The chances of Spencer Reid appearing in Criminal Minds: Evolution may have significantly increased after the latest Matthew Gray Gubler update. As one of the only two stars from the original cast who was still in the police procedural when it ended, Criminal Minds was able to fully establish the character. Throughout the CBS series 15 years on the air. Reid had seen his share of tragedies, both in his professional and personal life. Thanks to his eidetic memory and deep knowledge, he played an intrinsic part in the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit’s (BAU) operations. So he was sorely missed when he didn’t return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1.
Despite Reid’s intellect, the BAU has long proven that it can function without him. After all, solving their cases has always been a joint effort. However, figuring out Sicarius and taking down Elias Voit’s network of serial killers. More than his contributions to the FBI, however, Reid was sorely missed for the other ways that he impacted Criminal Minds‘ storytelling. As someone who has been in the bureau for a decade and a half, not seeing him having interactions with JJ or impressing others with his genius. No concrete word yet about Gubler’s return, but a new update effectively increases the chance of his Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 appearance.
Related: 6 Ways Criminal Minds Can Bring Spencer Reid Back In Evolution Season 2
Why Gubler Really Didn’t Join Criminal Minds: Evolution
There’s continued confusion about the real reason for Gubler’s Criminal Minds: Evolution absence. Initially, it was believed that it was his decision to skip the revival after starring in and occasionally directing episodes of Criminal Minds for 15 years. His former co-stars have been nothing but supportive of this idea. Emily Prentiss actor, Paget Brewster even defended his choice to venture out with his career, citing that Gubler devoted more than a decade to the procedural. Subsequently, however, it was eventually revealed by Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer that Gubler was actually interested in participating, but he couldn’t make it due to a scheduling conflict.
Both reasons are totally acceptable. It’s Gubler’s prerogative to continue playing Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution, and since he isn’t obligated to partake in the show, no one can really force him to do it. If it’s the latter, then his situation will simply be similar to Daniel Henney, who wasn’t also able to return for the Paramount+ project as SSA Matt Simmons because of a previously-signed commitment. Regardless of the reason, however, the door remains to be open for Gubler’s reprisal of Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.
Gubler’s Reunion With Joe Mantegna Increases Chances Of Reid’s Evolution S2 Appearance
Since the news that Criminal Minds would be revived broke out, Gubler has not made any comment with regard to the project. He has remained quiet on social media, with barely any public sightings. His cast mates, on the other hand, have nothing but great things to say when asked about him during the press run for Criminal Minds: Evolution. Recently, however, he is seen for the first time with a Criminal Minds co-star, as Gubler and Dave Rossi actor Joe Mantegna share an adorable image of their reunion on social media. Even their other co-stars, Kirsten Vangsness and Aisha Tyler are both so happy about their reunion.
The post doesn’t say anything about Gubler reprising Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, but Mantegna uses the hashtags #CriminalMinds and #Paramount on his post.
This sparks optimism that the BAU’s golden boy will finally make an appearance in the next iteration of the Paramount+ project. Even if their meeting isn’t anything related to work, it’s difficult to imagine that the idea of coming back for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 doesn’t even come up during their conversations. Gubler looks genuinely glad to spend time with Mantegna, indicating that he would be interested in reuniting with his other cast mates for the revival’s sophomore year.
Related: 7 Criminal Minds Characters That Can Still Return In Evolution Season 2
How Gubler’s Reid Can Appear In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2
Since Reid has been an integral member of the BAU for years, Criminal Minds: Evolution still had to come up with a narrative explanation for his absence. Luckily, it didn’t waste time addressing his and Simmons’ mysterious whereabouts in the show. According to Deputy Director Bailey, while he wasn’t at liberty to reveal where they were, he said that it’s really up to them when they return to the BAU. The explanation is vague enough that allows Criminal Minds: Evolution to come up with a more concrete reason down the line. Considering the FBI’s bureaucracy, it made sense that Bailey wasn’t at liberty to divulge where Reid and Simmons were.
The most important aspect of Bailey’s reveal was the confirmation that Reid and Simmon are still with the FBI. Simmons’ absence can be explained since he was on a different profiling group before. Reid, on the other hand, has always been part of the BAU. Since both are technically still members of Prentiss’ squad, Messer can simply re-assign them back to their former team. Perhaps Reid was simply busy with his teaching endeavors, hence why he wasn’t able to join the hunt for Sicarius. Otherwise, he may have been pulled for a classified case. Whatever it may be, it shouldn’t be complicated to bring both back in as full-time profilers.
Related: Criminal Minds Completely Forgot About 2 Reid Love Interests (& 1 Could Have Been Great)
What Is Reid’s Best Role In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2
There are several ways to bring back Reid into Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 depending on the circumstances of his return. The simplest way to do this is to reinstate him back with the BAU as a full-time member. Essentially, he will just reclaim his old job and continue to function like before. The Paramount+ show doesn’t need to make a big fuss out of his absence in its freshman year, considering that the behind-the-scenes reason for it has been well-established. In any case, it’s safe to say that fans will understand if the revival doesn’t dwell on it.
That being said, if Gubler cannot commit to appearing in all 10 episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, he can take on a recurring guest role instead. He previously had a similar set-up during the last couple of seasons of the original CBS show, so doing this shouldn’t be that big of a problem. Perhaps Reid can be a consulting profiler, which means that he doesn’t have to be on-site regularly for a case. To explain this arrangement, the Criminal Minds revival can use the situation of Reid’s mom as a reason for his inability to come back to work full-time.
