'Criminal Minds'' A.J. Cook on Will's death and that brief but 'impactful' Matthew Gray Gubler reunion: 'It was a fine line'
JJ (A.J. Cook) and the rest of the BAU gather for Will's funeral in the latest episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution.
The episode also features the return of fan-favorite Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler.
Cook speaks to EW about her longtime TV husband's big death, the reunion between JJ and Reid, that slap from the late Linda Lavin, and more.It's hard to say goodbye.
In the newest episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution, a grieving JJ (A.J. Cook) grapples with the funeral of her longtime husband Will (Josh Stewart), a staple since season 2 of the original CBS drama. The detective and father of her two boys (played by Cook's sons Mekhai and Phoenix) suffered an aneurysm after a thyroid artery rupture following a health scare.
Will's kitchen collapse, it turns out, was filmed several seasons ago, long before Stewart's decision to exit the show. 'We pulled it because it felt so wrong,' Cook tells Entertainment Weekly of the scene. 'We didn't want to put Will in that position.' But in the wake of Stewart's surprise departure, showrunner Erica Messer salvaged the scene for Thursday's emotional sendoff. 'We remembered, 'Oh my gosh, we have this footage that we never used because we did not want to use it.''
Though Stewart's exit took the crew by surprise, there's nothing but love there. 'I truly have such admiration and respect for Josh,' Cook says. 'We've known each other forever. We've done movies together. He and my husband are friends. He is so missed. But again, the show has to go on. We just had to do it.'
Also in the episode: Matthew Gray Gubler's grand — albeit brief — return as Spencer Reid. Cook talks about calling up her old pal to ask him to return, the 'fine line' of reuniting JJ and Reid, getting slapped by the late Linda Lavin, and more.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was your initial reaction when you found out about Will's fate?
A.J. COOK: It took all of us by surprise when we found out that he wasn't going to be coming back. It took a while for us to process that and to figure out what was next. I think if we were still on CBS with our original format, we wouldn't have taken this route because we've gone seasons without seeing him. It was more procedural back then. But with this new format, a huge part of the show is the personal lives of these characters that we love so much. After much deliberation, we do what we always do on this show: we write to life. You don't get to choose when someone dies. Life happens and it blindsides you. And I think that's why this hurts so badly. We were all so against it, but we didn't have a say. So how do we move forward without feeling like we are in a prison of how we can write for JJ? We wanted this family safe and protected so badly that when we originally wrote in that cancer storyline, we hated it so much ... believe me, if we had Josh coming back, we wouldn't have shot such a short little thing like that. We would've milked it.
Not only does the late and great Linda Lavin appear as Will's grieving mother, but she slaps you squarely across the face. What was it like sparring with her? And were those slaps real?
What an honor to be slapped by Linda Lavin. I had to swear at that woman, OK? Twice! She is so full of life and giving as an actress. And case in point — one second you're doing a scene with a person, the next you find out that they've passed away. You'd do anything to go back in time to make it not so. But she was such a force. It's one of the great honors of my life that I got to act with her before she passed. There was such an ease between the two of us. We were on the same wavelength as far as how we approach scenes. She did not slap me. We just made it look real good.
Matthew Gray Gubler makes his long-awaited return. What was the atmosphere like on set that day?
It felt like a homecoming. It was really wonderful. I was so happy that he came back to do this with us. When we were in the conception of this episode, Erica and I kept going back to the idea of Spence having to be there. It would feel like a huge piece of the puzzle is missing if he couldn't be there. I called him up and I was like, 'Hey, bud, what are you doing? Do you want to come do this?' And being the gracious human that he is, he agreed. When I told him what was happening [with] Will, he was like, "Are you kidding me? I will absolutely be there." It was a short appearance, but so impactful. It meant the world to me and to our cast and I know it meant a lot to him, too.
I did want to touch on that. I already know some folks will be unhappy with the minimal screen time between JJ and Reid. What are your thoughts on people still riding that ship so many years later? You've spoken about feeling weird about that because they're besties.
That's what I was going to say. And having him come back at her husband's funeral where these characters have said that they love each other? It was a fine line. We did not want to give off that vibe at all. We wanted it to be like, this is your best friend showing up for you in your time of need. So that's why it was a sensitive thing. It was like, do we hug? Do we not hug? What are the people going to think? It's so polarized when it comes to [the JJ and Reid shippers]. Everyone is allowed to have a fantasy and think what they want. We were very careful about that. And Erica did let the public know that yes, he's coming back, but I think her quote was, "He's a small part in a really big episode," which is true. But you can't please everybody. We do our best.
A lot of folks don't realize that your sons play your TV sons. This was a very heavy episode. What kind of conversations did you have prior to filming? Was it difficult to shoot?
