request.

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2025-06-06 02:41