Criminal Minds: Shocking Death Filmed Years Ago!
Criminal Minds fans were stunned by the shocking death of a beloved character, but the story of how that scene was filmed is even more surprising: it was shot years prior! The latest season of Criminal Minds: Evolution delivered a heartbreaking blow to viewers with the demise of Detective Will LaMontagne Jr., and what makes this even more intriguing is the revelation that actor Josh Stewart never actually returned to set for his final scene. Instead, a clever trick was employed using footage from years ago.
A.J. Cook, who plays Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, revealed the behind-the-scenes details, explaining why they opted to use a previously filmed scene rather than inviting Stewart back for a dedicated death scene. This decision underscores the significance of his character and the impact he had on the show's cast.
The Deleted Scene That Became Will's Final Bow in Criminal Minds
The shocking moment unfolded in the closing moments of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 2. As JJ enters her home, she's greeted by Will, only to witness him collapse suddenly. This scene was particularly jarring, considering Stewart's absence from Season 2 after his departure announcement.
However, the twist lies in the fact that Stewart's appearance in this scene was actually filmed back in 2022. It was originally intended for the cancer storyline in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 1, where Will's health was in jeopardy before his remission. The scene of him collapsing was ultimately cut at the time, providing a unique opportunity to be repurposed for this season.
Cook explained that the writers had to exercise considerable creativity to make the reused footage work seamlessly. Showrunner Erica Messer recognized the potential of the unused scene, piecing together the puzzle to create a cohesive and impactful moment.
Therefore, Will's aneurysm scene was effectively a deleted scene granted a second chance, skillfully employed to avoid the awkwardness of inviting Stewart back solely for a death scene. But the decision went beyond mere professional consideration.
The Emotional Toll on the Criminal Minds Cast
Despite Will's infrequent on-screen presence throughout his time on Criminal Minds, he held a significant place within the cast dynamic. His impact was palpable, making the decision not to bring Stewart back a testament to his importance to the show and its actors. Why was this decision made?
Cook emphasized the cast's reluctance to make Stewart think his character was going to die, highlighting the lengths they went to avoid any potential discomfort. The prospect of witnessing his character's demise firsthand would have been too emotionally taxing for the cast. While viewers may know it was a deleted scene, it doesn't diminish the emotional impact of Will's passing.
Although Will wasn't a core member of the BAU team, his relationship with JJ and his occasional contributions to cases were invaluable. Knowing that JJ had a loving family to return to after difficult cases provided a sense of comfort in a series filled with darkness. This impact justifies the decision to use a deleted scene rather than subject the cast to the emotional weight of filming Will's final moments.
New episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution continue to be available for streaming. The surprising way in which they handled the shocking death of Will LaMontagne Jr. will be remembered among Criminal Minds fans for years to come.