Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 4 Made Me Miss Original BAU Character More

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Note of Caution: Spoilers for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 4.

The lack of the original cast has often been noticeable in Criminal Minds: Evolution, but this season’s fourth episode left me yearning for one cherished character even more than usual. Among the familiar faces still gracing the Criminal Minds: Evolution roster are Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), and David Rossi (Joe Mantegna). To bolster the team, characters who joined the Behavioral Analysis Unit later, such as Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler) and Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), were also present. Furthermore, Criminal Minds: Evolution welcomed two new significant characters: Rebecca Wilson (Nicole Pacent) and Tyler Green (Ryan Hatanaka).

Although Criminal Minds: Evolution offers a host of familiar characters and intriguing new adversaries, it sometimes seems incomplete. With several key cast members departing from the original Criminal Minds series early on, it’s unrealistic to expect all beloved characters to return. Characters like Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) and Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), who have passed away or left the bureau respectively in the show’s continuity, along with Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), and Matthew Simmons (Daniel Henney) who had unexpected exits, are deeply missed. Despite the tight-knit cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution functioning smoothly, there are instances that remind us how essential some characters truly were.

Penelope & Tyler Have A Flirtatious Phone Conversation In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 4

The Former Fling Still Has Chemistry

In the series “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” it took a moment for the storyline to gain traction, and this is evident in how several season 1 plotlines have transformed or vanished altogether over time. Initially, during the BAU’s probe into the Sicarius network, Tyler Green emerged as a suspect. His interactions with Penelope started off tense, but soon turned into romantic tension. Despite Emily Prentiss’ explicit instructions to the contrary, they began a clandestine relationship. However, Penelope eventually ended this relationship, and since then, “Criminal Minds: Evolution” has steered clear of workplace romances.

In “I’m Fine. It’s Fine. Everything is Fine,” on Criminal Minds: Evolution, the love triangle between Tyler, Penelope, and Luke didn’t completely disappear. During their phone call, Tyler shared information about an unsub with Penelope, which sparked a lighthearted, almost flirtatious exchange. Just like Garcia, Penelope swiftly found the crucial details, and Tyler ended the call with a noticeably flirty tone. Despite the lingering emotions between Penelope, Tyler, and Luke, even this slightly romantic interaction couldn’t overshadow the fact that Penelope has already found her ideal partner in Morgan.

Flirty Phone Calls Were Crucial To Garcia and Morgan’s Dynamic In Criminal Minds

The Phone Was What Connected Penelope & Derek

In the TV show Criminal Minds, the friendship between Derek and Penelope stood out as one of the strongest relationships ever depicted in the original series. Derek referred to Penelope as his “divine comfort,” while she consistently relied on him for protection. Many fans believed they were destined to become a romantic couple, but their bond remained purely platonic throughout the show. However, both characters had significant others outside of their friendship, with Derek ultimately ending up married and a father by the end of the series.

The foundation of Derek and Penelope’s bond was their playful banter over the phone. From the very first episode of Criminal Minds, Penelope’s eccentric personality set her apart, but Derek consistently met her energy (for better or worse). They had a habit of using suggestive language to talk with each other, which often resulted in humorous instances where other characters unintentionally heard Derek referring to Penelope as “princess” or “baby-girl,” while Penelope would elaborate on her imaginative daydreams about Derek. These phone conversations between Derek and Penelope became some of the most memorable moments in Criminal Minds, and no other character, like Tyler, could replicate that unique dynamic.

Why Shemar Moore Left Criminal Minds (& Could He Return?)

The Actor Had A Few Main Reasons

I can’t help but feel the pang of loss when Shemar Moore departed from “Criminal Minds” during season 11, after more than a decade of shared screen time. The grind of filming full seasons for network television and the emotionally taxing nature of the show took its toll on him, making it inevitable that he would say goodbye to the crime drama in 2016. Even though other characters had come and gone before and after him, the absence of Derek Morgan was deeply felt throughout the original series. Fortunately, Moore swiftly found another role in a popular series, offering some small comfort to us fans who missed his presence on our screens.

Between 2017 and 2025, Shemar Moore played Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in the action series S.W.A.T. Originally intended to run for six seasons, the show continued for an additional two due to popular demand. However, after CBS announced it was cancelling the show, public outcry led to a reversal of the decision. The seventh season was initially billed as the last, but S.W.A.T. was renewed one more time before ultimately being canceled permanently. Despite this, there are plans for an S.W.A.T. spinoff featuring Moore’s character Hondo.

The fate of Derek Morgan’s appearance in “Criminal Minds: Evolution” is uncertain and heavily influenced by the performance of the spinoff. With the original series concluded, there’s a chance that Shemar Moore could reappear in a cameo or recurring role in “Criminal Minds: Evolution”. If the Hondo spinoff flourishes, it’s likely that Moore will continue to focus on that. However, if the new installment of the SWAT franchise underperforms, as some recent spinoffs have, Moore’s schedule might become available. Furthermore, due to “Criminal Minds: Evolution” filming shorter seasons for Paramount+, it would require less long-term commitment.

How Derek Morgan Could Return In Criminal Minds: Evolution

The Character Would Always Be A Welcome Surprise

Evolution” could establish a significant personal event, such as a pregnancy or wedding, for Derek’s return, similar to how Reid reappeared in season 3 of the show for Will’s funeral. This return could be temporary in nature.

Regardless of his position, it’s uncertain if Derek will reappear on the screen of “Criminal Minds: Evolution.” Since he left the team rather than going on leave or an assignment, it might not be straightforward for Agent Morgan to return to the Behavioral Analysis Unit. However, considering the unit’s connection to a significant case, his colleagues – Rossi, Emily, or all of them together – may try to use their influence to get one of their top agents back in action. Nevertheless, due to the showrunner’s apparent fondness for Hondo, Derek Morgan’s return to “Criminal Minds: Evolution” remains purely speculative.

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2025-06-01 23:58