Paramount+’s Criminal Minds: Evolution returns for its 19th season, thrusting the BAU into a cat‑and‑mouse game with a copycat killer dubbed “The Fan.” Actor Adam Rodriguez says Luke Alvez’s personal tragedy – the death of his dog Roxy – drives the new emotional depth of the show.

Luke Alvez’s grief over Roxy fuels Season 19’s core drama

Rodriguez explained that Alvez’s mourning was deliberately kept vague at the start of the season to hook viewers, noting, “We just wanted to get everyone invested and make it feel personal.” The loss of Roxy, a military‑trained canine, is presented as a pivotal moment that tests Alvez’s resilience and forces the BAU to confront their own vulnerabilities.

Behind the scenes: the challenge of acting with non‑verbal canine co‑stars

Rodriguez described filming scenes with Roxy’s stand‑in dogs as “a huge challenge,” because the animals cannot deliver dialogue and their behavior can be unpredictable. He praised director Anthony Viietro for guiding the crew through these obstacles , saying the payoff felt like “a celebration when you finally get it right.”

Connor Storrie’s expanded role after Episode 4 performance

Guest star Connor Storrie, originally slated for a single appearance,earned a larger part after impressing the production team. Rodriguez, who also directed the episode, noted that Storrie’s performance prompted writers to extend his storyline beyond the initial plan.

Season 19’s new villain: The Fan’s copycat terror

The narrative centers on a copycat killer who idolizes the BAU’s past foes , raising the stakes for the team already reeling from personal loss. According to the series briefing, this antagonist is designed to “outdo their idol,” pushing the unit into uncharted investigative territory.

Who will survive the emotional and physical battles?

The show leaves two key uncertainties: whether Alvez can fully process Roxy’s death without compromising his field work, and how the BAU will neutralize The Fan before the copycat’s ambition escalates. The source does not reveal how long the expanded arc for Connor Storrie will run, leaving fans to speculate on future plot twists.