While Matthew Gray Gubler’s return as Spencer Reid inCriminal Minds: Evolutionmay sound exciting, it is actually more dreadful, considering its narrative implications. After years of speculation, it has finally been confirmed that the genius profiler will rejoin Emily Prentiss' team. In its first two years,Criminal Minds: Evolutionplayed coy about the whereabouts of Reid, with season 2 establishing that he was on sabbatical. This made it easy for Erica Messer to reincorporate the character once Gubler became available. Now, it’s only a matter of time before it happens inCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3.
Technically, Reid is still a member of the BAU. Amid some confusion about why exactly Gubler hasn’t joined theCriminal Minds: Evolutioncast, it was explained that the issue boiled down to timing. The actor has been working on other projects since the original CBS show wrapped up in 2021. However, contrary to previous reports, he actually wants to step back into the shows of the BAU fan-favorite. News of Reid finally appearing is understandably exciting, especially for long-term fans of the procedural. Ahead of his appearance, however, it’s worth noting that Reid’s return may actually be a bad thing.
Matthew Gray Gubler Has A Limited Role As Spencer Reid In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3
Reid Won’t Even Be In A Full Episode
Despite his intact desk at the BAU office,Reid’s return inCriminal Minds: Evolutionwill be limited. Based on reports, he won’t even be in a full episode but is"due to only appear in part of one Season 18 episode"(viaTV Line). The brief doesn’t say when exactly the genius doctor will appear or what brings him back, but his role being essentially just a cameo is quite disheartening. Since moving to Paramount+, the shorter season allowsCriminal Mindsto delve deeper into a single case. Reid won’t even be part of the investigation, where he usually shines.
All Of Reid’s Possible Reasons For Reuniting With The BAU Are Bad
Reid’s Return Is Ominous
Reid not rejoining the BAU full-time is already bad, but it can actually get worse for the character’s fate in the show. Since he won’t be participating in solving the actual case, it’s safe to say that his cameo will take place on a more personal occasion. It would be great if he could show up for Prentiss' birthday or Dave Rossi’s get-together, but that may not be the case.
It’s tragic, but also a justified reason for Reid to pop back up for a brief while, given his close friendship with JJ.
ConsideringJJ will likely be at the center ofCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3, Reid showing up may be via Wil’s funeral. Since the character’s health scare followed by Josh Stewart’s departure, there have been theories going on that JJ may be widowed. It’s tragic, but also a justified reason for Reid to pop back up for a brief while, given his close friendship with JJ. He may also catch up with the rest of the team. However, it’s difficult to do anything else aside from that because of the limited time he supposedly has inCriminal Minds: Evolution.
Matthew Gray Gubler’s New Show Can Accomplish What Criminal Minds Failed To Do For Reid In 15 Years
Matthew Gray Gubler is most known for his role as Reid in Criminal Minds, but the actor will be on a show that might entail something new for Gubler.
Beyond that, sinceGubler is confirmed to spearhead his procedural,Einstein, on CBS, his return inCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3 may be how the show permanently writes him out. His new endeavor being on network TV means that he will be busy with it for most of the year. It’s worth noting that aside from being its lead, he also produces it. This makes it more difficult to recruit him back to play Reid. Sadly,Criminal Minds: Evolutioncannot continue to keep him in the BAU if there’s no clear timetable for when he’s going to rejoin the team.
Can Criminal Minds: Evolution Still Bring Back Gubler Even If Reid Leaves The BAU?
Reid Is Beloved In The BAU
Assuming that Reid’sCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3 appearance is used to officially write him out, it doesn’t mean that the show can no longer bring Gubler back. For starters, both the Paramount+ revival and Einstein are from the same studio, so it’s easier to coordinate the projects' schedules in case Messer wants to feature BAU’s golden boy again. It may actually even be the reason why Gubler is able to partake inCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3.
Shemar Moore leftCriminal Mindsin season 11, but he proceeded to be involved as Derek Morgan in the CBS show.
Aside from this, however, there’s already precedent for returning characters well after they have left the series.Shemar Moore leftCriminal Mindsin season 11, but he proceeded to be involved as Derek Morgan in the CBS show. The same can happen with Reid, especially since he has a special bond with several of the current BAU members inCriminal Minds: Evolution, having worked with them for several years.
Criminal Minds: Evolution
Cast
InCriminal Minds: Evolution, the FBI’s elite team of criminal profilers come up against their greatest threat yet, an UnSub who has used the pandemic to build a network of other serial killers. As the world opens back up and the network goes operational, the team must hunt them down, one murder at a time. Original cast members continuing their roles include Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Zach Gilford joins the dynamic cast as a recurring guest star in a season-long arc.
