Summary

• Garcia's relationship with Alvez in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 is based on mutual respect, which is slightly different to her flirtatious dynamic with Derek Morgan.
• Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 is developing a side storyline with Tyler Green complicating Garcia and Alvez's situation.
• Showrunner Erica Messer confirms that any missing original character can return, including Morgan, but their reason must be personal, not professional.

There are certain differences between Penelope Garcia's relationship with Luke Alvez to Derek Morgan, and Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 has stagnated that narrative, with the pairing now stuck to being friends.

In an interview with TV Insider, Vangsness discusses Garcia's relationship with Alvez, and how it compares to her well-loved dynamic with Morgan. Granted that Criminal Minds never set up Shemar Moore's character with Garcia, there are hints of that playfulness in her interactions with Alvez. Read the Criminal Minds: Evolution star's comment below:

When you think about it, the whole Garcia-Morgan thing from the old days, it’s like everybody loved it, all of that. This is the new—I hate to say improved, but it’s like this is all based on mutual respect. Nobody is sexually harassing each other. ‘Wait a minute, is that a line? Did we just cross a line?’ There’s no lines, but it’s the same degree of energy without necessarily feeling like, I feel like this is an unsafe work environment, which one could argue it was,” she said. “And so I love that about it because we’re going through this evolution thing that you can actually be sparkier without having to really hit on that horn.

Will Derek Morgan Ever Appear In Criminal Minds: Evolution?

The BAU Needs Morgan

For context, Moore has already made it clear that he is open to reprising the role.

Despite their botched date after the original show's ending, Alvez clearly still likes Garcia. Starting a fling with Tyler Green made their situation more complicated — something that Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 is developing on the side as the BAU scrambles to figure out Gold Star while also trying to keep Elias Voit in prison. Currently, it doesn't seem like the Paramount+ revival is actively working to get Garcia and Alvez together, which makes sense, considering Green is now an official Criminal Minds: Evolution cast member. That said, Morgan coming back may change this.

Behind Morgan and Garcia's flirtations, they are just really good friends. So, if Moore reprises his beloved procedural character, it may not be just to help the BAU with a case. Instead, he can also talk some sense to Garcia about her chaotic dating life. These are already two solid reasons for the character to return. For context, Moore has already made it clear that he is open to reprising the role. The only reason he hasn't is that he hasn't been invited yet. Perhaps this can be remedied as Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 is already confirmed.

Showrunner Erica Messer did say that they can bring any missing original characters to Criminal Minds: Evolution, including Morgan, and even Matthew Gray Gubler's Spencer Reid. That said, the reason for their return must be something personal instead of professional. Considering the situation that Garcia is currently dealing with, that certainly falls into that category, especially if she is the one who reaches out to him for some help.

Source: TV Insider