‘Criminal Minds’ Story Reveals Dangerous New UnSub In Season 16

Criminal MInds cast with text Criminal Minds above

The return of Criminal Minds for season 16 was confirmed by TVLine, where Paramount+ will stream the series. The elite FBI criminal profiler team will be challenged by the most ominous villain in its TV history. The villain is the UnSub, or unknown subject, who has used the recent pandemic to create a cell of serial killers. Season 16 starts with the serial killer cell already in operation, and the Criminal Minds team [Behavioral Analysis Unit] (BAU) must hunt the serial killers down as each murder occurs. The season is scheduled for 10 episodes. This is a classical criminal psychological offender. The FBI profilers will use psychology to investigate the murders and track the murderers down as they are known. 

The plot of the story for season 16 is exciting. First off, not all BAU members are set to return. For example, Matthew Gray Gubler and Daniel Henney are not returning to Criminal Minds season 16. This means that the BAU might be at a bit of a disadvantage. After all, Matthew Gray Gubler (Reid in the series) is an integral member of the BAU. In addition, due to his photographic memory, he could solve cases more efficiently, which was a big help.

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Because of his own personal struggles, Reid was also a character that could be one of the serial killers. His personal struggles stem from his hereditary genes, such as paranoid schizophrenia. He also suffered from some traumatic experiences causing him to abuse substances. Reid being cast as a serial killer comes from dark theory because Reid was known for placing himself in the same mindset as offenders or murderers. If this were to happen, then it would mean that it would be necessary for Daniel Henney (Morgan) to return. Both were like brothers in the show; they had a very close relationship working together on solving cases. Morgan would be critical in keeping Reid from participating in criminal behavior. 

Since Reid and Morgan will not be in season 16, this creates room for new characters to be introduced into the Criminal Minds series. The BAU team will need this extra help to stop the serial killers. The whole season, 10 episodes, will be dedicated to stopping the cell of serial killers throughout the nation. Clues from every case will provide information for the bigger picture, leading to a face-off with the lead culprit for the finale. Keeping this in mind, there is a chance that old unknown subjects could surface as members of the new gang, causing some unsolved cases to be figured out. 

Screenshot still from Criminal Minds

There is no release date for the series to premiere, but filming starts in August. Paramount+ president Nicole Clemens commented on the show, 

“For 15 seasons, Criminal Minds was at the forefront of cutting-edge scripted drama as it explored the psychology behind crime – thrillers. The series never stopped evolving during its run, and we are beyond excited to bring it back into a new era with new stories for a new generation of viewers at Paramount+. Erica, the whole cast, and the creative team are building a season of full new twists that we are sure will electrify audiences.”

Producers and directors of the show Criminal Minds are returning as well. Erica Messer will oversee the series, while Breen Frazier and Chris Barbour return as writers and executive producers. 

Season 16 sounds like a fascinating series of episodes. It will be interesting to see how many of the murders relate to real-life serial killers in America’s past. Filming starts next month, so the show appears not too far off from premiering. I’ll leave you with a quote from the last episode of Criminal Minds

“History has a way of altering villains so that we no longer see ourselves in them.” 

This quote prompts the fanbase to remember that they can sympathize with some villains and those that appear clearly “other.” The quote demonstrates that both villains are not as far apart as one might think. 

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