Summary
- Derek Morgan's absence in Criminal Minds: Evolution is felt, but his friendship with Penelope remains strong, as shown in the season 2 finale.
- The mention of Derek's nickname "Chocolate Thunder" in the finale hints at his continued importance to Penelope, setting the stage for his potential return.
- Penelope could be the key to Derek's emotional return to Criminal Minds: Evolution, as their strong friendship was showcased in past seasons.
The Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale only mentioned him briefly, but as someone who loves Derek and Penelope’s friendship, I was relieved by its bigger meaning. Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds years before it was revived as Evolution, but like many others, I’m still hopeful for his return.
Though some Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 on the way, I still have hope we’ll see Derek Morgan again, but for now, I’m happy with knowing his friendship with Penelope is alive and well.
Why Shemar Moore Left Criminal Minds During Season 11
Derek Morgan was on the Criminal Minds team from season 1 until season 11. Here's why Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds, and if he'll return.
Criminal Minds: Evolution's Season 2 Finale Proves Derek & Penelope Are Still Close
Derek’s Old Nickname Was On Penelope’s Computer
Derek and Penelope had one of the strongest and sweetest friendships in Criminal Minds. The chemistry between Moore and Kirsten Vangsness was capitalized on throughout the series, as they became even more important to each other. They also had one of the funniest friendships, with their frequent flirting even leading to a workplace sexual harassment seminar in Criminal Minds season 9 that called out their inappropriate behavior. Derek often referred to Penelope as “baby girl,” and she had various, usually sexual, nicknames for him as well.
One of these nicknames was “Chocolate Thunder,” which is how Derek was brought up in the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale. When Voit uses Penelope’s computer to help them find something, he asks her who Chocolate Thunder is. Though they quickly return to the task at hand, the quick line reveals that Derek and Penelope are still close. It also suggests that “Chocolate Thunder” is Penelope’s on her computer, showing just how important he still is to her. Hopefully, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 will provide further evidence of this.
Criminal Minds: Are Shemar Moore And Kirsten Vangsness Friends In Real Life?
Shemar Moore and Kirsten Vangsness play Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia on Criminal Minds, but are they as good friends off the show as on?
Penelope Could Be The Key To Derek’s Return In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3
Derek’s Only Return In Criminal Minds Was Because Of Penelope
Since Derek left the BAU team in Criminal Minds season 11, he has only returned once. Derek appeared in Criminal Minds season 13, episode 5, but not to help the team with a case. Instead, Derek was there to help Penelope. The case the team was working on brought up memories of when Penelope was shot in Criminal Minds season 3, in an episode that revealed how much Derek cared for her as a friend. Derek returned to Criminal Minds in season 13 to be Penelope's emotional , which could happen again in Criminal Minds: Evolution.
Criminal Minds showrunner Erica Messer has already set a condition for Derek’s return, stating it would have to be for a specific emotional storyline, not a case. Since Derek has already done this for Penelope, it would make sense if she’s why he appears in the revival. I’ve been waiting years to see Derek Morgan in Criminal Minds again, and his friendship with Penelope provides the most logical and rewarding explanation for his potential return. This would also mean plenty of scenes between the best friends that I and other viewers became accustomed to seeing throughout Criminal Minds.
Criminal Minds: Evolution
- Release Date
- November 24, 2022
- Showrunner
- Erica Messer
- Writers
- Erica Messer
- Franchise(s)
- Criminal Minds
Cast
Joe Mantegna
A.J. Cook
In Criminal Minds: Evolution, the FBI’s elite team of criminal profilers come up against their greatest threat yet, an UnSub who has used the pandemic to build a network of other serial killers. As the world opens back up and the network goes operational, the team must hunt them down, one murder at a time. Original cast continuing their roles include Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Zach Gilford s the dynamic cast as a recurring guest star in a season-long arc.
- Seasons
- 2
- Creator(s)
- Erica Messer
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