Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 Review: ‘The Zookeeper’

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 ‘The Zookeeper’ begins in romantic bliss for one couple, ends in tragedy for another…and has an extra-disturbing investigation along the way. The hour also marks the first appearance for Aimee Garcia as Dr. Ochoa, and although Garcia most definitely doesn’t disappoint in the role, it’s difficult to decide whether there’s something off about the doctor — and if so, what? Is she sketchy, or is she being duped by the master manipulator? — or what. Are we looking at a medical miracle for Voit, or is he somehow bending science itself to his will? The jury’s still out on whether or not the big twist is something we’ll ultimately support or look back on like “…y’all, this ain’t sci-fi.” But for now, this series certainly has us racking our brains as we try to figure out what is going on.

(So, really, we’re all honorary members of the BAU at this point, seeing as how they’re equally stumped.)

When it comes to ‘The Zookeeper,’ the one thing we’re absolutely sure about is how brilliant Aisha Tyler’s directing is. (But, real talk: Should we start worrying about the dark recesses of her mind, given that she also directed last season’s ‘Piranha,‘ which was also disturbing AF — for lack of a way of describing it?) From that opening scene that just screams “female gaze,” to all the stylistic choices that deepen the darkness of UnSub Clyde Smets’ actions, to even the way the camera makes us feel as uncomfortably studied as Voit does, and so much more, Tyler’s work just elevates this hour.

On its own, the story itself also contains some really interesting elements. Perhaps most notably, Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 presents us with some stark contrasts. There’s the (literal) look inside Voit’s head that reveals what should be hopeful news…versus Smets’ death with neither consequences nor redemption. And then, there’s that lightness at the beginning, which makes both the sadness at the end and all the horrors throughout hit that much harder. Not to mention, there’s a comparison to be made between Tara, who has plenty of family around her — the BAU, obviously — despite her “you can’t fire me because I quit” approach to romance, and these girls Smets “tames” and murders who, for the most part, truly have no one looking for them.

Put all of that together, and ‘The Zookeeper’ is yet another strong episode of this series that will likely stick with us. (Anyone else’s head too full of scary AF Criminal Minds stories to count them all, though?)

MORE: See what we thought when we first heard about Aimee Garcia joining the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution.

The Zookeeper

Criminal Minds has had many, many F—ed up UnSubs over the years, and The Zookeeper fits right in among some of the worst of them. The way he manages to “tame” his victims, to the point where they will literally do anything — and have no response to the suffering of others because they only seem to be capable of responding to him — is utterly chilling. That he shows his latest victim, Tia, the results of his work with his previous one somehow makes it all worse. And even before we get to that point, watching the quick clips of the way he breaks Sabrina down until he has her singing along with him, dancing for him — whatever he wants, whenever he wants it — puts Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 into outright horrifying territory. Even for this series.

The guest cast is excellent here. Without the completely robotic and mentally absent way Taiana Tully’s Sabrina moves around Tia, or Sadie Stanley’s performance as a terrified victim, or the Grade A level of creep Elden Henson brings to his role, this whole scenario could easily come across as so bizarre as to be a parody. It’s difficult to go to deep into the material presented here because it’s just so much. But the thought of having a straight razor in your hands, able to kill the guy who’s held you as a prisoner and done God knows what to you — to save yourself and the girl pleading you to just call the police — and not even having the capacity to think about anything other than obeying…is such a nightmare.

Despite the previous network-related case also ending with the UnSub taking his own life so we kind of knew to expect it, something about the way Smets takes his, with that deranged smirk, “playtime is over,” and ending with his completely emotionless throat-slashing just makes one’s skin crawl. That a case this dark connects to the bigger story should make us worry about what else this season may have coming for us. And this is now, officially, the second dead end on figuring out where Orlov has disappeared to, why the attack on Voit in prison, and what exactly is going on here.

MORE: Some thoughts on the Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 premiere. Can’t believe we already have a scarier UnSub than “drown you under the pool cover guy,” but here we are.

“Back among the living, I see”

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 presents us with an Elias Voit whose body is awake but whose inner monster is either sleeping or dead. He forgets everything except “Second Street,” which was once a hunting ground. The only other thing he remembers — assuming we’re to believe this is all genuine and not an act — is Rossi. But the brain isn’t quite making the right connections there. For some reason, his broken mind sees Rossi and supplies “…dad?” For as fascinating as the relationship between this two men has been all along, from Voit studying Rossi’s books, to nearly killing him, to winding up in his head, to everything else we’ve seen, this adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Voit’s father was a monster. The only other father figure he had was his uncle, who was also a monster and had a hand in turning Lee Duval into the man we know now. Rossi, on the other hand, is Rossi. Yes, he and Voit have had a toxic, combative, relationship. But no, Rossi’s not like those other men.

Then again, Voit once characterized Rossi’s books as a “how-to” guide, so maybe Dave helped mold him more than we think. Also related to those books: Perhaps we’re supposed to think of the serial killer as someone who, before he became this, dreamed of someone like the author of all those books being his father instead of the pair of abusive figures he’d known in that role. Or maybe, the rage we see when Dave stomps into that hospital room creates that negative/terrifying association for Voit so that’s why his damaged memory makes such a leap.