This was a huge part of the decision making in all of this, too. My boys are highly intelligent, very emotionally stable, well-grounded humans who grew up on this set. They know it's acting. But I can see how those lines would look blurry to the outsider looking in. What people don't see is that when they call 'cut,' Matthew Gray Gubler is flipping my youngest son around his head. It was so joyful. It was such a juxtaposition. We were all celebrating being together and having fun. Also, as a mother, I'm not opposed to children feeling big emotions. They should. You can't protect your child from big emotions and the what-ifs of life. I think that's a disservice to them in a way. My kids, they get it. We had some of the most beautiful memories I'll have in my lifetime [during] that two week stretch of shooting that episode. There was so much joy involved in making this episode even though it came across as so sad. But they know Josh really well, and my husband is friends with Josh. But yeah, it was absolutely something that I had to think about and talked to the kids about. And they were like, 'Mom, are you serious? We're good.'What will the rest of JJ's arc look like this season as she navigates this grief?
It's going to be messy. Grief is not pretty. There's so many layers to grief and we're going to touch on a lot of them. And I will say that she will find healing and comfort in the most unexpected places with the most unexpected people. How's that for a carrot dangling?
Or a Cheeto dangling.
A Cheeto, yeah.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
New episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution drop Thursdays on Paramount+.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
5 hours ago
- New York Times
‘Good Night, and Good Luck' Remembers When TV Had a Conscience, and a Spine
In the Broadway play 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' the CBS newscaster Edward R. Murrow (George Clooney) allows himself a moment of doubt, as his program 'See It Now' embarks on a series of reports on the anti-communist witch hunts of the 1950s. 'It occurs to me,' he says, 'that we might not get away with this one.' It is a small but important line. We know Murrow's story — exposing the red-baiting demagoguery of Senator Joseph McCarthy — as history. And history, once set down on the page and stage, can seem inevitable. But Murrow's success was not preordained. It required hard, exacting work. It required guts. It required journalists to risk personal ruin and some of them to experience it. It's a point worth remembering. And it hits especially hard at this moment, when CBS News, headquartered just blocks away from the Winter Garden Theater, is again under political and financial pressure to rein in its coverage of the powerful. History is repeating, this time perhaps as tragedy. (CNN is airing the play's June 7 evening performance live, as if to give the news business a shot in the arm.) In 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' adapted from the 2005 screenplay by Clooney and Grant Heslov, all ends well, more or less. (The 'less' is implied in the stage production by a 'We Didn't Start the Fire'-like closing montage that ties the division and chaos of the past several decades to the cacophony of media.) Murrow ultimately received support — however nervous and limited — from his network. Its chief, William S. Paley (Paul Gross), fretted about pressure from politicians and from the 'See It Now' sponsor, the aluminum company Alcoa. But while Paley complained about the agita Murrow brought him, he did not pull the plug on the McCarthy investigation. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘S.W.A.T.' Series Finale Ending Explained After Multiple Cancellations: Who Left? Who Died?
S.W.A.T. ultimately wrapped up after multiple cancellations — but did the show end on a satisfying note? During the two-part finale on Friday, May 16, Twenty Squad went on two more rescue missions as each member contemplated their future. Gamble (Annie Ilonzeh) had the most to consider after her brother got involved in one of their cases — and she made the decision not to arrest him. There was also Tan's (David Lim) future to think about after he got offered a liaison job. Deacon (Jay Harrington), meanwhile, was concerned about his family's safety as Heather (Yael Grobglas) kept stalking him. By the time the finale wrapped up, Gamble was back with the group and they were rushing to provide assistance for the next emergency. The conclusion didn't include any cliffhangers after it was confirmed that CBS was ending the show's run following eight seasons. Which TV Shows Were Canceled Multiple Times Before the Decision Stuck? From 'S.W.A.T.' to '7th Heaven' Based on the 1975 TV show and 2003 film adaptation of the same name, S.W.A.T. centered around the Los Angeles Police Department. The CBS series premiered in 2017 and aired six seasons before it was picked up for a seventh and final run. CBS ultimately reversed that decision and S.W.A.T. returned for season 8. But the celebration didn't last long — the network canceled the show for a second time in March. Ilonzeh recently reflected on how it is "really hard" to feel "satisfied" with the ending, telling Us in April, "There was so much more juice to squeeze out of it. So you're really like, 'Wait, I just left a whole meal on the table. I am not full. I'm not satisfied.'" The actress — and the rest of the cast — were still happy with the attempt at a resolution. "In terms of storytelling and it being a farewell, I think we're all happy with where these futures would live," she noted. "But it still leaves you with some questions. There are questions." Ilonzeh clarified that the fight isn't over for another renewal. "We are crossing our fingers. So there is a particular discussion being had. I hope I can say [soon] that we really did it. We