Many fans of the long-running crime drama "Criminal Minds" have found themselves wondering about the fates of their beloved characters, especially those who stand by the main team. One question that pops up quite a lot, so, is about Will LaMontagne Jr., the devoted partner and later husband of Jennifer "JJ" Jareau. His presence on the show brought a different kind of warmth and stability, which, you know, really made people care about him.
It's pretty natural to worry when a character isn't part of the main group of agents who face danger every week. Will, as a New Orleans detective, and then later as a supportive spouse, certainly had his own share of tricky situations. This often leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering if he'll make it through.
This article will take a close look at Will's journey throughout "Criminal Minds," addressing the big question: does Will die in Criminal Minds? We'll also explore why his character matters so much to the show's heart, and what his life with JJ and their children really meant, as a matter of fact.
Table of Contents
- Will LaMontagne Jr.: A Look at His Story
- The Journey of Will and JJ
- Moments of Peril: Was Will Ever in Danger?
- Why This Question Matters to Fans
- People Often Wonder About Will
- What Becomes of Will LaMontagne Jr.?
Will LaMontagne Jr.: A Look at His Story
Who is Will LaMontagne Jr.?
Will LaMontagne Jr. stepped into the world of "Criminal Minds" as a detective from New Orleans. He first crossed paths with the Behavioral Analysis Unit, or BAU, during a case they were working on. He was, you know, a pretty straightforward and honest police officer, dedicated to his job and his community.
His connection with JJ started during this time, and it slowly grew into something more. He represented a different kind of life for JJ, a grounding force outside the constant darkness and intensity of her work. He was someone who could understand her demanding career, yet offer a sense of normal life, too it's almost.
Over the years, Will's role evolved significantly. He became a steady presence, a loving partner, and a devoted father. His journey on the show was very much about building a family and providing a safe haven for JJ, even with all the chaos around them, apparently.
Will LaMontagne Jr. Key Details
Character Name | Will LaMontagne Jr. |
First Appearance | Season 2, Episode 18 ("Jones") |
Last Appearance | Season 15, Episode 10 ("And in the End") - The series finale |
Occupation | New Orleans Police Detective, later shifts focus to family and other work |
Family | Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (wife), Henry LaMontagne (son), Michael LaMontagne (son) |
Portrayed By | Josh Stewart |
The Journey of Will and JJ
Their First Encounters
Will and JJ's story began in Louisiana, during a particularly grim case involving missing children. Will was the local detective assisting the BAU. There was, you know, an immediate spark between them, a quiet understanding that grew with each shared moment of stress and triumph. It was a very different dynamic from the intense professional relationships JJ had with her team.
Their initial interactions showed a mutual respect and a budding personal interest. Will saw JJ not just as a brilliant profiler, but as a kind and caring person, too. This early connection laid the groundwork for their lasting bond, and it was pretty clear they had something special, sort of.
Despite the distance and the nature of their jobs, their relationship slowly blossomed. It was a gradual build, which, in a way, made it feel very real and earned. They had to work through a lot to be together, like many couples do, you know.
Building a Family
The biggest step in their relationship was, of course, the arrival of their first son, Henry. This brought a whole new dimension to JJ's life and to the show itself. Will became a father, embracing the role with genuine warmth and commitment. He was, honestly, a fantastic dad from the start.
Their family grew further with the birth of their second son, Michael. This solidified their unit, showing the audience a different side of JJ, one rooted in domestic happiness and love. Will was always there, a steady presence, managing the home front while JJ was often away saving lives. This was, in some respects, a very important part of his character's purpose.
The challenges of their family life were often explored, like JJ's demanding schedule and the emotional toll her work took on her. Will always stood by her, offering support and understanding. He was, like, truly her rock, which is a rather significant thing for someone in her line of work.
Life on the Sidelines: Supporting a BAU Agent
Being married to a BAU agent is not an easy task, as a matter of fact. Will had to deal with JJ's sudden departures, the constant danger she faced, and the emotional burden she carried. He often found himself taking on the primary parenting role, making sure their children felt loved and secure even when their mom was absent. This, you know, shows a lot about his character.
His support was unwavering, a quiet strength that underpinned JJ's ability to do her demanding job. He never complained about her work, understanding its importance, though he certainly worried. This supportive role was, arguably, one of his most defining characteristics. He was, in a way, the anchor that kept JJ grounded, which is pretty vital.
Will's commitment to their family provided a much-needed sense of normalcy and hope within a show that often dealt with very dark themes. He was, basically, a reminder that there was life and love outside the horrors the BAU faced every day. This was, honestly, a huge part of why fans connected with him, too.
Moments of Peril: Was Will Ever in Danger?
Early Threats and Close Calls
Given JJ's line of work, it was almost inevitable that her family would, at some point, become targets. Will faced several tense situations throughout the series. One notable instance was when a vengeful unsub, or unknown subject, targeted the families of the BAU agents. This put Will and Henry in direct danger, causing immense stress for JJ and the team, you know.
There were other moments, too, where his safety was in question, often as a direct result of JJ's past cases or her personal history. These incidents served to heighten the stakes for JJ, showing the personal cost of her dedication to the job. It also, like, made viewers really hold their breath, wondering if he'd be okay, right?
