Explained: BAU’s ‘Forced Relationship’ with Voit in Season 19 of Criminal Minds

Season 19 of Criminal Minds: Evolution kicks off with the BAU team reluctantly teaming up with imprisoned serial killer Elias Voit. Showrunner Erica Messer gives us a sneak peek into the character arcs and what we can expect.

The BAU isn’t exactly thrilled about working with Voit, but they acknowledge that he is a valuable resource in helping them catch similar criminals. As the new season unfolds on May 28th, the team will be faced with a challenging UnSub known as the Fan, inspired by Voit’s notoriety and pushing the BAU to their limits.

Despite the strain of dealing with Voit’s presence, the BAU members like Lewis emphasize the greater purpose at hand. They find themselves in a forced relationship with Voit, navigating through a complex web of history and emotions.

Messer hints at a significant storyline between Voit and JJ this season, drawing parallels between their family dynamics. As we delve into JJ’s journey of sending her son off to college after the loss of her husband, we see themes of loss and acceptance playing out on screen.

The shift in family dynamics doesn’t just affect the characters on screen, but resonates with the series’ crew members as well. Messer reflects on the bittersweet experience of preparing children to leave the nest, highlighting the universal struggle of letting go.

With familiar characters like Rossi and Prentiss facing their own challenges this season, Messer hints at a rollercoaster ahead in Season 19 and beyond. What are your hopes for the upcoming season? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Don’t miss the Season 19 premiere of Criminal Minds: Evolution on Thursday, May 28, streaming on Paramount+.