Another plausible interpretation, and obviously the simplest one: Sicarius is playing a very long, very creative game and knows this — of all things — will upset Agent Rossi the most. That “Dad. Sorry. I need you bad” note would strongly support that theory. Given everything we learned about the Gold Star kids and how the right set of circumstances created serial killers, Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 at least appears to be setting up the possibility for posing the question of whether it’s possible to find the person someone like Voit could’ve been without all of that abuse. Alternatively, was Sicarius’ rise inevitable?

Whether or not a viewer is interested in the theoretical aspect of this story, one thing is certain: Zach Gilford continues to deliver incredible performances in this role. Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 allows him to do something he has very rarely done while playing Voit — show real, true vulnerability. The way he stumbles around that hospital room, or fidgets when he’s uncomfortable with the questions during his assessments, or smiles those shy, pleased smiles whenever someone tells him he did a good job is truly remarkable. And when the performance calls for Gilford to show real, genuine fear, we not only believe the character is nothing more than a terrified child — it also calls to mind a more stripped down version of Voit’s reaction to his daughter’s attempt on his life.

Somewhere in there is the same guy we’ve known all along, but here, we also have a stranger. A brilliant dichotomy. But is this just another award-worthy performance from both actor and character? No clue. However, something stands out here: In the past, Voit has relished playing with Rossi, holding information over his head. He’s had a similar love for taunting other BAU members, too. But when Rossi asks about The Zookeeper (twice!), Voit…has nothing for him. If he’s just playing another game, is it about something — or someone — else this time?

We can’t wait to find out.

MORE: Some thoughts on Voit’s reaction to his daughter trying to kill him back in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 17 Episode 4.

Major character death in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 would be a great hour for AJ Cook even without what happens to JJ’s family in the end. JJ and Penelope have that fun back-and-forth about planning for Michael’s birthday party at the beginning of the episode, and Cook instantly switches from that playful tone to the giant WTF over the Voit news. Then, throughout the hour, she gives us the smaller — yet equally important — moments that really make up a character. The little smile and pat on Tyler’s back when Emily tells everyone the request to keep him with the BAU has been approved, the side-by-side expressions of disgust (again with Emily) over the UnSub’s actions and empathy for the victims during the briefing about the case, her quiet and cautious approach to that interview with Sabrina’s sister…it all stands out.

As good as all of that is, though, what Cook does in her last couple of scenes is nothing short of showstopping. Even before Will meets his untimely demise, JJ deals with a lot there at the end. Cooks’ portrayal of the character’s near-frozen horror at hearing Henry and his friend talk about something involving her cuts straight to the heart. This is someone who has not, in fact, gotten over that BAU-Gate trauma, and the thought of her son seeing any of those faked images is terrifying.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 sets up that trigger earlier in the hour, with the faked voicemail and photos Smets puts out there so no one will look for Tia. From a storytelling standpoint, it works. But to bring that back up, make it only a close call with the kids, and then have that happen to her husband…is almost cruel. Whether it makes for great TV or not. (It does.) Besides, isn’t this how life happens? One awful thing after the next, and just when you think you’re out of the woods…boom.

The ending image, of a JJ that is so small, so heartbroken, and so alone — in spite of the entire BAU family staring back at her — is a stunning one. That Cook adds this sense of disbelief, and just not even knowing what’s happening or how to wake up and stop it, to the moment is spot on. When something so unexpected, so sudden, and so life-altering happens, we often face far too many feelings at once. One of them is most certainly that out of body sort of experience, and she nails that (and everything else) here.

What does it feel like to go from being anxious about celebrating your youngest’s birthday, to losing your husband in the middle of what you thought was just another day? Probably exactly like…this.

MORE: For what it’s worth, we’d very much prefer the fun of Jemily both being high over all this pain.