rallied for a third time," she added. "But we're making noise. They do see it — producers and streamers that are interested — they are like, 'OK, this is something.' So if we can plug and play, we're all geared up to go. We don't want this ride to be over." Despite fighting for S.W.A.T. to get a new home, it would be the show's last battle to stay on the air. "I was just talking to [my costar] Shemar [Moore] yesterday and he was like, 'If we do this for a third time — whenever we do get canceled again — I will be OK with it. I'm not fighting for a fourth [time] because we really did it and we end on that,'" she noted. "We will end on the fight and the win and relish in all of this and squeeze the life out of it. We will know that we did it, we did our job and we can walk away happy campers." Keep scrolling to find out where each character ended up in the finale: Moore's character led his team two more times in life threatening situations that saved Los Angeles from disaster. Hondo found himself conflicted after Gamble didn't turn her brother in for his involvement in a heist. The mentor-mentee were able to patch things up by the time the finale rolled around. Which TV Shows Are Canceled in 2025-2026? Get the Status of Your Favorite Series Deacon tried to downplay the danger Heather was posing to him and his family. After consulting with someone else who ended up a victim of Heather's obsession, Deacon caught her breaking into his house to pretend they were having an affair. Deacon had Heather arrested and was able to move forward. In the second part of the finale, Deacon kept thinking about how to splurge on himself with the advance he got. Deacon set up college funds for his kids, paid off his home and donated to charity but didn't do anything for himself. After much contemplation, Deacon presented his coworkers with custom watches to represent their bond as a family and their commitment to making each minute count while working at a job that puts their lives at risk. After initially ruling out the liaison offer, Tan consulted his coworkers and ended up taking it as a way to advance in his career. He was still with the rest of Twenty Squad when the episode checked in on everyone following a time jump. Patrick St. Esprit's character entered the field when their Los Angeles office got blown up as a result of a Russian threat. He — and the rest of the people at Twenty Squad — all survived and focused on rebuilding. Which Broadcast TV Shows Are on the Bubble? 'Doctor Odyssey,' 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society' and More Still Not Renewed In the last episode, Powell (Anna Enger Ritch) admitted to Alfaro (Niko Pepaj) that she didn't think anyone saw her as an emergency contact. Alfaro proved her wrong when he got shot in the line of duty and later showed that Powell was the person he wanted to get the call. Alfaro's friendship with Powell was highlighted in the finale. He also suffered an injury after getting shot in his side but Alfaro pulled through and was with the rest of Twenty Squad on their next mission. After being forced to choose between her family and her work family, Gamble decided to keep her brother out of jail. That drove a wedge between her and Hondo — with Gamble even putting in a request for a transfer. While at headquarters to clean out her locker, Gamble managed to save Hondo's life and they worked out their issues. She was back at Twenty Squad by the end of the series.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why Did Shemar Moore Receive Backlash for ‘S.W.A.T.' Spinoff? Surprising Cast Drama Explained
S.W.A.T. receiving a spinoff after multiple cancellations should have been good news, but why has the decision — and specifically Shemar Moore — faced backlash for it? The procedural faced its fair share of battles to remain on the air since it premiered in 2017. Six seasons were put out on CBS before S.W.A.T. was picked up for a seventh and final season. CBS ultimately reversed that decision and S.W.A.T. returned for season 8. But the celebration didn't last long — the network canceled the show for a second time in March 2025. S.W.A.T seemingly came to an end two months later when the series finale aired on CBS. Days later, Sony Pictures Television picked up a spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles which is set to star Moore and a new SWAT unit. The decision to revamp the cast didn't sit well with viewers who tuned in week after week because of their favorite characters. Moore, however, defended the decision to only keep his character Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson. Which 'S.W.A.T.' Stars Are — And Aren't — Returning for Surprise Spinoff After Multiple Cancellations? 'Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100 percent. But without change, you can't grow. You can't win without taking your lumps," Moore explained in an Instagram video that same month. "It ain't easy making it in the game of Hollywood. It ain't. TV shows don't last eight years anymore. The game has changed. But S.W.A.T. Exiles, baby! S.W.A.T. Exiles. Bigger, bolder. S.W.A.T. on steroids." Moore compared the creative shakeup to playing football. 'I'm not saying I'm Tom Brady, but I'm the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T. That's not arrogant. That's not ego. It's a fact. I'm the quarterback. I'm Shemar Moore a.k.a Hondo," he continued. "But I had a squad. A strong squad. A family. A team. And I would be remiss If I didn't say out loud to the world and to them — because I know they're watching this — I love you. I respect you. I appreciate you.' Despite the controversy, Moore remained hopeful about S.W.A.T. Exiles. 