In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19, the BAU is facing some of its most personal and unsettling cases yet. As Elias Voit (Zach Gilford) attempts a path of atonement, the team is haunted by their own losses—none more gut-wrenching than what field agent Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) endures in the first two episodes. But amid the darkness, there's a bright spot: the arrival of Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie in Episode 4, a role that Rodriguez fought to cast and that ultimately grew beyond its original one-episode plan.
Why Adam Rodriguez Championed Connor Storrie
In an exclusive interview, Rodriguez revealed that he personally pushed for Storrie to join the cast after being impressed by his work in the popular romance series Heated Rivalry. "I saw something special in Connor," Rodriguez said. "His energy and vulnerability were exactly what the episode needed." Storrie was originally slated for a single appearance, but after seeing his performance, the writers expanded his role. "He brought so much depth that we couldn't let him go after just one episode," Rodriguez added. Fans of romance series like Heated Rivalry will recognize Storrie's ability to blend charm with emotional weight.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Roxy
The season opens with Alvez reeling from a deeply personal tragedy: the death of his canine partner, Roxy. Rodriguez admitted that filming those emotional scenes was a massive challenge. "I'm always intimidated by those scenes," he confessed. "It's hard for me to get to that emotional place, and then you have a dog who doesn't care about the cameras or the crew. It's a real test." The bond between Alvez and Roxy was central to the character's arc, and Rodriguez credits director Anthony Viietro for helping him capture the raw grief. "Anthony is usually our DP, but he directed that episode beautifully. We all felt the weight of that loss."
Connecting with a Troubled UnSub
In Episode 2, Alvez forms an unexpected connection with a troubled UnSub played by Richard Cabral. Rodriguez praised Cabral's soulful performance, noting that their shared pain made the scenes electric. "We're two people dealing with immense hurt, but we've chosen different ways to cope," Rodriguez explained. "That final scene between us was one of the most powerful I've ever shot." The episode also features a moment where Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) proves she's been there for Alvez all along, a detail that delighted fans. "She knows everything," Rodriguez said with a smile. "That's my girl."
Directing Episode 4 and Storrie's Expanded Role
Rodriguez also directed Episode 4, which features Storrie's character in a pivotal role. "Directing and acting at the same time is a juggling act, but Connor made it easy," he said. "He's a pro." The episode delves into the mind of a new UnSub known as "The Fan," who idolizes serial killers and wants to prove he's better than them. Storrie's character adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, and Rodriguez hinted that his storyline will have ripple effects throughout the season. "Connor's arc is just beginning," he teased.
What's Next for Alvez?
As Season 19 progresses, Alvez will continue to grapple with his grief while hunting a new breed of predator. Rodriguez promised that the season would test the BAU in ways fans haven't seen before. "There's a lot of pain, but also hope," he said. "Alvez is a fighter. He'll find his way back." With guest stars like Justin Kirk, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Clark Gregg joining the fray, Criminal Minds: Evolution is shaping up to be one of the most intense seasons yet. For a deeper dive into the season's psychological thrills, check out our full Season 4 review.
Don't miss new episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution streaming Thursdays on Paramount+.
