Criminal Minds: Evolution Trailer Easter Egg You Most Likely Missed
Please bear with me as I adjust my forensic psychology cap and flex my "what if" muscles.
After seeing the Criminal Minds: Evolution trailer again, my little detective hairs started tingling. I felt certain the show's producers had hidden a few "Easter eggs." Scrolling through the comments convinced me I wasn't the only one who thought so.
Let's begin with one of the most obvious; a voiceover states the UnSub was active during the years 2005-2020. As we know, these dates correspond with Criminal Mind's 15-season run. What we don't know is if this is just a throwaway comment or if there's some importance to the statement. On the surface, it appears just a nod to the show's run, but appearances can be deceiving. Could it be an important clue and key to solving the case?
Before the above-mentioned audio, a voice refers to the "Witching Hour." This represents a recurring period of time when a baby cries inconsolably for hours without a physical cause such as injury, hunger, or gas pains. Experts have stated these babies should be ignored and allowed to "cry it out." The problem with this being that a baby who experiences consistent emotional neglect often develops into an angry, troubled individual who enjoys inflicting pain on others. You know, like a serial killer.
Okay, so this next part is a major reach, but please "what if" along with me for a moment. Much has been made of Prentiss and Rossi's new look. The characters' gray hair draws attention to their age and seniority within the unit. Both are obviously old enough to be parents. What if Prentiss gave a child up for adoption or maybe Rossi was unaware he'd fathered a child? It's far-fetched, but not beyond the realm of possibility. It could be considered retribution since they state the UnSub has been "setting us up the whole time."
The last bit I'll mention for now isn't so much an Easter egg as it is a teaser. Before the trailer ends, the team gathers around the table just like before— with a noticeable difference. The eye is drawn to Reid's empty chair. Why is it there? Why not just remove it? There's no need for an extra chair since the only people allowed in the room are those directly involved in the investigation.
Is it a hint that either he'll return or that someone new will fill his empty chair? I want to believe Prentiss and Rossi had a secret love child who turns out to be Reid. Reid the serial killer. He could've studied how they thought and operated for years, even manipulating investigations if he so desired. Wow. Yeah, not likely, but it's fun to "what if."