Warning! Spoilers ahead for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 6, “Hell is Empty…”Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 6 delivers an exhilarating cliffhanger as it kicks off a two-part storyline with “Hell is Empty…” and “…All the Devils Are Here.” The BAU successfully captures another one of Voit’s followers alive, but he leaves behind a cryptic message that becomes alarmingly clear. Penelope Garcia encounters Elias Voit for the first time since he awoke from his coma, and although she initially approaches him with caution, her demeanor shifts to one of unexpected friendliness and openness by the episode’s conclusion.

JJ’s obsessive tendencies continue to manifest as a concerning yet productive coping mechanism to navigate her grief. Meanwhile, Tara’s jealousy clouds her professional judgment regarding one of Rebecca’s former partners. Thanks to Dr. Ochoa’s assistance, Voit’s memories are resurfacing. Yet, even with Voit genuinely aligned with the BAU team in Criminal Minds: Evolution, they face an unforeseen threat that strikes just as the episode wraps up.

In-Depth Analysis of the Unsub and Case in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 6

A Simple Case Takes a Disturbing Turn as the Unsub Targets Someone Previously Considered Safe

Due to the overarching Sicarius narrative dominating each episode, even when the case-of-the-week intertwines with Voit’s criminal network, it often feels as though these individual cases lack the necessary focus. “Hell is Empty…” introduces intriguing components, such as the unsub’s eerie habit of allowing victims to make a final phone call, yet the psychological thriller elements feel underdeveloped. The unsub craves control over the timing of death, which is why he employs a detonator even after burying his victims alive.

Garcia’s ability to trace any unsub within the network with merely a few search terms diminishes the perceived depth of the investigative process, rendering it somewhat uninspired. Moreover, the specifics surrounding the initial deaths remain ambiguous—it’s unclear whether they were targeted or simply victims of opportunity, nor do we understand Kyle Mackey’s rationale for permitting a final phone call. While the shocking twist of him burying his own daughter is jarring, it lacks thorough explanation, with Kyle merely stating his intent was to inflict pain on his ex-wife.

While the unsubs are integral to the broader Sicarius network, Criminal Minds: Evolution occasionally overlooks their individual psychological disturbances. Kyle is notably the second Sicarius disciple to opt for arrest instead of suicide, hinting at a significant shift in the plan’s dynamics. As he is taken away, Kyle seems to issue a veiled threat to his ex-wife, uttering “this isn’t over,” but given the episode’s cliffhanger, it’s likely a cryptic challenge aimed at Emily Prentiss.

Penelope Garcia and Tyler Green Collaborate to Unlock Voit’s Next Memory

Penelope Garcia Encounters Voit for the First Time After His Awakening

Tyler Green continues to demonstrate his value to the BAU in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 6, as he adeptly navigates emotionally charged information regarding his sister. Voit had hoped that Alison’s nurturing nature might alleviate his dark impulses, but her kindness only provided a temporary reprieve. While Voit attempts to convey this painful reality in a straightforward manner, the emotional weight of the revelation is undeniably profound.

Despite his strong emotional tie to the situation, Tyler processes the heartbreaking news effectively, realizing it’s precisely this emotional connection that Voit used to discern who was permitted access to his nefarious inner circle, thus paving the way for a breakthrough in the investigation. While it’s satisfying for Tyler to receive the closure he craved, this dark confession warrants careful handling; it would be impactful to see Tyler share the newfound insights with his nephew, revealing that answers about his mother are finally within reach.

Fortunately for Tyler, he has the ideal emotional support in Penelope Garcia, who has not yet been given her due in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. Penelope volunteers to partner with Tyler, an initiative noted by Voit as a selfless act on her part. Initially, Penelope appears somewhat hostile towards Voit, despite the fact that he has undergone significant neurological changes. Penelope’s desire to see the good in Voit was evident during the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 premiere, but her frosty demeanor begins to thaw as the episode progresses.

She facilitates a connection between Voit and Tyler by assembling a computer circuit board. Interestingly, there’s a light-hearted moment when Penelope raises an eyebrow flirtatiously in response to Voit’s quip, “You solder, I screw.” Quickly, Penelope employs her powerful laptop to interface with the new Sicarius network, successfully deciphering the code as per Voit’s guidance. Although Voit is not involved with the latest iteration of the website, her actions raise concerns about potentially inviting digital threats. Observing the evolution of Penelope’s relationship with Voit will be intriguing as the story unfolds.

Despite Dr. Ochoa’s Assessment, The BAU Questions Voit’s Authenticity

Voit’s Chilling Ability to Adopt Character Traits Raises Concerns Among the BAU

Each evaluation appears to confirm that Voit has genuinely transformed, exhibiting measurable empathy. However, every new individual learning about Voit’s amnesia raises doubts about whether this change is genuine or merely a façade. Additionally, Tara Lewis has expressed her apprehension that each resurfacing memory could reignite his sociopathic tendencies.

