Adam Rodriguez returns as Luke Alvez in Season 19 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, and according to Rodriguez, audiences are about to see a side of the veteran profiler that hasn’t been explored in years.
Premiering May 28 on Paramount+, the new season places Luke at the center of one of the series’ most emotionally powerful storylines as he confronts lingering trauma, grief, PTSD, and the lasting impact of losing his former partner Phil Brooks.
In our conversation, Rodriguez discussed Luke’s emotional state, the responsibility of portraying mental health struggles honestly, and why one early-season episode may resonate far beyond the world of Criminal Minds.
About Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19
Criminal Minds: Evolution returns May 28 on Paramount+ with two episodes, followed by weekly releases through July 23.
As the BAU investigates a series of chilling new cases, Elias Voit attempts to atone for his past while a dangerous new adversary known only as “The Fan” emerges from the shadows.
The season stars Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Zach Gilford, RJ Hatanaka, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster.
Watch The Full Interview
Topics Covered
- Returning for Season 19 of Criminal Minds: Evolution
- Luke Alvez’s emotional and mental state this season
- Exploring PTSD, grief, trauma, and thoughts of suicide
- Why Episode 2 is one of the series’ most emotional installments
- Luke’s bond with Garcia and the BAU family
- The lasting impact of Phil Brooks’ death
- Luke’s relationship with Roxy
- The importance of asking for help
- Potential cameos and returning faces
- The possibility of a Criminal Minds feature film
- And more!
Luke Alvez Faces His Most Personal Battle Yet
Rodriguez explained that Season 19 gives Luke some of his most emotionally demanding material in years, requiring him to revisit deep trauma that has lingered beneath the surface since the death of his former partner Phil Brooks.
While Criminal Minds often focuses on the horrors the BAU encounters professionally, this season shifts some of that attention inward, forcing Luke to confront unresolved pain, guilt, and emotional exhaustion.
According to Rodriguez, stepping into that space was both exciting and intimidating as an actor because it challenged him to explore layers of the character audiences rarely get to see.
Why Episode 2 Could Be One Of Criminal Minds’ Most Important Episodes
One of the strongest parts of our discussion centered around Episode 2 and its exploration of mental health.
Without revealing spoilers, Rodriguez spoke about the importance of portraying struggles surrounding PTSD, grief, depression, and thoughts of suicide with honesty and care. More importantly, he emphasized the message that asking for help is not weakness.
Rodriguez hopes audiences take away one simple but powerful truth:
There is always hope, and no one has to face those battles alone.
He also noted that the episode isn’t just intended for people experiencing those struggles themselves. It’s equally important for friends, family members, and loved ones who may need to recognize when someone around them is hurting and be willing to ask difficult questions.
The Importance of Garcia’s Friendship
Another aspect Rodriguez highlighted was the support system surrounding Luke.
Throughout the season, relationships within the BAU continue playing a critical role, particularly the people who recognize when something isn’t right.
That support becomes a reminder that healing often starts with someone simply paying attention, checking in, and refusing to let a friend suffer in silence. The dynamic serves as one of the emotional anchors of Luke’s journey this season.
A Family That Doesn’t Want To Leave
Nineteen seasons into the franchise’s run, Rodriguez still speaks about the cast and crew with enormous affection.
When asked about the future of Criminal Minds, Rodriguez revealed he would love to see the franchise continue evolving, even suggesting that a feature film could be the next logical step. He described the cast, crew, and creative team as one of the most rewarding professional families he’s ever been part of and joked that many of them would happily continue making the show for years to come.
For fans wondering whether the franchise still has stories left to tell, Rodriguez clearly believes the answer is yes.
Luke Alvez’s Most Personal Case Yet
What makes Season 19 particularly compelling is that it isn’t just another case-of-the-week procedural.
At its heart, the season examines trauma, resilience, friendship, and the importance of reaching out when life becomes overwhelming.
For Luke Alvez, that journey may be one of the most personal and vulnerable stories the character has ever experienced, and Rodriguez appears ready for audiences to see every layer of it.
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