Criminal Minds Wraps Up Season 19 with Zach Gilford’s Character Coming to an End
In an exclusive interview with UPI, Zach Gilford, the talented actor who played the complex and intriguing serial killer Elias Voit, revealed that his character’s four-season arc has come to an end.
Unfortunately, Voit will not be back for Season 20 of Criminal Minds, leaving fans to wonder if they will ever see him again. Gilford explained that his character’s story was intentionally concluded to allow for a more satisfying and coherent narrative.
When asked about Voit’s fate, Gilford shared that his character was ‘stuffed in the cellar’ and that he didn’t know if he would ever come back. He also mentioned that the creative team wanted to let the story end naturally, rather than prolonging it unnecessarily.
Voit’s storyline in Season 19 kicked off with him behind bars, paying the price for the lives he took. Gilford described Voit as ‘a bit of a rat in a cage,’ who was ‘just kind of ticking off the days on the wall’ and had ‘acquiesced to this is the rest of his life.’
In the season finale, Voit escaped from prison to rescue his daughter Hollie from James Crowley, a mass murderer also known as ‘The Fan’ due to his obsession with Voit. Gilford explained that Voit’s primary motivation was to protect his family, but he also struggled with the fact that he had created more monsters as a result of his actions.
As Voit navigated his complicated relationships and inner turmoil, he faced the harsh reality that his family was in danger due to his notoriety. Despite his best efforts to keep them safe, he knew that there were always vulnerabilities that could be exploited by a determined individual.
When asked about Voit’s hopes for redemption, Gilford revealed that his character felt a deep sense of guilt and responsibility for the harm he had caused. He explained that Voit’s primary goal was to protect his daughters, particularly Hollie, from bearing the weight of his sins.
Despite his character’s complex and often dark storyline, Gilford expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play Voit and for the creative team’s willingness to let the story unfold naturally. He also mentioned that he was available to work with filmmaker Mike Flanagan again, with whom he had collaborated on several projects, including Midnight Mass and The Midnight Club.
Conclusion
Zach Gilford’s portrayal of Elias Voit in Criminal Minds was a masterclass in acting, bringing depth and nuance to a complex and often disturbing character. While Voit’s storyline may be over for now, his impact on the show will undoubtedly be felt for seasons to come.
As the cast and crew of Criminal Minds look to the future, fans can only hope that Voit’s character will make a return in some form, allowing them to continue exploring the intricacies of his twisted mind.
