Typically, we’d say it’s difficult to review a season of a show based on only a couple of episodes, but with Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 17, we can be pretty confident in saying this one’s going to be a wild ride. Admittedly, at least part of our confidence comes from being longtime viewers and knowing this cast is always going to deliver no matter what. On the other hand, it’s precisely because we know the first 15 seasons’ procedural formula so well that we can say, without a doubt, that this season totally breaks the mold.
We might have started to play with, or even chip away at, the formula during last season’s Sicarius case. But something about “Gold Star” just feels like it’s going to go above and beyond even that. It’s actually a positive that, after watching so many procedurals, we truly have no idea where Criminal Minds: Evolution is trying to lead us. The new season certainly lets us know, pretty quickly, that whatever “Gold Star” refers to, there’s some kind of major, high-up connection. And that would kinda…have to be true for — no spoilers here since both are in the trailer — the FBI Director and Voit to get in on the action.
What to expect from Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 17
Ok, so. Here are some thoughts:
- We can promise some deliciously intense scenes, and the type of intensity varies wildly even within a single episode. Some, we’d call a careful game of chess, others more physically explosive, some entirely psychological/internal. And some…Well. Let’s just say if you’re here, you know anytime we’re seeing what UnSubs do, it can be a lot.
- Certainly, the original Criminal Minds run delivered us some more light-hearted moments every now and then. As a treat! (See also: that iconic scene with our ladies at that bar…you know the one. Look at these babies!) But…the new season’s second episode features a hilariously-awkward situation that, because streaming allows us to spend more time and space with it, has got to be one of the best in series history. And that’s on top of a conversation earlier in the episode that was already quite fun. Not at all surprisingly, Aisha Tyler is involved in both of these scenes.
- Paget Brewster and Joe Mantegna are so great together. Including, and maybe especially, when Emily is, uh, not happy with Dave — to say the least.
- …and, for what it’s worth, my money’s on never doubting Emily Prentiss, even if it looks like we may have to take a roundabout way of (re-)learning that lesson.
- More on this one after the premiere, too, but: Mantegna also has some fascinating stuff with Zach Gilford.
- Hate to say this because he’s, you know, kinda evil and all? But I kinda never want Voit to leave. Truly amazing how he fits in here.
- If you want to see someone doing incredible work as both actor and director in a single episode, we give you A.J. Cook.
- TL;DR While the first episode of this season is strong, the second is a favorite.
- Last, but not least: I’m always on the lookout for evidence of ships being shippy. So, what can we say about Garvez at this point? Some things that may seem counter-productive could actually be signs of progress. Or not. No idea, wouldn’t spoil it if I had an idea…but yeah.
- …let’s hope that last point ages well.
The first two episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 17 release on Thursday, June 6 on Paramount+. After that, the remaining episodes in the 10-episode season will release weekly on Thursdays.