Criminal Minds: Evolutionstar Zach Gilford has given his thoughts on having the opportunity to direct his second episode of the show. Gilford has had a recurring role in theCriminal Mindsspinoff series since it debuted in 2022, and his iconic part as serial killer Elias Voit has been one of the most compelling and interesting arcs in the show. Gilford has also been able to try his hand behind the camera, and directed theCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 2episode “North Star,” and is set to return to directing in season 3 as well.
In an interview withScreenRant,Gilford revealed that he will be helmingCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3, episode 7— the title of which is currently unknown. He stated that he was excited, but more nervous than on his first directorial effort, whilst discussing a little about his process and approach, and how liberating it was to have the freedom to make the kind of episode he wanted. Check out Gilford’s full comments below:
ScreenRant: You got to direct an episode last season with “North Star,” and it was really well received. Will you be directing anything this season?
Zach Gilford:“I’m doing episode 7 this season!”
Are you excited about that? Do you have ideas about what you’d like to do?
Zach Gilford:“I mean, I don’t have the script yet, but I’m really excited. I’m actually more nervous than I was the first time, I think because the first time went so well, and I lucked out because my script was one where… I mean, literally, of all the scripts I’ve read of Criminal Minds: Evolution, that one I connected to the most, that one was the most like, ‘I know how to do this. I know how to make this episode.‘So I’m nervous.
What’s my script going to be like this time? And I lucked into just an amazing cast on my episode, who kind of were the force behind it, between Felicity [Huffman] and Liana [Liberato] and David [Garelik]. And so, yeah, I’m nervous, but I’m excited.I mean, the only thing I really do is I keep a playlist of songs where I’m like, ‘This is cinematic,’ and I put it in my directing playlist [laughing]. Then when I read the script, it’s like, ‘Oh, that song could work.’ Or I’m like, ‘Oh man, I got to find a song here.’
I love that they gave me the freedom in my episode to really use music in a way that they don’t tend to very often on the show. It’s not like they don’t play songs, but I don’t know, I just love that kind of filmmaking, and they let me lean into it, and they were happy with it, and it’s just so supportive.
Erica [Messer, the showrunner] was like, ‘Just go make your episode, make it the way you want to make. You can’t deviate too far from Criminal Minds, but make your version of Criminal Minds.’ So it was fun.”
What This Means For Gilford’s Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Role
His Episode Could Serve To Enhance Voit’s Season Arc
Criminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3has produced one of the most interesting and engaging Voit arcs, with the serial killer losing his memories following a brain injury. There is a good chance that Gilford’s episode will enrich and expand on this, and explore the impact this twist has on the character and his place in the world ofCriminal Minds: Evolution. Gilford’s comments suggest he is more apprehensive this time as he feels his first directing experience went so well and is keen to ensure this one does too.
He points to the importance of a great script, and it is certainly the case that Gilford will be working closely with the writer, and ensuring he can tell the story in the best possible way visually. Of course, having strong actors for the story, as well as a deep understanding of the character, will be key to providing the ideal episode to improve and enhance the show, and give depth to Voit’s arc.
Our Take On Gilford’s Criminal Minds: Evolution Directorial Return
Expect More Voit-Centric Episodes & Gilford To Remain A Recurring Star
Gilford has been in a recurring role since the show started, and the fact that he is also directing episodes as well could ensure that he will continue to have a prominent role inCriminal Minds: Evolution. This also suggests there could be more Voit-centric episodes in the near future, and there is a good bet that Gilford could even direct future episodes inCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 4, assuming he has a role to play for the rest of season 3.
Criminal Minds
Cast
Criminal Minds follows an elite team of FBI profilers from the Behavioral Analysis Unit as they analyze the nation’s most complex criminal minds, led by experienced agent David Rossi. The team works to anticipate and prevent crimes by understanding the behavior of these dangerous individuals.
