Ahead of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, I already have a good idea of whom the next BAU member will be the focus of the revival’s next story. While the Paramount+ show is a continuation of the CBS series that I loved for years, there are key differences between them, including its storytelling format. Instead of doing weekly cases, the profilers have the whole season to work on a big case, allowing the show to delve deep into the psyche of their Unsub, with Zach Gilford’s Elias Voit returning as a Criminal Minds: Evolution cast member in season 3.

Personally, however, the biggest benefit to this more serial storytelling for Criminal Minds is how it gives the show enough time to delve into its profilers’ stories. In Evolution season 1, Dave Rossi was the focus of the narrative, as he dealt with the tragic death of his wife, Krystall, during the pandemic. Subsequently, the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale re-affirmed that Emily Prentiss was its central character, as she came to terms with the guilt she felt over the death of Deputy Director Bailey. Moving forward, however, I have a good idea of who’s following in their footsteps.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Will Most Likely Focus On JJ

After two seasons, I’m convinced that JJ will be the focal character of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. In an interview with showrunner Erica Messer (via The Wrap), her overall plan was to go down the show’s casting sheet and give each profiler their respective time under the spotlight. She re-affirms that Rossi and Prentiss were the central players in the first couple of seasons of Criminal Minds: Evolution, and she is planning to maintain that storytelling approach moving forward, saying:

“I had this own little thing in my head, which is not even necessarily logical, but in Season 16/Season 1, it was really Rossi, and he happens to be No. 1 on our call sheet. And then this season, Prentiss is the second on the call sheet. So it’s like, I just kept going down the call sheet, in a way, and that’s kind of continuing into the third season.”

In an image of Criminal Minds: Evolution’s call sheet (via @eprentisscm), AJ Cook is next in line after Joe Mantegna and Paget Brewster. I understand that the show’s opening credits don’t follow this chronology, but Messer said that they are basing this storytelling approach on their existing call sheet. In any case, it only makes sense that JJ is next in line. For starters, she is the longest-running active member of the BAU on the screen. Cook is the only remaining original character who is still on active duty as Criminal Minds technically enters its 18th season.

What JJ’s Story May Be For Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

Admittedly, even though she wasn’t the focus of its first season, I thought Criminal Minds: Evolution started an interesting arc for JJ. Her personal story was a big part of her arc in the original series, and I was thrilled when the revival maintained that by bringing back her family. Season 1 even gave them a mini-arc about a health crisis for Will. That took a backseat in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, as the BAU became occupied with solving the mystery of Gold Star. Ahead of season 3, I already have ideas about what JJ’s story may be about.

Firstly, I expect that there will be an update on Will’s situation. While his health was cleared in season 1, Messer said that he isn’t totally out of the woods yet. Interestingly, it was reported that Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 will be the final time that JJ’s character will be on the franchise, but he didn’t make any appearances. It’s unlikely that Criminal Minds will drop Will just like that, especially since he shares two sons with JJ. Secondly, perhaps season 3 can further delve into the BAUGate, which shouldn’t be difficult, considering that Voit will return.

JJ’s Being The Center Of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Is Very Exciting

Aside from focusing on JJ being exciting to me because of how different her situation is from the rest of the BAU, there’s another reason why going down this route can result in a special year for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. I understand that focusing on a character means that there are some big hardships ahead of them, and that may be scary. It can also be the narrative opening that the series needs to bring in some reinforcements. JJ’s story in particular may lead to the much-anticipated return of Gubler’s Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution.

BAU’s golden boy was supposed to appear in season 2, but scheduling conflicts hindered that. Since then, Messer shared that while she is open to bringing back anyone, it should be for a personal reason. Reid is JJ’s oldest and best friend in the BAU. If she finds herself in any kind of serious trouble in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, I find it difficult to imagine that he won’t end his sabbatical to help her.