Criminal Minds: Evolution Set Up New Character (2024)

Over 15 years since her character was first introduced, an Emily Prentiss twist set up a new character introduction for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. The Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale revealed some interesting new information about the BAU’s unit chief. Emily first appeared in Criminal Minds season 2 as a replacement for Elle when she left the show at the beginning of the season. Since then, Emily has become one of the most beloved Criminal Minds characters, with a complex backstory that just became even deeper thanks to the season 17 finale.

Prentiss had a darker arc in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, as the pressures of being unit chief got to her while the team tried to solve the “Gold Star” case. Emily was also grieving the death of Deputy Director Doug Bailey, who Voit killed at the end of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1. Emily partially blamed herself for his death and was determined to find justice for him, which occasionally clouded her justice. Emily’s conversation with FBI Director Madison and a reveal via a flashback set up some major Prentiss storylines for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Criminal Minds: Evolution's Season 2 Finale Reveals Emily Has A Sister

Emily’s Sister Hasn’t Been Mentioned Before In Criminal Minds

Throughout her time on Criminal Minds, viewers have been able to piece together Emily Prentiss’ complicated, often dark backstory, from her childhood as the daughter of a United States ambassador to working as an undercover spy for an Interpol task force. Yet, in everything that’s been revealed about Emily in the 16 years since she first appeared in Criminal Minds, it wasn’t until the season 2 finale that her younger sister was mentioned. In a flashback conversation with Doug, Emily tells him she had a younger sister, shocking many viewers.

Since Emily’s sister had never been mentioned, many assumed Emily was an only child. Some of the other Criminal Minds characters have had storylines related to their siblings. JJ’s older sister’s suicide is a big part of her backstory, and there have been pretty big arcs with one of Penelope's stepbrothers, Hotch's brother, and Tara's brother. Emily being an only child made sense for her character, as she seemed to have a lonely childhood, traveling often for her mother’s work. The reveal that Emily actually has a sister greatly changes assumptions about her background.

Emily’s Sister Reveal Teases Her Debut In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

Criminal Minds: Evolution Has Been Introducing New Characters With Old History

The timing of the reveal that Emily has a sister in Criminal Minds: Evolution was a bit odd. Criminal Minds had many opportunities to bring it up earlier, especially with the discussion of Emily’s backstory. Emily has never appeared close to her family, but it’s hard to believe that her sister wouldn’t have reached out at any point during her time on Criminal Minds, or that she wasn’t worth mentioning. When Emily mentioned her sister in the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale, it may have seemed like a throwaway line.

However, the line is likely building something bigger. It wouldn’t make sense to randomly announce Emily has a sister and never address it further, but it would make sense for the reveal to set up her character introduction in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. Criminal Minds: Evolution has already introduced a new character with history in Jill Gideon, and adding Emily’s sister in season 3 could add depth and an interesting new storyline. The reveal is a reminder that even after almost 20 years, there’s still so much to learn about the Criminal Minds characters.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Could Bring Back Another Prentiss

Emily’s Mom Previously Appeared In Criminal Minds

If Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 features Emily’s sister, it wouldn’t be the first Prentiss family member to appear in the series. Shortly after Emily was introduced in Criminal Minds season 2, her mother, Ambassador Elizabeth Prentiss, appeared in episode 20, “Honor Among Thieves.” She came to Quantico looking for help with a case, which allowed viewers to see the somewhat strained relationship between the mother and daughter. Their dynamic was interesting and could’ve been explored in future episodes. Yet, Elizabeth Prentiss hasn’t appeared since Criminal Minds season 2.

This could be because Elizabeth Prentiss was Kate Jackson’s last role before the actor decided to step away from the industry. While Jackson probably won’t come out of acting retirement, the role could be recast. Despite being a part of Criminal Minds for many years, Emily Prentiss continues to prove she can be mysterious. Emily’s personal life isn’t explored often, and her sister being introduced and her mother returning could give viewers another side of the BAU unit chief. Hopefully, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 will include a Prentiss family reunion.

Criminal Minds: Evolution

Thriller

Crime

Drama

Mystery

In Criminal Minds: Evolution, the FBI’s elite team of criminal profilers come up against their greatest threat yet, an UnSub who has used the pandemic to build a network of other serial killers. As the world opens back up and the network goes operational, the team must hunt them down, one murder at a time. Original cast members continuing their roles include Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Zach Gilford joins the dynamic cast as a recurring guest star in a season-long arc.

Cast

Joe Mantegna , A.J. Cook , Kirsten Vangsness , Aisha Tyler , Adam Rodriguez , Paget Brewster , Zach Gilford

Release Date

November 24, 2022

Seasons

2

Franchise(s)

Criminal Minds

Creator(s)

Erica Messer

Watch On Paramount Plus