These close calls were very effective at creating suspense. They reminded the audience that even the loved ones of the main characters were not entirely safe from the darkness the BAU fought. It kept us guessing, honestly, about what might happen next, you know.
The Big Question: Does Will Die in Criminal Minds?
Now, to the heart of the matter: does Will die in Criminal Minds? The answer, thankfully for fans, is no. Will LaMontagne Jr. does not die during the run of the original "Criminal Minds" series. He remains alive and well, a constant source of support for JJ and their children, Henry and Michael, all the way through the final episode.
Despite the many dangers and close calls he experienced, Will always managed to survive. The show, very consistently, chose to keep him as a stable and loving figure in JJ's life. This was, in a way, a conscious choice to provide some balance to the often grim nature of the series. He was, basically, a survivor, which is pretty great.
His continued presence offered a sense of hope and normalcy. It showed that even in the darkest of professions, it was possible to have a fulfilling personal life and a strong family. This was, frankly, a comforting thought for many viewers, too.
How the Show Handled His Character
The writers of "Criminal Minds" handled Will's character with care. They understood his importance not just as JJ's partner, but as a representation of stability. They didn't use his character for cheap emotional thrills by killing him off. Instead, they used his presence to deepen JJ's character and show her vulnerabilities and strengths as a wife and mother, you know.
His role, while not always central to the case of the week, was very central to JJ's personal story arc. He was there for her through her toughest moments, including her struggles with PTSD and her personal sacrifices for the team. This kind of consistent support is, like, pretty rare in TV shows, honestly.
Will's enduring survival reinforced the idea that despite the horrors the BAU faced, there was still light and love waiting for them at home. It was, in some respects, a crucial element in keeping the show from becoming too bleak, which is a rather important balance to strike.
Why This Question Matters to Fans
The Emotional Connection
Fans become very attached to the characters in long-running shows, and Will LaMontagne Jr. was no exception. He was, after all, a good guy. He was kind, dependable, and he clearly loved JJ and their kids very much. Viewers, you know, invested emotionally in their family unit, seeing it as a beacon of hope.
When a character like Will faces danger, it creates a real sense of anxiety for the audience. We want to see our favorite characters happy and safe, and Will was a big part of JJ's happiness. The question of "does Will die in Criminal Minds" stems from this deep care and concern for the characters' well-being, as a matter of fact.
His survival was, basically, a relief for many. It allowed the audience to feel that at least one part of the BAU's life was stable and intact, which is a pretty comforting thought when you consider all the dark things they saw, right?
The Stability He Represents
In a show filled with darkness, trauma, and constant threats, Will represented stability. He was the anchor for JJ, and by extension, a symbol of normalcy for the entire BAU family. His presence reminded everyone that there was a life outside of hunting serial killers, a home to return to, and people who loved them unconditionally, you know.
His role was crucial in balancing the heavy themes of the show. Without characters like Will, who offer a sense of peace and domesticity, the series might have felt too overwhelming. He was, honestly, a breath of fresh air amidst the intensity, which is a rather important thing for a show like this.
Will's consistent presence and survival helped to ground the show, providing a relatable human element that viewers could connect with. He was, in a way, a quiet hero in his own right, supporting the real heroes, and that's pretty significant, too.
People Often Wonder About Will
Many people have questions about Will LaMontagne Jr. and his journey on "Criminal Minds." Here are a few things folks often ask:
Did Will and JJ ever get married in Criminal Minds?
Yes, they absolutely did! Will and JJ tied the knot in a very sweet and personal ceremony during the seventh season. It was, you know, a long time coming for fans who had watched their relationship grow. This wedding was a big moment for them, cementing their commitment to each other and their family, which is pretty lovely.
How many children do Will and JJ have?
Will and JJ have two sons together. Their first son is Henry LaMontagne, who was born early in their relationship. Later on, they welcomed their second son, Michael LaMontagne. Both boys were, honestly, a very charming part of the show, often appearing in heartwarming family scenes, too.
What was Will LaMontagne Jr.'s job after leaving New Orleans?
After moving to Virginia to be with JJ and their growing family, Will took on various roles. He was, for a time, a stay-at-home dad, which was a huge support for JJ's demanding career. He also, you know, later became involved in other work, like working as a consultant. His main focus, however, always seemed to be his family, which is pretty clear, as a matter of fact.
What Becomes of Will LaMontagne Jr.?
So, to bring things full circle, Will LaMontagne Jr. does not die in "Criminal Minds." He remains a vital part of JJ's life and a beloved character for fans, right through to the very end of the original series. His story is one of enduring love, unwavering support, and the quiet strength it takes to stand by someone who faces profound darkness every day.
He represents the hope and the personal life that the BAU agents fight to protect. His survival and continued presence provided a sense of peace amidst the show's often intense and unsettling narratives. He was, in a way, a very important part of the emotional fabric of the show, too.
If you're curious to see more of Will and JJ's journey, or to simply relive some of the show's most gripping moments, you can Learn more about the series on our site. It's truly a journey worth experiencing, and you can also check out this page for character insights. Seeing his story unfold, you'll find it's a testament to the power of family and resilience, which is a pretty great thing, honestly. For more details on the series and its characters, you might look at a reputable TV database, for example.



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