After Criminal Minds started its new season with a surprising loss, showrunner Erica Messer spoke about whether there will be more on-screen deaths.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Messer addressed the possibility of cameos from original Criminal Minds cast members, saying, “I always feel like a cameo[like a funeral]must be a big, important reason, but so far nothing this season is leaning in that direction. We don’t need another funeral.”
Messer’s update comes after the return of the hit Paramount+ series on Thursday, May 28, which saw Luke (Adam Rodriguez) mourn a personal loss while helping the BAU solve cases. It wasn’t until the end of the two-episode premiere that viewers learned that his dog, Roxy, would have to be killed.
“I don’t think we can ever be prepared when something happens to a beloved character, four-legged or not,” Messer explained. “Even if you don’t have a pet, you’re sure to know someone who does.”
Messer knew this revelation would be damaging to viewers.
“It’s losing a family member. And for those who watched the show in an earlier era (when it aired on CBS), when you first met Luke early on, you definitely met Roxie,” she noted. “It was devastating for all of us to have that story broken. We all felt a real sense of loss.”
“I had to warn Adam ahead of time that this is a story to deliver to you and it was going to be very difficult. I don’t think there was probably a dry eye when we were reading it, when we were filming it, and certainly during the showing. Everyone was very moved by it, so I imagine our audience will be just as moved as the rest of us.”
First released in 2005, Criminal Minds follows a group of criminal profilers who work as members of the FBI’s behavioral analysis unit. This crime drama investigates various fictional cases and shows how behavioral analysis can help teams identify unknown subjects.
Over the years, the show has had its fair share of on-screen character deaths. In Season 18, Josh Stewart, who had played the role of Will since 2007, left the show, shocking viewers.
Looking ahead to the rest of Season 19, Messer hinted at his vision for this season.
“This is the idea of a new beginning. It’s been a year in our story world,” the screenwriter told Us. “So they’re facing new challenges. But there’s also a little bit of hope in that. It’s the potential for better things to happen.”
New episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution air Thursdays on Paramount+.
