Warning! Spoilers ahead for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 7, “Piranha.”

Thankfully, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finally offered a clear update about Spencer Reid’s whereabouts, but instead of being reassured about it, I can’t help but be concerned about his well-being. After a frustrating last few weeks, Emily Prentiss and her team dig deeper into the mystery of the Gold Star by examining the Behavioral Analysis Unit’s (BAU) past. Upon learning that the case may have something to do with a paper that Dave Rossi, Jason Gideon, and Jill Gideon wrote but never published may have started all this commotion, Criminal Minds: Evolution has the chance to revisit its history.

The break in the case is exciting. As an avid fan of the original Criminal Minds on CBS, the idea of digging into the earliest years of the BAU is a great way to connect the two shows. That said, this isn’t the biggest reveal in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 7, “Piranha.” Instead, it’s a brief update about what Reid is up to these days. In reality, the character’s absence is due to Matthew Gray Gubler’s scheduling conflict. Canonically, the Paramount+ has been cagey about his whereabouts. He’s still part of the BAU, but he isn’t with them.

Reid Is In Sabbatical In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season

Prentiss Confirms That Reid Is In Sabbatical

I’ve written several articles about Reid’s absence in Criminal Minds: Evolution. Like many fans, I am invested in his story and want to know when he’ll return. Admittedly, after Deputy Director Bailey hinted that he was working on a different project in season 1, I am surprised to learn from Prentiss that Reid is actually on sabbatical in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. Unfortunately, that’s all he said. From a storytelling standpoint, this is a good way to keep the door open for his eventual return — once Gubler’s schedule finally lines up with filming of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Criminal Minds History Suggests Reid Is Currently In Trouble

Reid’s Ordeal Is Mexico Is Still Very Hard To Watch

Reid taking a brief break from catching bad guys shouldn’t be a bad thing. He may even desperately need it. However, all I can think of is the last time he was on his own in Mexico, which led to his heartbreaking stint in prison. Even after surviving that ordeal, Reid was restless when he was forced to take a break from the BAU, further proving how important it is for him to contribute to the team. This is especially vital in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. Working with the squad grounds him. It’s his safe place.

Reid has also repeatedly said that the BAU is his family. Sure, the work is hard, but he genuinely likes the people around him. I find it odd that he would be on sabbatical for this long. Even if he doesn’t get himself in any kind of trouble the way he did in Mexico, there’s also the chance that this is tied to his situation with his mother, Diana. Multiple times towards the end of the original show, Reid had to leave work to attend to his ailing mom. Her condition may have progressed significantly since CBS’ show, hence why Reid isn’t in Criminal Minds: Evolution.