More on Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2

• So, I was going to do some kind of separate section on Tara and Rebecca, but I honestly don’t even know what to say. It’s just so gorgeously shot, with real passion, and playfulness, and joy between these two women. Despite the slight mood change after Rebecca mentions Tara’s “instincts,” there’s more a sense of discomfort than “this is all going to end badly again.” Then, of course, it all goes to sh— when they get those messages about Voit. Just gorgeous work from Aisha Tyler and Nicole Pacent in that opener…
• …and a giant F you to anyone who has a problem with queer representation — on TV or anywhere else.
• “Yeah yeah. Hi. Remember me? I’m your friend, and I really like helping.” And I really like how you’re wagging that pen back and forth while you’re listening to her.
• SHE IS SO EXCITED ABOUT BIRTHDAY CAKE OPTIONS. PENELOPE GARCIA, NEVER CHANGE.”
• “Mistress Penelope Grace. The LaMontange-Jareau family thanks you for your service.” I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM???
• The way Rossi stomps into that hospital, though. And the intensity on Joe Mantegna’s face when we focus solely on Rossi, right after the initial glance at all three agents looking into the room through the blinds. Art.
• “For better or for worse, Mr. Voit may never be the same man ever again.” But will he be Lee Duval.
• “Oh. It’s so cute when folks think that a deleted computer history is meaningless.”
• Everyone’s little grins when they hear about Tyler staying.
• “Nice! That must mean you get an actual…service weapon now.” “Awwwww. Big boy bullets!” STOP. MY HEART. He’s family!
• As far as we know, Voit’s just another patient for Dr. Ochoa at this point, so her warm compassion and trust is what would normally make sense during Tara’s evaluation. But the difference between that and the way Dr. Lewis searches so hard for anything that seems off and, at some points, actually starts to look ever so slightly less sure — puzzled even — whenever Voit acts like someone who truly doesn’t remember. Because we know we can trust Tara, her reactions make everything about the totally-normal hospital, and this newcomer of a doctor, just feel wrong, somehow.
• For what it’s worth, I’d probably lean toward absolutely refusing to buy the BS the way Rossi and Alvez are. Their anger and frustration both feel so real.
• “I’d bet every pair of glasses I own this is not gonna be a cute cat video.”
• Someone, please hug Penelope. She is so sad when she has to answer whether or not she thinks Sabrina’s still alive.
• Why does he have to be so cute when we know he’s such a menace???
• “I am gonna need a sh—load of science on this one for me to believe Voit.” Same, Emily. So much same.
• But wouldn’t the most shocking outcome of all be finding out…he’s…really…different???
• “And you know. What really gets my blood up is that the local authorities are like, ‘oh! sex workers. And domestic abuse. Annnnd drugs. So. Couldn’t possibly be that they are actually missing. They must’ve gone and went and changed their lives.’ So, they didn’t follow up on the missing persons reports.” GET THEM, PENELOPE.
• Dave. You should know better than to make promises like that.
• Lookit: I love me some loud music. Screams? Fine! Let’s rock!!! But the difference in volume, and that coming out of nowhere? Might or might not have covered my ears and jumped out of my seat.
• The light coming down from above and hitting this girl’s face just so!
• Another image to remember: Sabrina’s blood splattered on Tia’s face a certain kind of way with that single tear. And then Creepy McCreep being all “playtime is over” with his Creepy McCreep twist of his mouth.
• “Hello. AI? It’s not that hard.” Y’all gotta stop using the copyright theft machine that’s killing the planet, is what I’m saying.
• JJ giving Dave that reassuring rub on his arm when he’s beating himself up about that promise. Again, if we take a look ahead, it’s moments like this that make the way everyone shows up for her that much more meaningful…and her experiencing any loss, whatsoever, that much more gutting.
• “Voit taught him all this sh—!”
• Ok but now who’s the dangerous one, Dave? Hmmm???
• “…emotional reassurance he gets from spending time with his ‘father.’” It’s the way Tara is…sarcastic and kind stage whispering on the “father” part for me.
• “Dave has made it crystal clear to me that he will never roleplay as Voit’s dad just so we can tease out some of his memories.” …and now, it’s JJ’s little head roll for me. Plus, Emily is tired. She has been having this conversation with Dave and not getting through that brick wall of his stubbornness, huh.
• “I need help maintaining my longterm relationships” So interesting that this is one of the questions Voit stutters on when he answers it with the “never.” Compare that to him seeming…upset, almost offended, on this next one? “How about: I don’t feel guilty after doing things other people consider wrong.”
• “Voit is a psychopath.” “Not anymore.” WHAT.
• “We don’t have time to F— around here!” Rossi has zero control over his rage in this episode, and I’m here for it.
• Impotent, pathetic, white male rage tantrum from Smets.
• GET HIM TIA.
• Look how soft Tyler gets when she looks up at him. RJ Hatanaka has seriously been such a great addition to this cast.
• …see also: the reaction when Tyler realizes he’s lost Smets after just having Rossi remind him they need to take this guy alive.
• Dave knows what a “CO. DEC.” is now!
• “…the unenviable task of delivering the death notifications…” Uh. About that.
• Wait. Couple more things first…
• Super moment from Brewster and Mantegna right before Dave goes to talk to Sabrina’s sister.
• Can I please get reassuring phone calls from Penelope Garcia when I think I’ve messed up???
• “What did you think it was?” HER FROZEN AF FACE HERE AND AWKWARD LOOK IN HER EYES. “Huh? Your friend just called me a bada—.” Plus, that sing-song “I’m a bada—ssss.”
• …the immediate relief when she turns her back.
• “I made that promise to Elsie because I was distracted. Even though I don’t see Voit in my head anymore, he’s left a scar. It’s given me a blindspot.”
• “I’m saying I have to start playing ‘Father Knows Best’ with that jagoff.”
• EMILY’S FACE.
• …ok but now, let’s talk about how Emily’s line about death notifications is about to bite us in the a—…
• “Where’s JJ?”
• All of them. Help.
• Quick question: Will this death cause Tara to realize “life is short” and all that good stuff so that she goes all in with Rebecca…or will she want to run so she can avoid that kind of pain?”
• Jemily when.

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 Episode 2 ‘The Zookeeper’? Leave us a comment!

New episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution stream Thursdays on Paramount+.