Criminal Minds Season 19 Marks The End Of An Era For An Original CBS Character

by

The latest season of Criminal Minds: Evolution signals a farewell to a long-running original character. Over the past few seasons, viewers have reconnected with the BAU team, getting to know them in this new version of the show. While Criminal Minds: Evolution has had its ups and downs with its updated format, it’s been great to see the team back together, doing what they do best.

It’s been fascinating to revisit the BAU team and see how the show has developed their characters over the years. Introducing new versions of the team has brought some changes, and while fans haven’t loved every one, it’s great to see the characters continue to evolve after almost 20 seasons. A common criticism of Criminal Minds: Evolution was the limited role of Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), so it was welcome news to learn he would have a significant and emotional storyline.

In the second episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 19, titled “Cluster,” it became clear that Alvez was facing a deeply personal struggle, more intense than anything he’s dealt with since the show’s revival. The episode also hinted at a significant turning point for Luke, suggesting lasting changes to his character.

Criminal Minds Season 19 Episode 2 Highlights Alvez Losing His Therapy Dog, Roxy

In season 12 of Criminal Minds, Luke faced a difficult time after having to say goodbye to his therapy dog, Roxy, in just the second episode. Although it seemed like a simple storyline, Luke’s grief over losing Roxy felt surprisingly real. The episode also showed Alvez struggling with his own emotions, triggered by the case and the loss of Roxy, who had been a crucial support for him as he transitioned back to civilian life after his military service and remained a constant presence in his life ever since.

Alvez is deeply affected as he investigates a disturbing case involving a killer who performs makeshift lobotomies on people who once helped him with a brain tumor. The emotional toll of the case is compounded by the recent loss of Roxy, who was far more than just a pet to him. Roxy helped Luke process his PTSD from his time in the military, and without her support, he’s finding it difficult to cope. Roxy’s death feels like the end of a significant chapter in Alvez’s life.

Alvez’s Loss Destabilizes His Character, Which Could Lead To Bigger Swings

Now that Alvez has experienced a significant personal loss, he’s at a crossroads, and this could be a turning point for his character on Criminal Minds: Evolution. Throughout the reboot so far, Alvez has largely played a supporting role, consistently present but without much personal growth or change alongside the rest of the team. He’s often been the one providing support to others, acting as a rescuer or a source of strength, but hasn’t had a chance to fully develop himself.

Over the seasons, watching the BAU team deal with their own personal struggles has made Criminal Minds: Evolution feel less like a simple restart of the original show and more like a natural continuation. This approach allows for more complex stories and deeper character development, letting the team redefine themselves and their future. Now, with a plotline that could significantly disrupt Alvez’s life, Criminal Minds: Evolution seems to be building towards a larger, overarching story. As the series enters a new phase, Criminal Minds has exciting new possibilities.

Read More

2026-05-28 21:38