Don't Expect Evolution to Be the Same Old Criminal Minds You Left Behind
Critics say Evolution is not a direct descendant of Criminal Minds but rather a distant relative, a much darker and more mature sibling.
The general audience will be able to watch the first two episodes of the Criminal Minds revival on Thanksgiving Day, November 24. But the critics have already seen the episodes and given their verdict: Season 16 is not the same old Criminal Minds.
Let's dive into the changes the creators have made and how they affect the fan-favourite show.
The main change is the move from CBS to Paramount+, which has encouraged the writers to take some liberties with the way the characters speak, behave and develop.
Without the constraints of cable television, the writers were able to include more graphic language and scenes that made the show more real. Characters can now swear, which would have been natural in many situations in previous seasons. The murder scenes have also become darker and more intense without becoming too gruesome.
Another big change is the format, which has evolved from "monster of the week" to a season-long storyline. This doesn't mean that the profilers will spend an entire season solving one overlong case. They will still tackle smaller cases in each episode, but they will all be connected and linked to one UnSub, Elias Voit, the main antagonist of the season. Although Criminal Minds has had some pretty strong antagonists before, Voit seems to be one of the most well developed. The new format allowed the writers to show the slow development of this character and his Moriarty-like vision of the criminal world as one big network.
The different format also allowed more time to focus on the beloved characters. With the exception of these two characters, all the original members of the BAU team are back, and they haven't lost any of their charm and appeal.
If anything, Evolution may reveal new sides to fan-favourite characters. The writers have taken almost three years off the story.
The characters have undergone personal changes and have some challenges to face in the new season. Critics say the group dynamic feels wonderfully familiar with new emotional colours.
All in all, reviews say Criminal Minds: Evolution is a real step up for the fan-favourite show. The creators have taken everything the fans loved and made it even better.