Warning: The following contains spoilers for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 1-3.

AJ Cook reveals how the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) team will handle her character JJ's grief in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 2, the third episode of the new season explores the immediate aftermath and sees JJ barely hold everything together while trying to come to with her own grief, planning a funeral, and being there for her two children and Will's mother.

In an interview with ScreenRant's Alisha Grauso, Cook teases what season 3 has in store for JJ, who has traditionally been the glue of those around her. The actor shares that JJ will "maybe be unhinged a few times" and "maybe not make some great decisions," but at the same time, she's around a team of profilers, who "know where you are five steps before you're even there." Check out her comments below:

Well, that’s the thing with working with a bunch of profilers - they know where you are five steps before you’re even there. You know that. So this whole game of chicken, it doesn’t really exist. I think there’s almost a relief in not having to try to cover it up, because I know that they’re five steps ahead of me in any way. Everyone’s on high alert when they’re around JJ, making sure she’s okay, but at the same time, giving space for her to grieve because that’s what they want more than anything. They just want her to let it out.

What AJ Cook's Comment Means For JJ In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Has A Full Grief Arc Planned For JJ

JJ has been the glue in the BAU, but it seems that this will be the season where she'll rely more on the team's guidance. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 3 has hinted at how the team will serve as her system and lifeline for the days to come and sees David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) being able to help resolve the conflict between JJ and Will's mother. Spencer's (Matthew Gray Gubler) last-minute appearance also provides enormous emotional for JJ.

At the same time, Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) have been paying JJ house visits while trying to give her space. In the same interview with AJ Cook, the actor also promised a dynamic change in the new season as the story further explores "all the levels of grief." Cook's comment highlights these subtle hints in the episode and explains how it'll continue to evolve during the rest of the season.

Our Take On JJ's Arc In Criminal Minds: Evolution

The BAU Team Will Safeguard JJ

Will has been a rock in JJ's life. His consistent offered JJ the ability to pursue her career while having a family at the same time. Losing Will after 18 years of marriage turns JJ's life upside down, but in season 3, episode 3, she can't even have a moment to grieve him properly. AJ Cook's profiler is no stranger to loss, having lost her sister in the past. While the first loss shaped her to become the person she is, how Will's death will affect JJ is currently unknown.

Even though Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 3, has made fans collectively worry about JJ, it sounds like she's in good hands, being around a team of experienced profilers. Based on Cook's comments, it sounds like JJ may spiral while coming to with her grief, but the BAU team will safeguard her and pull her back when she goes too far.

Criminal Minds: Evolution is streaming on Paramount+.

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