A.J. Cook Says The Swearing On Criminal Minds: Evolution Was Jolting – Looper

A.J. Cook has spoken in the past about the benefits of streaming when it comes to artistic freedom thanks to the space and breathing room subscription television allows. This has long been the case since the arrival of original programming on pay cable channels. When it comes to the continuation of “Criminal Minds,” the show is now reveling in its ability to fully show the dark side of its villains. In an interview with Collider, Cook was specifically asked by the publication what it is like to use swear words as JJ Jareau, to which she replied, “It was this interesting dichotomy of, ‘What? We don’t do that here.’ It’s awesome that we’re doing it.”

The actor then revealed how other cast members responded by sharing, “Rossi [Joe Mantegna] is a little bit disgruntled and going through some issues when we first pick up the show, so the first time you hear him drop an F bomb, you’re like, ‘Uh oh, dad just swore around his kids.'” She then disclosed how everyone on set has gotten used to being able to use strong swear words after years of avoiding certain words and phrases on the CBS series. But the early days of shooting the spin-off show were met with caution from her and the cast due to years of broadcast TV. A.J. Cook concluded by stating, “So, it’s fun. I like the edgier version of our show.”