‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ Episode 3 Spoiler-Free Review
Image Source: IMDB
Contains spoilers for Episodes 1 and 2!
Last week’s episodes focused heavily on catching fans up with where the BAU has been and why it looks different in 2022. We were introduced to our network of serial killers and given small glimpses of the ringleader and his past. Tonight’s episode jumped straight into the action and didn’t lighten up until the credits rolled. The episode was filled with twists and turns, as well as the BAU discovering not just one but two huge puzzle pieces to reveal who is running this network and why.
While Mark Hamill’s John Curtis, a.k.a. The Replicator, and Tim Curry’s Billy Flynn were once believed to be the most diabolical unsubs ever featured on this show, Sicarius has officially taken that title.
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We got a better look at who the ringleader is and his motivations for not only starting this network but also how he is running it. We learned last week that there are rules that must be followed and if any are broken then either the Unsub must kill themselves or the ringleader will give their location to the FBI, and they will be arrested. The reasoning for this is fully explained in tonight’s episode, and it’s absolutely fascinating. We also learned in the final moments of episode two that the ringleader has a family, which is further explored in tonight’s episode. The family does not have much chemistry, but I’m holding off on critiquing this as I think it is part of the characterization of the ringleader. We also watch as he starts to lose his composure because he is losing control of parts of the network and his personal life. This Unsub is a ticking time bomb, and it will be catastrophic when he finally goes off.
The episode also gave us more information about the network, how it is run, and who is funding it. While at first, it seemed like the ringleader was responsible for everything, it turns out that he has help from characters that are slowly beginning to make themselves known to the audience.
The BAU is fighting an uphill battle with setbacks within their profiles and their team’s constant scrutiny. Tonight’s episode showed the lengths the Deputy Director will go to take down the BAU. Last week it was revealed that he was doing everything he could to have the BAU forcibly disbanded, and tonight he showed that he is even willing to let serial killers walk freely if it means getting rid of the BAU. I am curious to see how this is going to evolve throughout the season.
One of the best aspects of tonight’s episode was seeing Emily Prentiss finally find her voice and backbone. I was disappointed in the first two episodes watching her take everything that the Deputy Director was throwing at her, and tonight we finally got to see the Prentiss fans know and love. I am excited to see how this will affect the team in next week’s episode!
Image Source: TV Guide
Lastly, Evolution continues to show a more realistic and gritty version of life in the FBI, especially the BAU. Unlike the original show, not every profile is correct, and Garcia can’t actually do everything. Every action slightly against the rules is rewarded with negative consequences, which was very rarely seen in the original show. Language and gore are still present in the new show, and the way the characters balance their new reality is truly fascinating.
I am looking forward to seeing how this season will unfold, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for a season two announcement soon!
All-new episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution are available to stream Thursdays on Paramount+.
Rating: 8/10
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