Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer has addressed a key character exit in season 2, explaining how the show is going to have to tackle the departure later on. The upcoming season has everyone at the BAU on high alert, having to rely on serial killer Elias Voit to help them catch another murderer going by the name Gold Star. However, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 also saw the exit of Josh Stewart, who plays JJ’s husband Will in a recurring capacity since season 2 of the original show.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Messer addressed Will’s absence in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, saying that a deal couldn’t be reached to bring Stewart back. The showrunner explained that, while his absence won’t impact the current storyline, it will need to be addressed by the time season 3 rolls around. Check out what Messer had to say below:
We tried to make a deal and it didn’t happen, and that’s all I really know. The way this season’s worked out, it’s such a fast ball. It’s only two weeks between [the seasons], and then [this] season is like a bullet train. It’s not really an issue this season, but moving forward we have to acknowledge that in some way. We didn’t have any plans to write him out, so if we get future seasons, we’ll have to acknowledge that.
How Can Will’s Absence Be Addressed In Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Will’s Absence Is Currently Not Season 2’s Priority At The Moment.
With a major cliffhanger surrounding what Voit whispered to Luke, the show probably doesn’t have time to fully explore Will’s absence.
Despite only appearing as a recurring character throughout the show, Will has had an important part to play in the series because of his relationship with JJ. The pair also have two sons, showing how crucial their relationship with one another has been throughout the show’s lengthy run. However, despite how much time was spent building the pair up, it seems their time together onscreen has officially come to an abrupt end. Now, it remains to be seen how the character’s absence is going to be explained moving forward.
The most likely scenario is that him being gone from the show will be more readily addressed in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, as this would keep focus on the current story. While there could be some mention of where he is and what he’s doing in later season 2 episodes, Messer indicates that the current focus of the story wouldn’t warrant him getting mentioned too often. However, because he’s JJ’s husband, it would be strange for him to go the entire season without getting a name drop at some point.
At the same time, though, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 2’s ending shows the ensemble cast focus might not warrant naming anyone not directly involved in the story. With a major cliffhanger surrounding what Voit whispered to Luke, the show probably doesn’t have time to fully explore Will’s absence. Even so, his absence will need to be addressed at some point, hopefully in a way that maintains the relationship he built with JJ throughout their years on the series.