Warning! Gubler’s Spencer Reid Return In Criminal Minds: Evolution Is More Dreadful Than Exciting

While Matthew Gray Gubler’s return as Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution may 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: Evolution played 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 in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Technically, Reid is still a member of the BAU. Amid some confusion about why exactly Gubler hasn’t joined the Criminal Minds: Evolution cast, 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 in Criminal Minds: Evolution will 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” (via TV 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 allows Criminal Minds to 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.

Considering JJ will likely be at the center of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 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 in Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Beyond that, since Gubler is confirmed to spearhead his procedural, Einstein, on CBS, his return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 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: Evolution cannot 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’s Criminal Minds: Evolution season 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 in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Aside from this, however, there’s already precedent for returning characters well after they have left the series. Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds in 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 in Criminal Minds: Evolution, having worked with them for several years.