Warning: SPOILERS for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 4.The absence of original cast members has always been palpable inCriminal Minds: Evolution, but season 3, episode 4 unexpectedly made me miss one beloved character even more. Many classic characters are still part of theCriminal Minds: Evolutioncast, like Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), and David Rossi (Joe Mantegna). To round out the ensemble, later additions to theBehavioral Analysis Unit— namely, Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler) and Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez)— returned. Additionally,Criminal Minds: Evolutionintroduced two major characters: Rebecca Wilson (Nicole Pacent) and Tyler Green (Ryan Hatanaka).
Yet, despite the many familiar faces and exciting new antagonists,Criminal Minds: Evolutionoften feels like it’s missing something. Given how manycast members leftCriminal Mindsearly, it would be impossible to bring back every iconic character. Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) is dead in the procedural’s canon, whereas Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) and Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) both left the bureau. Other characters had unexplained departures, like Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Matthew Simmons (Daniel Henney). Though the intimate cast ofCriminal Minds: Evolutionfunctions well, there are still moments that prove certain characters were indispensable.
Penelope & Tyler Have A Flirtatious Phone Conversation In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 4
The Former Fling Still Has Chemistry
Criminal Minds: Evolutiontook a second to find its footing, and it shows in how many season 1 storylines have morphed or disappeared entirely over the years. After Tyler Green was brought in as a suspect during the BAU’s initial investigation into the Sicarius network, he and Penelope started on a tense note. Their hostility quickly dissolved into more romantic tension, and the pair began seeing each other against the direct orders of Emily Prentiss. Still, Penelope ended up breaking off their relationship, andCriminal Minds: Evolutionhas veered away from a workplace romance ever since.
Criminal Minds: Evolution’s love triangledidn’t fade entirely, however. In “I’m Fine. It’s Fine. Everything is Fine,” Tyler calls Penelope to give her information about an unsub the BAU is honing in on. Though initially caught off guard,Penelope engages in a playful, borderline flirty conversation. In true Garcia fashion, she quickly finds the critical information needed, and Tyler ends the phone call with an overtly flirtatious tone. The unresolved feelings between Penelope, Tyler, and Luke are convoluted, but not even a subtly romantic scene is enough to distract from the fact that Penelope already found her perfect match: Morgan.
Flirty Phone Calls Were Crucial To Garcia and Morgan’s Dynamic In Criminal Minds
The Phone Was What Connected Penelope & Derek
Derek and Penelope’s friendship inCriminal Mindswas one of the closest bonds ever portrayed in the original series. From Derek calling Penelope his“God-given solace”to Penelope seeking out Derek as her protector time after time, the pairing was arguably the best duo in all of Criminal Minds. The two were so close, many even speculated that Derek and Penelope would end up dating eventually, but the pair remained platonic throughout the series. The close friends each had alternative love interests, with Derek endingCriminal Mindsas a husband and father.
From the very first episode ofCriminal Minds, Penelope’s quirky demeanor made her a standout character, but Derek always matched her energy (for better or worse).
The root of Derek and Penelope’s relationship was their over-the-phone banter. From the very first episode ofCriminal Minds, Penelope’s quirky demeanor made her a standout character, but Derek always matched her energy (for better or worse). The two had a routine of using salacious language to chat with each other, which led to comedic moments of other characters unexpectedly hearing Derek call Penelope“princess”or“baby-girl”while Penelope described in detail her hypothetical fantasies about Derek. The phone calls between Derek and Penelope made for some ofCriminal Minds’ most iconic moments, and Tyler will unfortunately never come close.
Why Shemar Moore Left Criminal Minds (& Could He Return?)
Sadly, the dynamic duo were separated when Shemar Moore leftCriminal Mindsin season 11. After over a decade working on the show, Moore understandably wanted a change of pace. The time-consuming schedule of filming full seasons of network television, combined with the draining subject matter ofCriminal Minds, led the actor to part ways with the crime drama in 2016. Though many characters left before and after him,Derek Morgan’s presence was dearly missedfor the duration of the original series. Thankfully, Moore quickly landed another role in a well-known series.
After he was held hostage and his pregnant wife was shot, Derek Morgan quit the BAU inCriminal Mindsseason 11.
From 2017 to 2025,Shemar Moore portrayed Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson inS.W.A.T.The action series ran for eight seasons, but, ironically, it was originally meant to end after six. Following the announcement that CBS was cancelingS.W.A.T., public outcry forced the network’s hand and reversed the decision. Then, the seventh season was billed as the last, only forS.W.A.T.to be renewed one final time. Even though the flagship series is officially canceled permanently, there is aS.W.A.T.spinoffin the works for Moore’s Hondo.
S.W.A.T.andCriminal Minds: Evolutionare both streaming on Paramount+.
As a result, Derek Morgan’s future inCriminal Minds: Evolutionis unclear and largely dependent on the success of the spinoff. Now that the original series is done, it’s possibleShemar Moore could return with a cameo or small recurring role inCriminal Minds: Evolution. If the Hondo spinoff takes off, Moore will likely stay focused on that. Conversely, if— like many spinoffs lately— the next title in theS.W.A.T.franchise fails, Moore’s schedule would be clear in theory. Plus, withCriminal Minds: Evolutionfilming shorter seasons for Paramount+, it would be less of a commitment.
How Derek Morgan Could Return In Criminal Minds: Evolution
The Character Would Always Be A Welcome Surprise
Whether it’s a one-episode guest appearance or a return to the main cast, there are ways forCriminal Minds: Evolutionto set up Derek’s return. The most obvious tactic would be to use Penelope herself— maybe Elias Voit (Zach Gilford) puts her in danger or sends one of his proxy killers after her, leading the BAU to exhaust all resources finding her.Criminal Minds: Evolutioncould also set up a big personal moment, like a pregnancy or wedding. Similar to howReid returned inCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3for Will’s (Josh Stewart) funeral, Derek could easily come back temporarily.
Regardless of his role,Derek’s potential return toCriminal Minds: Evolutionwould have to make sense narratively speaking. Given that he quit rather than taking a sabbatical or being off on assignment,there’s no easy route for Agent Morgan to rejoin the BAU. Yet, given the unit’s involvement in such a high-profile case, it’s possible that Rossi, Emily, or everyone collectively could do their best to pull a few strings and get one of their strongest agents back in the field. Unfortunately, given Moore’s clear affection for Hondo, Derek Morgan’s return toCriminal Minds: Evolutionwill indefinitely remain a hypothetical.
