In the world of Criminal Minds: Evolution, few characters have undergone as radical a transformation as Elias Voit. Once a cold-blooded serial killer who orchestrated a network of murderers, Voit has evolved into a remorseful informant for the BAU—a man grappling with a newfound conscience. But as Season 19's explosive finale made clear, redemption is a messy, dangerous road.
Zach Gilford, who has portrayed Voit since the revival series began, sat down to unpack the jaw-dropping events of the finale. In the episode, Voit escapes custody in a desperate bid to save his daughter from the clutches of a twisted fan known as The Fan (Justin Kirk). The confrontation raises a chilling question: has Voit inadvertently spawned another monster?
“If he just spawned another monster, it’s the worst thing that could have happened,” Gilford says, reflecting on the finale’s implications. “That’s his biggest fear—that his daughter might become like him.”
Voit’s Tunnel Vision: Saving His Daughter at Any Cost
Throughout Season 19, Voit has been laser-focused on one goal: protecting his family. His escape isn’t a bid for freedom—it’s a suicide mission driven by paternal instinct. “I think he’s just so tunnel vision with saving his daughter,” Gilford explains. “He doesn’t really care if he dies. He’s said over the last couple of seasons, ‘Kill me. I don’t want to live anymore.’ But now, he’s just focused on what has to happen.”
This single-mindedness puts Voit on a collision course with The Fan, a podcast-obsessed admirer who wants to prove he’s worthy of the “God status” Voit once claimed. Their face-to-face clash is a highlight of the season, and Gilford credits co-star Justin Kirk for bringing an unpredictable energy to the role. “I loved working with him. I couldn’t believe I got to direct him,” Gilford says, referring to his directorial debut on the episode that introduced The Fan. “We didn’t rehearse much. I wanted it to feel alive, like I had no idea what I was walking into.”
Imaginary Rossi and Voit’s Internal Struggle
One of the season’s most intriguing elements is Voit’s conversations with an imaginary version of David Rossi (Joe Mantegna). These scenes serve as a window into Voit’s psyche, allowing him to wrestle with guilt and morality. “It helps gauge where Voit is mentally,” Gilford notes. “Otherwise, those scenes would just be very quiet.” The dynamic adds a layer of psychological depth, showing a man haunted by his past even as he tries to forge a better future.
But can Voit truly atone? The finale leaves that question hanging. His apology to Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) felt genuine, but Gilford hints that Voit’s motives are always complicated. “He’s not a psychopath anymore, but he’s still capable of manipulation,” he says. “He means it in the moment, but survival instincts kick in.”
Will Voit Return in Season 20?
As for Voit’s future on the show, Gilford is candid: “He won’t return in Season 20, but he could reappear later.” The door is left ajar, much like the fate of his daughter. “If she ends up like him, that’s the worst-case scenario,” Gilford says. “But it’s also the most interesting story to tell.”
With Criminal Minds: Evolution continuing to explore the gray areas of justice and redemption, Voit’s legacy—and his potential return—remains one of the series’ most compelling threads. For now, fans can only wonder if the monster has truly been tamed, or if he’s simply passed the torch.
