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Criminal Minds Video: As JJ Seeks Help, Aimee Garcia Previews ‘Intimate' Scenes With a ‘Magical' A.J. Cook

Criminal Minds Video: As JJ Seeks Help, Aimee Garcia Previews ‘Intimate' Scenes With a ‘Magical' A.J. Cook

Yahoo05-06-2025
Special Agent JJ Jareau really needs help, and Dr. Julia Ochoa may be the one to give it to her.
In this Thursday's episode of Paramount+s Criminal Minds: Evolution — titled 'The Brutal Man' (as in the next UnSub discovered to be under Sicarius' sway) — JJ (played by A.J. Cook) seeks out an unorthodox sit-down with Dr. Ochoa (recurring player Aimee Garcia), after putting herself in harm's way while processing the scene of a family's murder.
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And man, JJ has a lot to say.
'I think that sometimes we share more with strangers than with friends and family, and the BAU is JJ's family,' Garcia observes in the TVLine video above. 'JJ is 'off her turf' in a very intimate setting, with this doctor that is very well-versed in trauma and pain and mental health, so it was a beautiful opportunity for this beloved character that is JJ to have someone who supports her. Like, 'Who guards the guards?' They're heroes [in the BAU]… but who carries them?'
'One of my favorite lines that [Julia] says is, 'The BAU is one of the most emotionally constipated groups of people' she has met, which I think is so funny because they see Hell on earth, they see the darkest sides of people,' Garcia notes. 'So I think that Dr. Julia Ochoa was in the right place at the right time,' overseeing Voit's care as she is.
The episode marks a meaningful pivot for Garcia's character, who until now has been oh-so-serious –and, frankly, a bit of an obstacle for the BAU.
'She's a doctor, she has blinders on,' Garcia says of Ochoa's cool, calm and collected approach to Voit. 'She sees Voit as a patient, unlike the BAU who sees him as a monster. So yes, this is one of my favorite episodes because A.J. is amazing and it felt like a play, and Julia gets to actually help a member of the BAU. I feel very lucky that Julia got to help a character who always has it together.
'The hardest part was not crying when A.J. was doing her scenes, because she just rips your heart out,' Garcia adds. 'She was so vulnerable and open, it was like tennis. She made it so easy.'
In venturing down this rabbit hole for one of Cook's meatiest Criminal Minds arcs ever, 'I was just there as a support system,' says Garcia. 'I said, 'Look, this is your episode, so let me know how I can be of service. I will follow your lead.' And it was so lovely. A.J. just soared. I felt like a proud sister, sitting on the other side and getting to see her magic!'
Press play above for more from Garcia, including why she sought out this atypical-for-her role, the Criminal Minds cast member she had worked with once before, and whether Dr. Ochoa might become the Harley Quinn to Voit's Joker!
Want scoop on , or for any other TV show? Shoot an email to InsideLine@tvline.com, and your question may be answered via Matt's Inside Line!
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‘South Park' Lives: Paramount Inks New Deal With Creators, Library Moving to Paramount+
‘South Park' Lives: Paramount Inks New Deal With Creators, Library Moving to Paramount+

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

‘South Park' Lives: Paramount Inks New Deal With Creators, Library Moving to Paramount+

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Joe Rogan Responds to South Park's Mocking of Trump: 'Hilarious'
Joe Rogan Responds to South Park's Mocking of Trump: 'Hilarious'

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time15 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Joe Rogan Responds to South Park's Mocking of Trump: 'Hilarious'

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President Trump vs South Park – The Week in Your Words
President Trump vs South Park – The Week in Your Words

Newsweek

time17 hours ago

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President Trump vs South Park – The Week in Your Words

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Hello, and welcome back as we look at some of your standout comments from the past week. President Donald Trump has found himself the target of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The long-running animated series returned with a bang, dedicating its entire premiere episode to a scathing satire of the president. The new episode of 'South Park' shows Donald Trump in bed with Satan. The new episode of 'South Park' shows Donald Trump in bed with Satan. Comedy Central It aired just one day after the creators reached a $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount, after a monthslong bidding war. The episode sparked fierce debate—some hailing it as bold and timely, while others argued it may have taken things too far. Here's a look at your highlighted comments: On the Response From The White House on the South Park Episode Original Article: White House Reacts After South Park Slams Donald Trump Background: The White House responded to the episode, stating "Just like the creators of South Park, the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows." Original Comment: "South Park just got a $1.5 billion streaming deal LOL !!! And the White House says they are irrelevant pfffft .. puhlease" - Av8orN8 What Makes the Comment Noteworthy: The commenter brings up the fact that just a day before the episode aired, the creators signed a new $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount, making their claim seem particularly off-base. Continuing in the same article Original Comment: "South Park has been making fun of politicians for years. The White House would have been better off just ignoring this episode. As it is, they just made the show more popular." – LifeGoesOn What Makes the Comment Noteworthy: This comment highlights a recurring theme from readers: that South Park's irreverent style is nothing new—and argues that the White House's public reaction may have unintentionally boosted the episode's visibility. On the Reactions to the South Park Episode and Possible Fallout Original Article: South Park Eviscerates Donald Trump After Paramount Gives Them $1.5B Background: The South Park creators took several jabs at the President, at one point during the episode titled "Sermon on the 'Mount," Trump is shown lying in bed with Satan. Original Comment: "I binge-watched South Park for a while on HBO. The humor got so gross that I couldn't watch anymore. I don't go there now. I wouldn't pay ten cents to watch that show." - Your Other Left What Makes the Comment Noteworthy: Bringing a different outlook on the episode—and the show in general—the commenter argued that South Park's brand of humor has become too crude to enjoy, regardless of its political target. It reflects a segment of viewers who feel the series has crossed a line from satire into distaste. On Trey Parker's Response to White House Backlash Original Article: South Park's Trey Parker Responds to Trump White House Backlash Background: Trey Parker, South Park's co-creator has responded after being questioned about the White House's anger over the episode. Original Comment: "What backlash? It was funny and we still have the First Amendment." – Unrestrained What Makes the Comment Noteworthy: This comment reflects a broader sentiment shared by many readers that though South Park's humor is polarizing and controversial, it falls within the bounds of free expression. Another commenter argued Original Comment: "South Park crossed a line the should have not. It seems they grasping at straws to stay relevant and be in the spotlight but no longer funny and getting more bizarre." – RadirD What Makes the Comment Noteworthy: This comment reflects frustration some people have with the show's current direction, suggesting that South Park is no longer pushing boundaries in a meaningful way, but instead chasing controversy for attention. Thank you for your continued discussions and debates – we look forward to sharing more highlighted comments over the next few weeks.

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