“I’m More Nervous”: ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ Star Reveals His Approach to Directing Upcoming Episode

Elias Voit might be a transformed man (we hope this is the case for real), but his minions are still running rogue in Criminal Minds: Evolution. Zach Gilford, the actor who has so compellingly brought the deranged character to life since the reboot’s inception, has revealed he will help steer Voit’s arc this season, behind the scenes. Gilford is set to direct an upcoming episode of the crime procedural, but this won’t be his first time performing off-screen duties on the series. Gilford first directed Season 2, Episode 8, “North Star,” parts of which centered around the BAU unraveling further details about Voit’s sinister Sicarius network.

Several episodes later, the activities of the deadly network continue to keep the BAU busy, even though their leader has now seemingly turned a new leaf. The previous episode, “The Brutal Man,” sees Gilford agreeing to work with the BAU to crack down on every last member of the network. It’s a risky move that could have far-reaching consequences should it turn south, and it all sets up the upcoming episodes for some more unexpected outcomes. During his recent interview with ScreenRant, Gilford revealed he will be directing Season 3, Episode 7, which has been titled “All The Devils are Here” and is slated to air on June 19, 2025, on Paramount+.

The actor expressed excitement about his second directing stint on the show. However, despite being armed with prior experience, Gilford admitted feeling even more nervous about the next one. Given how well-received “North Star” was, he was candid about his apprehension towards achieving similar success. “I mean, I don’t have the script yet, but I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m actually more nervous than I was the first time, I think because the first time went so well, and I lucked out because my script was one where… I mean, literally, of all the scripts I’ve read of Criminal Minds: Evolution, that one I connected to the most, that one was the most like, ‘I know how to do this. I know how to make this episode.’ So I’m nervous.”

Zach Gilford Enjoys Creative Liberties as Director on ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’

While detailing his approach to directing, Gilford reflected on his first directing experience on the show. Modest about his success, the actor acknowledged the efforts of his co-stars, including Felicity Huffman, Liana Liberato, and David Garelik, for making his direction a breeze. “What’s my script going to be like this time?,” he continued. “And I lucked into just an amazing cast on my episode, who kind of were the force behind it, between Felicity and Liana, and David. And so, yeah, I’m nervous, but I’m excited.” Gilford also shed light on his positive set experience and the creative liberties given to him by the showrunner, Erica Messer, which allow him to select his needle drops. He continued:

“I mean, the only thing I really do is I keep a playlist of songs where I’m like, ‘This is cinematic,’ and I put it in my directing playlist [laughing]. Then when I read the script, it’s like, ‘Oh, that song could work.’ Or I’m like, ‘Oh man, I got to find a song here.’

I love that they gave me the freedom in my episode to really use music in a way that they don’t tend to very often on the show. It’s not like they don’t play songs, but I don’t know, I just love that kind of filmmaking, and they let me lean into it, and they were happy with it, and it’s just so supportive.

Erica was like, ‘Just go make your episode, make it the way you want to make. You can’t deviate too far from Criminal Minds, but make your version of Criminal Minds.’ So it was fun.”