'I'm excited that S.W.A.T. gets to keep playing ball. I'm excited that the crew gets to put food on their table and money in their accounts, and go to soccer practice and put their kids through the right schools. Saving jobs, working here in L.A., keeping Hollywood in L.A. This is a big deal," he continued on Tuesday. "Yeah, a little bit bittersweet in some ways — but man, at the end of the day, we got to be so proud. We got to be so proud because we did the damn thing. The world took notice. And the industry took notice." Moore concluded: "Shows get cancelled all the time, but S.W.A.T. just won't die because y'all love S.W.A.T. You all love that crazy action. You love the stories. You love the brotherhood, the sisterhood, all of that. That's who we are. That's who S.W.A.T. is. Thrill ride with heart. So, on this day, we celebrate, but we pay homage to what got us there and to the people that got us there, and I will never forget. Always appreciate, and always show love.' Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the drama: Which TV Shows Were Canceled Multiple Times Before the Decision Stuck? From 'S.W.A.T.' to '7th Heaven' Based on the 1975 TV show and 2003 film adaptation of the same name, S.W.A.T. centered around the Los Angeles Police Department. Moore has led the series since it premiered on CBS in 2017 but the rest of the cast has evolved and changed over the years. The last season of S.W.A.T., which wrapped onscreen two days before the spinoff was announced, also starred Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj. Despite everyone's efforts to bring the show back, Moore was the only one announced as a main cast member in the upcoming spinoff. S.W.A.T. Exiles will pick up after "a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits." Moore's character must "bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is." Moore initially reacted to the 10-episode continuation of S.W.A.T., saying in a statement, "My eight seasons on S.W.A.T. have been epic and memorable. We entertained the world, defied the odds, came back from the dead twice, and continued to woo fans and families worldwide." He continued: "I am excited for this next generation and iteration of S.W.A.T. with Sony. Katherine Pope, Neal H. Moritz, Jason Ning, and I will keep the franchise, thrill ride action, heartfelt drama, and storytelling of S.W.A.T. alive. WE DON'T LOSE!!!! ROLL SWAT!!!' Social media users, however, pointed out that only Pepaj acknowledged Moore's video about the news. Everyone else shared behind-the-scenes photos while celebrating the S.W.A.T series finale at CBS. Since then, it has been largely silent from the rest of the cast as Moore celebrated his new project. Lim broke his silence later that month, writing via Instagram, "I'd be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn't sting. It was tough to see it announced just two days after our finale — with no mention of the cast who helped build S.W.A.T. from day one. After 8 incredible seasons, it felt like we were brushed aside when there could've been a moment of reflection and recognition — for the people who built this show, and for the impact it had on so many." He continued: "I've seen the comments, the messages, the support — and it truly means a lot. I may not know what the future holds for Tan, but I couldn't be more proud of what we created together — our cast, writers, producers, crew ... our SWAT family. No version of this story can take that away. Thanks for riding with us. Always. Roll SWAT. 🖤." Moore's comments section was flooded with questions about why no one else was announced for the spinoff. Moore broke his silence by defending the decision, saying, 'That's my family for life, OK? But just like in sports, Tom Brady might be the quarterback, but people get traded. Tight ends get traded, the running back gets traded, the receivers get traded." According to Moore, the priority was bringing S.W.A.T. back — with him at the helm after he originated the series. "But the team keeps on pushing with their quarterback, and I'm that guy," he said. "So proud, so grateful. I'm not going to apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and I'm excited about the future." Most Memorable TV Spinoffs Over the Years S.W.A.T. fans were quick to point out in the comments section of Moore's post that the rest of the cast from the CBS series made the show what it was. Most of Moore's costars have yet to publicly acknowledge him expanding the S.W.A.T universe solo. Before news of S.W.A.T. Exiles broke, Ilonzeh spoke with Us Weekly about their attempts as a group to revive the series. "We are crossing our fingers. So there is a particular discussion being had. I hope I can say [soon] that we really did it. We rallied for a third time," she shared in April 2025 while reflecting on her time playing Gamble. "But we're making noise. They do see it — producers and streamers that are interested — they are like, 'OK, this is something.' So if we can plug and play, we're all geared up to go. We don't want this ride to be over." Ilonzeh acknowledged that if S.W.A.T. was brought back again, it would be the show's last battle to stay on the air. "I was just talking to [my costar] Shemar [Moore] yesterday and he was like, 'If we do this for a third time — whenever we do get canceled again — I will be OK with it. I'm not fighting for a fourth [time] because we really did it and we end on that,'" she noted. "We will end on the fight and the win and relish in all of this and squeeze the life out of it. We will know that we did it, we did our job and we can walk away happy campers." Sony Pictures Television picked up S.W.A.T. Exiles for a 10-episode order but there is no official premiere planned yet. According to the press release, Sony is "focusing on finding the right homes and partners for these new stories to reach the passionate S.W.A.T. fanbase and attract new viewers." Development is currently underway and production is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 in Los Angeles and once the spinoff is filmed, it will be shopped around.
