Ahead of the upcoming season Criminal Minds: Evolution, we had the opportunity to interview Adam Rodriguez and Kirsten Vangsness. We don’t want to spoil a couple of things that happen in the first two episodes (which release this Thursday, June 6). So, we’ll be saving the majority of the footage for after you’ve had a chance to watch. But since we know the need for Garvez is real, and because Vangness and Rodriguez are so much fun together, we thought we’d share a little teaser before the big day.
As if anyone needed a reminder, last season was decidedly, uh…not great for Garvez. We suffered through the flashback to the dinner date from “clunky” and awkward hell. And then, there was Penelope’s relationship with Tyler Green. But we’re also pretty sure no one who wanted to see Garcia and Alvez together gave up based on those setbacks, which were minor compared to what a lot of ships go through. So, the obvious question ahead of the new season: What’s going on with with Luke and Penelope?
Rodriguez said we’ll be “exploring and evolving [their] relationship.” This will involve “building the foundation of any good relationship, regardless of what it’s ever going to be. And that is a true and deep friendship.” As far as where that foundation will lead us, Vangness reminded us that, as actors, they “know very little” about the ultimate destination. But, she told us, she loves how “somehow, the fans smell our chemistry.” So, even though “the writers are trying to write something else,” Garvez might just be a little bit too delicious to resist. “It’s the chocolate and the peanut butter. And it’s like, ‘well, it tastes great together. So stick with it.'”
Vangness and Rodriguez are both happy to do that. In fact, here’s a thought: Since the actors “have to dial it back sometimes,” and they “enthusiastically enjoy each other,” how about just giving them their own show? A sitcom, maybe? (Rodriguez’s idea — we’re not about stealing it or taking credit…but we’d totally watch. Just saying.)
Watch Adam Rodriguez and Kirsten Vangsness discuss Garvez here.
The first two episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 17 will be available to stream on Paramount+ beginning Thursday, June 6. The remaining episodes of the 10-episode season will release weekly.
