Warning: This article contains spoliers for Criminal Minds: EvolutionCriminal Minds: Evolution fans are distraught over episode 4's JJ and Will twist. Season 16 of CBS' police procedural drama series is underway on Paramount+ after the 2020 conclusion of Criminal Minds on the broadcast network. Criminal Minds: Evolution sees the Behavioral Analysis Unit reunite to tackle a national threat of serial killers who established a broad, interconnected network during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The revival includes the returns of main cast members Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, Paget Brewster, Adam Rodriguez, and Kirsten Vangsness as agents Rossi, JJ, Tara, Prentiss, Alvez, and Garcia, respectively. The new season revealed the shocking death of Rossi's wife, Krystall (Gail O'Grady), and now, another fan-favorite couple is in danger of a similar fate.
Fans took to Twitter to express their distraught reactions to the latest Criminal Minds: Evolution twist from episode 4, "Pay-Per-View,", in which viewers learn JJ's husband, Will (Josh Stewart), could have cancer. It comes as no surprise that audiences are in disbelief at the shocking turn of events, as JJ is already under enough stress at her demanding job, and the pair have a long history that includes two kids together. Read some fan reactions below:
The BAU's History With Spouses & Loved Ones
While it's not confirmed yet, and more tests need to be done before JJ and Will learn if he has cancer, the BAU has a complicated history with spouses and relationships. Much to fans' dismay, Criminal Minds has a habit of giving heartbreaking ends to some of their most beloved couples. While not featured in the revival, perhaps one of the most gut-wrenching moments came when Spencer Reid's (Matthew Gray Gubler) relationship with Dr. Maeve Donovan (Beth Riesgraf) ended with her murder after the BAU failed to save her from a stalker. Similarly, another long-running series relationship, that of Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) and wife Haley (Meredith Monroe), ended with Haley being killed by antagonist George Foyet (C. Thomas Howell). Though the couple were separated at the time, her death had a grave effect over Hotch.
However, not all relationships on Criminal Minds have ended in tragedy. One such includes Garcia and Alvez, whose friendship teetered on romance towards the final seasons of Criminal Minds. Season 15 saw Alvez finally ask Garcia out after she leaves the BAU, but Evolution reveals them to still just be friends, though with a lot of flirting involved. The duo's on-screen chemistry comes at just the right moment, as Rossi is still reeling from the death of his wife after the two had what seemed to be their happy ending in Criminal Minds season 15. Rossi, who overcame his struggle to maintain healthy relationships, is now alone again. Thankfully, Garcia and Alvez's relationship offers hope for the team's love lives.
What The Will Twist Means For Criminal Minds: Evolution
It's clear JJ has a lot on her plate in Criminal Minds: Evolution, and now her husband's potential illness only makes matters worse. As the BAU is struggling to close in on UnSub Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), one of their most powerful enemies to-date, JJ might have to step back in order to be there for her family and take care of her husband. While it's not confirmed yet, Will's cancer diagnosis could have far-reaching affects on the BAU, who could lose JJ over the illness. Fans will learn more when Criminal Minds: Evolution returns next Thursday, December 15, for its mid-season finale.
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