Joe Mantegna Directs Tribute Episode on Criminal Minds
In ‘Time to Say Goodbye’, a send-off showcases Linda Lavin’s final unforgettable moment.!!
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Episode ‘time To Say Goodbye’ Delivers Emotional Depth
Joe Mantegna, best known to fans as David Rossi on Criminal Minds, steps into the director’s chair for Season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution with an installment that already feels like a farewell. Titled “Time to Say Goodbye,” the episode carries a special weight for Mantegna, who describes it as “especially close to my heart.”
In a recent Instagram post, Mantegna shared three reasons the story means so much. First, he officiated the real-life wedding of actress Janelle Gaeta, who appears alongside him and Zach Gilford (Voit) in a touching scene. Second, the episode features veteran star Linda Lavin in what turned out to be her final performance. And third, Mantegna hints at a third layer of meaning that viewers will discover only by watching to the very end.
Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7f1-OTKc4/
Honoring Real-life Bonds On Screen
Mantegna’s decision to incorporate his own experience officiating Gaeta’s ceremony adds a genuine warmth to the storyline. Gaeta, tagged in his post as @janellegaeta, appears in a wedding scene shot on location in Los Angeles. Mantegna calls it “a deep honor” to bring that real milestone into the show’s narrative. The result is an on-screen marriage that resonates with authenticity, both for the cast and for longtime viewers who know Mantegna’s role in shaping these characters.
Linda Lavin’s Poignant Farewell
The episode also pays tribute to Linda Lavin, the two-time Tony winner best known for her sitcom Alice and a career spanning six decades. Lavin portrays a guest character whose storyline intersects poignantly with the BAU team’s investigation. Mantegna writes, “I didn’t know it at the time, but I was directing her final performance, one that is as profound as it is unforgettable.” The title “Time to Say Goodbye” frames her arc as both a narrative climax and a celebration of her legacy.
A Look Back At Mantegna’s Career Highlights
Before his long run on Criminal Minds, Mantegna built a diverse résumé that includes film, television and even sketch comedy. Fans may recall his role as Bill Swerski in the iconic Saturday Night Live “Superfans” sketch, which introduced the catchphrase “Da Bears.” In a throwback Instagram post, Mantegna revisited that moment: he starred alongside George Wendt as part of Chicago’s loudest sports fans, cementing his place in pop-culture history.
Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcJhN1tNbD/
Off-camera, Mantegna has directed several previous episodes of Criminal Minds, each reflecting a unique theme or character focus. He brings that same thoughtful approach to “Time to Say Goodbye,” weaving real emotion into a procedural framework.
Looking Ahead For The Bau Team
Criminal Minds: Evolution continues streaming on Paramount+. As the roster of investigators grows and storylines evolve, episodes like this one remind audiences why the series has endured for nearly two decades. Mantegna’s dual role as cast member and director offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into how television magic is made—and how personal connections can elevate a crime thriller into something richer and more human.
With heartfelt moments, emotional guest turns and a title that speaks for itself, “Time to Say Goodbye” stands out as a milestone installment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the BAU, this episode exemplifies how production and performance can merge to honor both the story and the stars who bring it to life.
Mantegna’s note to viewers: “Enjoy.”
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