Warning: SPOILERS for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 3, “Time to Say Goodbye.” The highly anticipated return of Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid was not only inevitable but delivered in a profoundly emotional manner. Over the years, Reid, alongside an elite team of profilers—including Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), and Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler)—faced some of the most unsettling unsubs in the history of Criminal Minds, culminating in the series finale in 2020. Following its revival as Criminal Minds: Evolution in 2022, Reid was conspicuously missing from the ensemble cast of FBI agents, analysts, and consultants.
Among the iconic characters, including Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) and Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution featured both returning and new faces, including Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), Tyler Green (Ryan-James Hatanaka), and Rebecca Wilson (Nicole Pacent). Even JJ’s husband, Will LaMontagne (Josh Stewart), made sporadic appearances during the first season, with his first and final appearance coming in “The Zookeeper.” Tragically, Will collapses and dies at the end of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 2, marking a significant turning point for the series.
Matthew Gray Gubler Finally Returns as Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 3
The Reunion Occurs Under Heartbreaking Circumstances
The death of Will LaMontagne serves as a crucial and emotional moment for the series, acting as the catalyst for Reid’s return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. During a poignant scene where Emily and Penelope discuss the beautiful flowers sent to the funeral by Derek, Hotch, and Reid, the latter makes his entrance into the church to provide comfort to JJ and her two sons. Following this, Reid takes a moment to reconnect with Emily, Penelope, and Rossi, the individuals he shared the deepest bonds with throughout the previous 15 seasons of Criminal Minds.
Reid’s reply to JJ is his only line in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 3.
Even though his entrance is dramatic, Reid remains silent throughout most of the service until the very end. The attendees take turns expressing their condolences until only JJ and Reid are left. In this intimate moment, JJ cannot believe that he has come back, to which Reid responds, “I’m always here for you guys.” After this heartfelt exchange, Reid makes his exit, only to be welcomed by his former BAU colleagues gathered at the entrance. One by one, he embraces his teammates, exchanging respectful handshakes with Tyler and Rebecca. As the group prepares to leave for the cemetery together, Reid is the one to encourage JJ to take that next step forward.
Exploring Reid’s Absence and Recent Activities
Understanding the Inconsistencies in Criminal Minds: Evolution‘s Storyline
In the premiere episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution, the show quickly addressed the absence of Reid, as former Deputy Director Bailey (Nicholas D’Agosto) explained the bureau’s strategy of reallocating agents to tackle cases more efficiently (“Just Getting Started”). Despite Emily‘s appeal for Reid to return, Bailey insisted that any decision regarding Reid’s return to the Criminal Minds Behavioral Analysis Unit would be contingent upon Reid himself. Later, in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 7, Emily informs Jill Gideon (Felicity Huffman) that Reid is currently on sabbatical, indicating he is temporarily away from his duties at the FBI.
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Due to the confidential nature of Reid’s special assignment— which Bailey explicitly states he’s “not at liberty” to disclose— it is reasonable to infer that Emily communicated to Jill that Reid was on sabbatical because his current mission is classified. However, the circumstances surrounding Reid’s return in “Time to Say Goodbye” suggest that Emily is at least somewhat informed about his new role, as Reid’s new supervisor granted him time off due to his prior collaboration with JJ at the state department. The nature of whether Reid is focusing on a singular killer like the BAU and Sicarius remains ambiguous.
Is There a Possibility for Reid to Rejoin the BAU Permanently?
While Unlikely, It’s Not Completely Out of the Question
While the episode “Time to Say Goodbye” has opened the door for Reid’s potential return, it does not guarantee his reintegration into the main cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution. The narrative indicates that Reid’s special assignment is ongoing, hinting that he may be working toward a significant breakthrough for the bureau. If the series chooses to further elaborate on the details of his secret mission, there exists a possibility that Reid could eventually rejoin the BAU. Alternatively, depending on the outcome of his case, he might opt for an actual sabbatical. Unfortunately, real-world circumstances may also hinder Reid’s ability to return.
Criminal Minds: Evolution is available for streaming on Paramount+.
Furthermore, Matthew Gray Gubler is currently involved in the development of a new CBS show titled Einstein, a comedic crime procedural set to premiere in the 2026-27 season. In this upcoming series, Gubler portrays a descendant of renowned scientist Albert Einstein, whose laid-back attitude often leads him into trouble with the law, ultimately resulting in him solving crimes alongside a detective. The premise, while reminiscent of other contemporary shows like High Potential, shows promise. Should Einstein become a hit for CBS, scheduling conflicts might prevent Gubler from fully returning to Criminal Minds: Evolution, even if he expresses a desire to reprise his role as Reid.
Anticipating the Next Appearance of Gubler’s Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution
“Time to Say Goodbye” Marks Reid’s Sole Episode This Season
It remains uncertain whether Spencer Reid will make additional appearances in the BAU. Following his heartfelt presence at the funeral, it is plausible that JJ may seek to maintain contact with him. Throughout Criminal Minds: Evolution, the previously established romance between JJ and Reid has been notably absent, and though it may feel inappropriate and somewhat disrespectful to Will, there could be a future where JJ considers moving on with Reid. On the other hand, if the series opts to let that previous romantic tension fade away, JJ may simply want Reid in her life as a supportive friend.
Reid may be approaching the end of his rope with the FBI.
It is apparent that the remaining BAU members deeply miss Reid, as highlighted by the conversation between Emily and Penelope during the funeral. Penelope expresses joy that Reid “reached out” to text Emily, indicating that he has been out of touch with the team for five years. It seems unusual for Reid to remain silent for such a duration— even if he were engaged in another assignment— but this could further suggest that Reid is nearing his breaking point with the FBI. If he decides to leave the bureau entirely, it would create a compelling narrative conflict in Criminal Minds: Evolution.
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In a similar vein, Reid may choose to pursue lighter duties or become an independent contractor, which would allow him to consult for the BAU without needing to rejoin the team full-time. While many fans would be thrilled to see Matthew Gray Gubler make even occasional guest appearances, Reid’s sudden return could dramatically alter the dynamics established in Evolution. Additionally, while Reid’s inclusion would undoubtedly impact the team’s chemistry, it remains uncertain whether such a change would be beneficial or detrimental. In any case, the challenge regarding Criminal Minds: Evolution and Reid’s story arc remains unresolved and may continue to be a point of contention.
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