Criminal Minds Season 18 Ending & the Disciple’s Identity Explained

by

* The season finale revealed the secret behind the mystery character
* Elias Voit’s journey was given a fresh perspective in the finale
* A terrifying new adversary was introduced during the finale

Who is the Disciple in Criminal Minds Season 18 ending?

As a gamer, I can tell you that The Disciple isn’t your typical mysterious character in Voit’s network. She’s none other than Tessa Lebrun, a woman with deep scars who was only recently revealed in an episode just before the grand finale.

As a gamer, I’d say: Hey there, who is this Tessa character really? Turns out her real name is Constance Teresa Merrick. Back in 2002, she disappeared while studying in North Carolina, kidnapped by Cyrus Lebrun – Voit’s ruthless mentor. Held captive for years, she was molded and tormented until eventually, to fill the emotional void left by Voit’s abandonment, she started referring to herself as his daughter.

Previously unbeknownst to Voit, Tessa was a figure in his life. Yet, she had amassed an extensive knowledge about him, even to the point of obsession. In 2022, when Voit came back to eliminate Cyrus, Tessa eavesdropped on their entire exchange from the house’s shadows. That moment didn’t release her from whatever bond she felt. Instead, it provided her with a sense of purpose.

What does Tessa Lebrun want in Criminal Minds Season 18?

Instead of seeking only vengeance, Tessa had a deeper desire for power. By secretly joining Voit’s deadly organization following the death of Vincent Orlov, her former lawyer, she assumed the title “The Disciple” and commenced her personal rule marked by fear and chaos.

In my gaming world, the objective wasn’t just about her or me, it was about manipulating Voit back into his brutal past and establishing dominance over the network with him. This required either breaking his new moral compass or testing its limits. Since I knew he had formed a bond with Dr. Julia Ochoa, I devised a chilling plan: using one of Voit’s distinctive tactics – a venomous Sicarius spider – to stage an attack on Ochoa.

As a devoted fan, let me rephrase it in my own words: It turned out to be effective. Voit feigned submission and mercilessly killed the attacker. When Tessa inquired about his emotions, he retorted, “Feeling like a deity.” Yet, Voit had orchestrated everything. He instructed Ochoa to pretend to be dead and provided BAU with just enough information to dismantle Tessa’s organization. Upon raiding the hideout, Tessa recognized too late that Voit was never under her command. “This is where our paths part,” he told her before she was apprehended following a futile last stand against Prentiss.

Read More

2025-07-11 06:40