At the episode’s outset, Voit masterfully embodies the role of Sicarius during his exchanges with Ronald Garber, also known as The Brutal Man from Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 5. He effortlessly adopts his cold, emotionless persona, recounting the harrowing details of murdering Ronald’s entire family and observing Ronald’s struggles within the foster care system without flinching.

Voit’s ability to manage these fresh memories while delivering a disturbingly convincing performance for Ronald is unsettling, hinting that he may be tapping into his former malevolence in increasingly significant ways. The BAU itself grapples with how to discern whether Voit’s behavior remains genuine or is simply a well-crafted act. Fortunately, Dr. Ochoa possesses a portable test that reaffirms Voit’s transformation, indicating he is indeed his new self and not reverting back to his old ways — at least for now.

JJ Reveals a Troubling Pattern Within the Sicarius Network

JJ’s Work Obsession Serves as a Distraction from Grief While Providing Productivity

Criminal Minds: Evolution continues to build the narrative surrounding JJ’s fixation on the Sicarius storyline, which serves as a means of avoiding her grief over Will’s untimely death. JJ finds herself obsessively rewatching the Sicarius/Brutal Man interview footage, prompting Emily Prentiss to gently insist that she take a break, yet JJ returns to work before anyone else, armed with a fully developed theory.

JJ proposes that each killer within the Sicarius network is activated only after the previous one has been eliminated, indicating a calculated system of communication among members. This unsettling hypothesis amplifies the stakes for the BAU, while simultaneously underscoring that JJ is using the hunt as an escape from her emotional turmoil.

Tara Lewis’s Jealousy Arc Adds Humor Yet Detracts from Her Professional Credibility

Tara’s Actions and Rebecca’s Reactions Undermine Their Likability

Tara and Rebecca’s subplot aims to inject humor but comes across as awkward and clunky. Tara encounters a former partner of Rebecca’s, “Law School Evan,” and becomes convinced he is attempting to rekindle a romance when he invites them over for dinner. Tara’s interpretation of an innocent gesture, such as a man adjusting his tie, appears overly dramatic and misguided.

I feared that Criminal Minds: Evolution was heading towards a potential threesome scenario following Emily’s shocking admission to JJ last week, but the reality turned out to be far more innocent yet awkward for Tara: Evan intended to introduce “Becca” to his fiancée. While incorporating a comedic subplot can help balance the serious tone of Criminal Minds, having Tara exhibit such aggressive and misguided behavior ultimately undermines her professional credibility.

Criminal Minds: Evolution persistently attempts to develop the relationship between Tara and Rebecca, positioning them as the new central couple to fill the void left by JJ and Will. However, it is disconcerting to observe that Rebecca seems attracted to Tara’s jealousy. This dynamic feels somewhat toxic, diminishing my investment in their relationship, despite the show’s efforts to engage viewers. Their elevator farewell was filmed using awkward over-the-shoulder angles, which unnecessarily highlighted their height differences.

The Cliffhanger Ending of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 6 Puts the BAU at Risk of a Scheme Beyond Voit’s Control

Next Week’s Episode “…All The Demons Are Here” Will Begin with Quantico Under Lockdown

Ronald Graber, known as the Brutal Man, ominously quoted Shakespeare: “Hell is empty, and all the Devils are here.” JJ has discerned a pattern indicating that the Sicarius network appears to be orchestrating a series of murders, but the new unsub Kyle leaves the BAU with a chilling question: why restrict their operations to only one serial killer at a time? This revelation implies that the network’s potential for escalation surpasses the BAU’s expectations, suggesting a coordinated chaos that could spiral out of control.

<em>Criminal Minds: Evolution</em> season 3, episode 6 concludes with a tense lockdown at Quantico. Ronald donned a specific mask used in Japanese Noh theater that symbolizes a tortured ghost, and an identical mask is ominously delivered to the BAU, triggering the lockdown. Ronald’s message may not be as metaphorical as the BAU initially presumed.

While Voit’s memories continue to return, there are still significant gaps. Although he may have initiated a scheme, it could very well be beyond his current control. When he and Penelope infiltrate the network, Voit observes that the encryption is far more sophisticated than the one he originally created. Voit managed to convince Ronald of his identity as Sicarius by revealing their shared history. If the network is already communicating with one another and recognizing that Sicarius is no longer a threat, the stakes are alarmingly high in Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Enjoy ScreenRant’s comprehensive coverage? Click below to sign up for my weekly Network TV newsletter (ensure to check “Network TV” in your preferences) to receive exclusive insights from actors and showrunners about your favorite series.

SIGN UP NOW!