Kristen Bouchard is the main protagonist of the TV series Evil, portrayed by Katja Herbers. She is a forensic psychologist who works with David Acosta and Ben Shakir to investigate unexplained phenomena such as miracles and demonic possessions. Kristen’s role involves applying her psychological expertise to unravel these complex cases. Balancing her professional rigor with a caring family life, she navigates the challenges of both her demanding job and her role as a mother to four daughters.

Trivia/Facts

• Kristen Bouchard is the central character of the TV series Evil, portrayed by Katja Herbers. She is a forensic psychologist who collaborates with David Acosta and Ben Shakir to solve mysterious cases involving miracles and demonic possessions. Kristen uses her psychological expertise to unravel these extraordinary events. Her professional demeanor is logical, precise, and often lacks humor due to her scientific background.
• At home, Kristen is a more relaxed and nurturing mother to her four daughters. She demonstrates calmness and uses a mix of humor and firmness to manage her daughters’ behavior. For example, she responds to their request to stay up for a scary movie with a joke about nightmares and then sends them to bed. Kristen maintains a protective and supportive role within her family.

Aasif Mandvi, Katja Herbers, Michael Stahl-David, and Mike Colter in Rose390, Evil (2019)

• Kristen’s relationship with her husband, Andy, faces challenges because he frequently travels for his work as a mountain climber and guide. Despite her love for him, the physical separation due to his job creates strain in their marriage. They struggle to maintain their connection due to these long absences. Kristen manages this difficult aspect of their relationship while continuing to support her family.
• Kristen is a woman in her thirties with a thin build and average height. She is typically seen in professional attire, including turtleneck tops, and wears minimal makeup. Her short, dark hair complements her straightforward, no-nonsense appearance. Her wardrobe and grooming reflect her practical and professional nature.
• Kristen has a background in mountain climbing and used to climb alongside her husband, Andy. She co-ran a business that guided climbers to Mt. Everest but has since stepped back from this role. She decided to leave climbing to focus on raising their daughters. Although she is not involved in the climbing business anymore, it is part of her past.
• In her role as an independent contractor for the District Attorney’s office, Kristen assesses a former patient, Orson LeRoux, who is involved in a murder case. Kristen suspects that LeRoux is lying about being possessed by a demon, which Dr. Leland Townsend later confirms. Her attempt to debunk LeRoux’s claims leads to a confrontation in court, where she publicly refuses to lie under pressure. This act of defiance jeopardizes her future with the DA’s office.
• Following a tense birthday party for her daughter, Kristen is approached by David with a job offer to investigate supernatural occurrences for the Church. Though skeptical, Kristen accepts the position out of financial necessity. This new role marks a shift from her previous work and introduces her to new challenges. Her initial skepticism is tested as she encounters supernatural events firsthand.

Katja Herbers in Justice x 2, Evil (2020)

• Kristen is terrorized by an incubus named George, leading to recurring nightmares and disturbances. Despite her initial attempt to dismiss these experiences as dreams, George’s appearances continue to haunt her. She seeks help from her therapist, Kurt Boggs, who prescribes medication, but the nightmares persist. The nightmares become a significant issue, impacting her personal and professional life.
• When LeRoux discusses Kristen’s dreams while pretending to be a demon, she suspects that Dr. Boggs might have leaked confidential information. Kristen investigates and discovers that LeRoux’s access to her personal information was facilitated by Leland Townsend. With David’s assistance, she uncovers that Leland had a role in encouraging LeRoux’s criminal activities. This revelation ties back to their investigation and complicates the case further.

Kristen Bouchard’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Andy Bouchard (Husband): Kristen and Andy Bouchard have been married for many years and have four daughters: Lynn, Lila, Lexis, and Laura. Their relationship is loving but strained due to Andy’s frequent absences as a guide on Mount Everest. Although Andy is suspicious of Kristen’s relationship with Ben Shakir and David Acosta, his suspicions remain unconfirmed. Despite these challenges, Andy tends to blame himself for the marital strain due to his prolonged absence.
• Her Daughters: Kristen deeply loves and is fiercely protective of her four daughters. Despite her demanding job and Andy’s frequent absences, she always prioritizes her children’s well-being. Kristen maintains a brave front to ensure her daughters have a happy upbringing and is willing to take drastic actions to keep them safe. For example, she deals harshly with threats to their security, such as confronting a debt collector who frightened her daughters.
• Sheryl Luria (Mother): Kristen has a strong, close relationship with her mother, Sheryl Luria, who she trusts to care for her daughters. However, the arrival of Sheryl’s fiancé, Leland Townsend, creates tension between them. Kristen’s growing discomfort with Leland leads her to issue an ultimatum: choose between her family or Leland. To Kristen’s dismay, Sheryl chooses Leland, which strains their relationship significantly.

Andrea Martin and Katja Herbers in The Demon of Sex, Evil (2022)

• David Acosta: Kristen forms a strong bond with David Acosta, her colleague, and friend. Their relationship has the potential for romance, but is constrained by Kristen’s marriage and David’s religious aspirations. Kristen finds solace in confiding her deepest secrets to David and is more receptive to religious perspectives when they come from him. Their friendship is characterized by mutual support and occasional professional joking.
• Ben Shakir: Kristen shares a solid friendship with Ben Shakir, her skeptical colleague. She confides in him about matters she finds difficult to discuss with David, including personal security and family issues. However, their friendship faces strain after Ben becomes suspicious of Kristen in the wake of Orson LeRoux’s murder. This tension adds complexity to their professional relationship.
• Leland Townsend: Leland Townsend is Kristen’s nemesis, whom she views as a significant threat to her and her loved ones. Initially, Kristen is cautious and threatened by Leland, but she later undermines him by exposing his true identity and background. Her efforts to ridicule Leland serve to challenge his influence, and while she remains vigilant, she manages to turn the tables on him to some extent.
• George: George is an incubus that haunts Kristen in her dreams, initially causing her considerable fear. Upon discovering that her daughters have also seen George, Kristen begins to question his reality and searches for logical explanations. She eventually learns that George’s appearance might be linked to a horror show her daughters watched. Kristen confronts George directly and, in a decisive moment, stabs him with scissors, seemingly ending his harassment.