While Criminal Minds: Evolution Remains On Paramount+’s Top 10, Paget Brewster’s Hilarious Story About Working With Clark Gregg Makes Me Want To Rewatch Season 2

While Criminal Minds: Evolution Remains On Paramount+'s Top 10, Paget Brewster's Hilarious Story About Working With Clark Gregg Makes Me Want To Rewatch Season 2

As a long-time fan of Criminal Minds and someone who has spent countless hours dissecting each episode with fellow enthusiasts, I must say that the return of the BAU team in Season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution was nothing short of electrifying. The way Paget Brewster effortlessly weaves through comedy and drama roles is truly a testament to her versatility as an actress – from Friends to How I Met Your Father, and now back to the gritty world of criminal profiling.


Season 2 of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” is widely considered one of the most gripping summer releases on streaming platforms, as the BAU team faced Zach Gilford’s character Voit once more, and a fresh batch of killers. Even though the finale aired for Paramount+ subscribers in early August, this crime drama is still holding strong at #2 on their list of Top 10 Shows. Recalling that “Criminal Minds” continues to perform so well almost a month after its finale makes me reminisce about Paget Brewster’s comments to TopMob regarding Clark Gregg joining the cast, and it leaves me eager to rewatch the entire season.

It’s intriguing to understand why Criminal Minds remains in Paramount+’s Top 10, considering it started filming Season 3 before Season 2 ceased to be relevant on streaming platforms. At the moment, it ranks second on the list, trailing David Boreanaz’s SEAL Team at number one (which is still airing new episodes) and NCIS at number three. NCIS will return for its 22nd season in fall 2024 TV schedule. I’m not claiming that Clark Gregg joining the cast is the sole reason for its success, but it was one of the modifications for the upcoming season.

As a gamer, when I chatted with Paget Brewster about Prentiss sharing a joint with JJ and the thrilling Season 2 finale, I couldn’t help but ask her thoughts on having an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. alum join the team this time. Without missing a beat, she giggled and shared:

1) He’s fantastic! Prior to Clark being selected for the series, we both starred as Hilary Duff’s parents in “How I Met Your Father.” Therefore, when we participated in the Zoom table read with Clark, since we were all at home, and Clark appeared on screen, I blurted out – not realizing executives were present – “That’s the last man I shared a kiss with!” This was due to the numerous days we had to kiss for the show. Afterward, I quickly added, “Please don’t contact HR.” (Paraphrased from your original text)

Currently, although Paget Brewster is widely recognized from her role in “Friends”, she’s more famously known for her dramatic roles, particularly her over 200 episodes on “Criminal Minds” spanning almost two decades. However, she showcased her comedic skills in the brief-lived “How I Met Your Father”, where she shared a kiss with Clark Gregg and portrayed Hilary Duff’s parents on Hulu. The reunion during the Season 2 table read of “Evolution” seemed particularly special via Zoom! Brewster later commended Gregg’s contributions to “Criminal Minds”, playing FBI Director Ray Madison.

1) He’s fantastic, and when he first appears at the start of the season, his scenes with Voit negotiating that deal were incredibly engaging. Watching them together, even though we weren’t physically present or involved in filming, was like watching a mesmerizing display of snap-crackle energy. The chemistry between them was captivating! We only saw it on the monitor for another scene, but the anticipation and excitement were palpable. The man is simply terrific, with his humor adding to the mix, not to mention he’s a surfer who loves catching waves. He’s amazing at maintaining that sense of authority and presence. I can’t get enough of him! I can hardly wait for more of his performances.

Apart from Paget Brewster, several members of the Criminal Minds team share a desire to have Clark Gregg return to the series in the future. This sentiment is also echoed by the showrunner, Erica Messer, who spoke about her personal feelings towards Gregg’s character and her aspirations for the upcoming Season 3. Messer highlighted the unique contributions that Gregg made to the show and expressed her hopeful expectations for potential future appearances.

On Clark’s first day back on set following our production hiatus since 2022, he shared a powerful scene with Zach Gilford in the premiere. It was January 2024, and these two actors were in a room together for the first time. I found myself thinking, “Wow, I could watch them act all day!” Then, Clark appeared in scenes with Paget and Joe Mantegna, and again, I was captivated, exclaiming, “I could watch them act all day!” Given his busy schedule, we didn’t get him back until the finale. Despite this, I wholeheartedly believe he convincingly portrays the director of the FBI. His character’s complex yet respectful relationship with the others is completely believable to me. We eagerly anticipate his return in the next season.

It’s uncertain yet if Clark Gregg will appear in future episodes of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” on Paramount+, but the streaming service has already renewed the show for Season 3. Filming is underway, though a specific premiere date for Season 3 hasn’t been set. In the meantime, fans can catch up by rewatching Season 2 and both seasons of “Evolution,” along with the initial 15 seasons of “Criminal Minds” that aired on CBS, which are all currently streaming on Paramount+.

Read More

2024-08-31 10:37