Josh Stewart Talks ‘Criminal Minds’ and New Film ‘Back Fork’ [Exclusive Interview]

Josh Stewart has taken on a wide variety of projects, but many fans of Criminal Minds know him best as William LaMontagne Jr., husband to JJ (A.J. Cook).

After the finale of the show’s penultimate season, those fans have expressed a lot of feelings and concerns about what JJ’s confession to Reid could mean for the beloved couple.

We had a few questions for Stewart about the moment and its implications, as well as his new film Back Fork, which Stewart wrote and directed, and also stars in alongside Cook.

Read below for more on why those who love Stewart and Cook’s chemistry shouldn’t lose too much sleep over Criminal Minds just yet– and why they should check out their newest work together.

Tell-Tale TV: You’ve had roles in several films and television shows. Is there one that stands out as your favorite?

Stewart: They’re all special in some way. I get close to them all in some fashion or another. It’s hard not to have good feelings about them all, even when some are just despicable.

I have to find the human in there. I have to find my way in, so I end up close to them all. Some are certainly more fun than others, but all are important.

Tell-Tale TV: You play the recurring character William LaMontagne, Jr. on Criminal Minds. Is it challenging to step in and out of that role?

Stewart: I’ve played that character for so long, it’s second nature. Sure, I come in and out so it may be hard to find my rhythm back with the story because they tell over twenty stories a season, but I know this dude. I know his bones and his heart.

Tell-Tale TV: Do you have a favorite moment from the episodes of Criminal Minds you’ve filmed?

Stewart: Probably the very first one I did when we meet LaMontagne. He was full bore then. He’s been watered down from his southern roots after being away for so long, but back then, he was a trip. Young and stupid, but smart at the same time.

Tell-Tale TV: What was your reaction to JJ’s confession in the season finale? Do you think we’ll see an impact on Will?

Stewart: I’m not sure. I don’t think so. But, I’m not involved in the stories on a regular basis, so who knows. From what I gather, I think Will and JJ are safe.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything else you’d like to see for Will and his family in the final ten episodes?

Stewart: Just for them to carry on. I can only imagine the life of two people in law enforcement. The strain and stress would be tough I would imagine. Anyone who can find normalcy in this world, let alone that world together, they’ve done something.

Tell-Tale TV: What can you tell us about your newest project, Back Fork?

Stewart: It’s a story of an everyman in a loving relationship that just gets turned upside down. I think it’s a story that many can relate to when life slaps you in the face and leaves you to pick everything back up.

Strain, loss, grief grab a hold of a young couple and doesn’t let go. Soon enough, the strain is too much for them to carry. Escape is all they want, escape is what they need. They just look for that in two different ways.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s the biggest challenge in developing an independent project like this?

Stewart: Man, it’s a miracle any time a film gets made, I think. This is a small indie without robots or superheroes or explosions. It’s a simple story. A character-driven drama.

So, knowing that, the window of the demographic of those who want these types of stories shrinks. You just have to find the right people who want to go on that ride with you. People who are all in with the process these films are going to be.

They’re out there; you just have to hunt them down. I found a good group of people from the producers to actors to crew that bought in and went for the ride.

Tell-Tale TV: And finally, what’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about you?

Stewart: Maybe that these are the stories that I’m most interested in telling. Simple stories. Simple characters. Simple lives that become so complicated by things that could happen to any of us.

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Criminal Minds returns for its final season in the fall. Back Fork is available to buy or rent through several streaming outlets. VOD platforms include iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, Vudu, Xbox, YouTube Transactional, Fandango Now, Dish Network, Direct TV and Through Local Cable Providers.

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