Criminal Minds: Evolution’s Zach Gilford Sees Elias As A Sympathetic Monster – Looper

Moving from network TV to streaming allowed the former CBS show “Criminal Minds” more freedom to show more intense scenes and to break a little from the procedural format in “Evolution.” With that freedom, instead of following only a case-of-the-week format, the show is able to spend more time with its serial killers, giving audiences a glimpse of their home life. Actor Zach Gilford, who plays evil mastermind Elias Voit throughout the season, loved being able to see that side of his character. He said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, “What that allows you to do is see who these monsters are when they have to pretend to be humans in the human world.”

Voit is married and has two children on the show. Adding to the creep factor is that his wife and kids have no idea of his villainous side. Gilford appreciated how much time was given to his character’s home life. He thinks that window could give viewers some conflicting feelings about Voit. He said, “I think the audience is going to start to have feelings about this person and feel for him at times, but then you’re like, ‘Wait, but he’s a serial killer.” That dose of reality might make viewers think about those they encounter in real life.

“It kind of messes with your mind because you start to think, this could be my neighbor, this could be someone at the grocery store, this could be anyone,” Gilford continued. “It’s not as if these monsters are just hiding in dungeons somewhere.” Voit was eventually brought to justice in the season finale of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” when he was incarcerated. Fans are speculating whether the character will return for Season 2 of the Paramount+ show.