The latest season of “Criminal Minds,” known as Season 18 or Season 3 of “Evolution,” delivered a shocking blow to fans with the sudden death of Will, portrayed by Josh Stewart.
This twist occurred in the second episode of the season, as Will tragically succumbs to an aneurysm, a plot point that underscores the show’s penchant for high-stakes drama. However, the circumstances of his departure have generated significant discussion among viewers and critics alike.
Despite being a beloved character, Will was never part of the main cast. Stewart had been portraying him for 18 years, making his recent demise all the more impactful for long-time fans.
Longtime Character Will Makes a Dramatic Exit in Criminal Minds Evolution
While the character had been absent in the previous season, his return was highly anticipated, adding to the emotional weight of the scene. However, it was disclosed that Stewart did not return to the set for this episode.
Instead, the production team utilized a previously recorded scene from the first season of “Evolution,” where Will is seen collapsing in the kitchen. This creative decision has been met with mixed reactions, particularly since it reflects a significant shift in how the series approaches character exits.
A.J. Cook, who plays Will’s wife Jennifer Jareau, revealed in an interview with TVLine that inviting Stewart back solely for the purpose of his character’s death felt inappropriate. Instead, the team relied on their creative resources to repurpose earlier footage, which has sparked conversations about the use of archival content in modern storytelling.
As “Criminal Minds” continues to air in the United States, fans in Spain are eagerly awaiting the airing of Season 18 on AXN. The series has maintained a loyal following, and this dramatic turn of events promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.