Who is in Criminal Minds Evolution?
Criminal Minds is a popular American crime drama television series that has been on the air for over 15 years. The show has undergone several changes over the years, with new characters joining the team and old ones leaving. In this article, we will explore the evolution of the main characters in the show and who is still part of the team today.
The Original Team
The original team, introduced in the pilot episode, consisted of:
• Aaron Hotchner (played by Thomas Gibson): The BAU Unit Chief, who led the team and made the tough decisions.
• David Rossi (played by Joe Mantegna): A seasoned FBI agent with a wealth of experience, who was also a mentor to the team.
• Emily Prentiss (played by Paget Brewster): A skilled FBI agent who was initially an outsider but eventually became a valuable member of the team.
• Derek Morgan (played by Shemar Moore): A charismatic and confident FBI agent who was a key member of the team.
• Penelope Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness): The team’s tech expert, who was quirky and lovable.
• Jason Gideon (played by Mandy Patinkin): A brilliant and intuitive FBI agent who was the team’s leader before Hotchner.
The Evolution of the Team
Over the years, the team has undergone significant changes. Some characters left the show, while new ones joined. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:
Leaving the Team
• Jason Gideon (seasons 1-3): Gideon left the show due to a combination of factors, including the stress of the job and personal issues.
• Aaron Hotchner (seasons 1-12): Hotchner was fired from the BAU and left the show after a long and complicated storyline.
• Derek Morgan (seasons 1-10): Morgan left the show to pursue a new opportunity and was replaced by Stephen Walker (played by Damon Gupton).
• Emily Prentiss (seasons 1-9, 11-12): Prentiss left the show after a long and complicated storyline, but returned for a few episodes in season 12.
New Additions
• Jennifer "JJ" Jarredo (played by A.J. Cook): JJ joined the team in season 2 and became a key member, serving as the team’s assistant director.
• Alec Ryan (played by Adam Rodriguez): Ryan joined the team in season 10 and became a valuable member, serving as a profiler.
• Stephen Walker (played by Damon Gupton): Walker joined the team in season 10 and served as a profiler.
• Alvez (played by Adam Rodriguez): Alvez joined the team in season 12 and served as a profiler.
The Current Team
The current team consists of:
• David Rossi (played by Joe Mantegna): Still a key member of the team, Rossi is the longest-serving member of the BAU.
• Jennifer "JJ" Jarredo (played by A.J. Cook): JJ is now the team’s assistant director and plays a crucial role in leading the team.
• Alec Ryan (played by Adam Rodriguez): Ryan is still a key member of the team, serving as a profiler.
• Stephen Walker (played by Damon Gupton): Walker is still a member of the team, serving as a profiler.
• Alvez (played by Adam Rodriguez): Alvez is still a member of the team, serving as a profiler.
• Penelope Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness): Garcia is still the team’s tech expert, providing crucial support to the team.
Conclusion
Criminal Minds has undergone significant changes over the years, with new characters joining and old ones leaving. Despite these changes, the show has remained popular and continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storylines and complex characters. The current team, led by Rossi and JJ, continues to work together to solve the most heinous crimes and bring justice to the victims and their families.
