JJ's personal storyline in Criminal Minds: Evolution is totally unrelated to the hunt for Sicarius, but it is more important to season 2 than perceived. The majority of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) from the CBS series returns for the Paramount+ sequel show, including AJ Cook.
As the only original character who is still actively involved in the police procedural, JJ's life has been properly developed over the years, particularly her family dynamic with her long-time husband, Will, and two kids, Henry and Michael.
The whole LaMontagne clan also returns for Criminal Minds: Evolution. Interestingly, there's an increased focus on them — something that almost none of the other BAU members have had. Over the years, the original CBS show occasionally put them at the center of its storytelling.
but not as much as this time in the Paramount+ series. In Criminal Minds: Evolution, JJ and Will's marriage is tested as they deal with the difficulties of their jobs and struggle coming out of a global pandemic. Things become so much worse when Will gets a cancer scare. As compelling as their story is, however, it's largely separated from the BAU's case.
JJ & Will Are The Only Enduring Romance In Criminal Minds
JJ and Will dancing at their wedding on Criminal Minds
As previously mentioned, Cook's JJ has been a part of the BAU since the very beginning of the CBS show. Will, on the other hand, isn't introduced until Criminal Minds season 2. The pair steadily dates for a while.
which leads to a memorable wedding that takes place in Dave Rossi's backyard in the season 7 finale. What's great about WIll and JJ's love story is that it doesn't feel distracting. The original police procedural organically and slowly developed their romance throughout its 15-year run. However, what's more special about their story is that it's the only enduring romance in Criminal Minds.
Due to the nature of the BAU's work, it's quite difficult to maintain a personal life. Criminal Minds has tackled this one too many times in the show, with some of the profilers ultimately turned off by the idea. Some of JJ's co-workers either had to give up on their personal goals or leave the bureau to focus on their families like Derek Morgan. In worse cases, Unsubs make them targets for their nefarious plans, which was what happened to Aaron Hotch's wife and even Spencer Reid's girlfriend.
JJ & Will Balances Out Criminal Minds: Evolution's Dark Story
JJ checking up on Will in Criminal Minds: Evolution
Admittedly, JJ and Wil's cancer storyline in Criminal Minds: Evolution seems pointless and distracting, considering that it really doesn't have any ties to Sicarius. Unlike Penelope Garcia's homecoming arc and her subsequent fling with Tyler Green, the LaMontagnes' narrative is totally separated from the BAU's case.
Even Dave Rossi's grief played into the hunt of Elias Voit, with his dead wife, Krystall making an appearance. There is also no pay-off to all that setup, with Will's cancer doesn't really have any significant impact (at least not yet), and the character getting away unscathed after being caught in the middle of a crossfire.
Despite this, Will and JJ's narrative is actually more integral to the show than many realize. Their romance and loving family keep the show grounded and optimistic, especially in light of everything that is happening around them. While they are faced with tremendous challenges in Criminal Minds: Evolution, seeing the pair endure with their love is touching and emotional. The show takes it to new heights when the pair does everything for their kids while dealing with the uncertainties of Will's cancer scare. The LaMontagnes are a reminder of everything good in the world, balancing out the darkness of the BAU's hunt for serial killers.
What's Next For JJ & Will In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2
David Rossi and the BAU in Criminal Minds: Evolution
Criminal Minds: Evolution leaves Will and JJ in their best possible situation after everything they went through in the past year. Will survives the shooting and his cancer doesn't seem to be getting worse. In terms of JJ's career, the BAU has successfully stopped Voit and taken down his network of serial killers. Considering the great work that they've done, it's possible that the FBI starts to ease the pressure on the profilers, which means that she won't be forced to work as hard. This allows JJ to finally devote full, undivided time to Will and the kids.
That being said, that doesn't mean that the couple's future is smooth sailing already. According to long-time showrunner Erica Messer, Will and JJ can still face some tragedies in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. It's possible that there's more to his cancer storyline than what's revealed in season 1. Otherwise, their next woe may be totally unrelated to his health scare. Whatever the case may be, just as long as Will and JJ survive everything thrown their way.
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