The Wheel of Timemay be over, butCriminal Minds: Evolutionstill can’t bring back a long-overdue character from the original series. Since the reboot began in 2022, theBehavioral Analysis Unithas felt markedly different and somewhat empty, due in part to agents Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Matt Simmons (Daniel Henney) being written off on “special assignments.”
Theseason 3 finale ofCriminal Minds: Evolutiononly cleared more room for returning characters, since longtime antagonist Elias Voit (Zach Gilford) was finally given a permanent send-off.As the intrepid group of FBI agents gears up to fight their next season-long villain, it feels inevitable that fresh faces will join the BAU— including former members like Reid, but probably not Simmons.
How Wheel Of Time Cancellation Timing Rules Out Matt Simmons' Return In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4
The News Came Too Late
Similar to how Matthew Gray Gubler’s titular role inEinsteinprecluded him from joiningCriminal Minds: Evolution,Daniel Henney has been committed toThe Wheel of Time, starring as Lan Mandragoran.Following the announcement thatThe Wheel of Timehad been canceled after three seasons, manyCriminal Mindsfans expected Henney to soon reprise his role as SSA Matt Simmons.
Sadly,Daniel Henney is not returning toCriminal Minds: Evolutionjust because his other obligations are now over.Criminal Minds: Evolutionseason 4(orCriminal Mindsseason 19) began pre-production long before the fantasy series ended, meaning Simmons can’t easily be written into the overarching narrative. Simply put,The Wheel of Time’s cancellation came too late for Simmons to return.
Why Simmons Still Needs To Return To The BAU In Criminal Minds: Evolution
Matt Is Exactly What The Team Needs Right Now
Nevertheless, Henney could return to the revived crime drama in future seasons.Despite mixed reviews,Criminal Minds: Evolutionhas maintained a sizable following,making the potential season 20 more likely than not. Beyond being in the realm of possibility, Simmons would be a valuable addition toCriminal Minds: Evolution’s skillful teamwhile offering a much-needed breath of fresh air.
All episodes ofCriminal Minds: Evolutionare streaming on Paramount+.
Given his history with multipleBAU members, Simmons would fit right in should he return toCriminal Minds. Simmons previously worked with Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), and he even named one of his children in honor of David Rossi (Joe Mantegna). Despite joining late in the original run,Henney had amazing natural chemistry with the main cast.
Simmons could easily be reincorporated into the team…
Thankfully,Criminal Mindsleft the door open when they wrote out Simmons. As mentioned in the reboot’s premiere, Simmons and Reid can return to the BAU at their own volition. Consequently, Simmons could easily be reincorporated into the team withoutCriminal Minds: Evolutionhaving to justify it. Sadly, Henney’s long-awaited return will be delayed at least one more season.
