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Criminal Minds: Will Reid Return AGAIN?! A.J. Cook Spills!

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> Heads up! This Evolution, titled “Time to Say Goodbye,” which you can catch right now with your Paramount+ membership. Here’s my take as a movie critic:

As I sat down to watch the gripping third episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution, I was braced for another rollercoaster ride through the minds of some of the most intricate serial killers ever conceived. The title “Time to Say Goodbye” certainly set an ominous tone, and I wasn’t disappointed.

In this episode, we witness a poignant farewell that leaves a deep impact on the team. This emotional goodbye is just one piece of the puzzle in their pursuit of a cunning and ruthless killer who has evaded capture for years. The tension mounts as the team races against time to crack the case and bring the perpetrator to justice before it’s too late.

The writing, acting, and production values are all top-notch in this episode, making it a must-watch for any fan of the series. Criminal Minds: Evolution continues to push the boundaries of crime drama, offering a fresh take on familiar themes while keeping viewers guessing with each new twist and turn. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat experience, I highly recommend tuning into “Time to Say Goodbye” on Paramount+ today.

In the TV series “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” the BAU team experienced multiple hardships during the initial two seasons. However, unlike the past, Season 3 in the 2025 lineup swiftly eliminated a familiar character. JJ’s husband, Will, passed away unexpectedly in Episode 2, not at the hands of a serial killer like Voit. Instead, his death was due to natural causes. This sudden turn of events paved the way for an eagerly anticipated moment: the return of Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid. AJ Cook, who plays JJ, shared insights about this reunion.

It appeared that the demise of Will might prompt some significant characters from the past to rally around JJ, and this seemed to materialize as both Hotch (previously mentioned last season) and Morgan sent floral tributes instead of making an appearance. Remarkably, Reid also showed up, wearing a purple scarf, offering embraces to JJ and his two godchildren. This marked Matthew Gray Gubler’s return as Spence on the CBS series since its conclusion in 2020.

Months ago, there were hints about his comeback without revealing the heartrending details. As shared by A.J. Cook, she took the initiative to contact her previous on-screen partner, checking if he’d be willing to rejoin us following discussions with our showrunner Erica Messer. Reflecting on working alongside Gubler again, Cook expressed to Entertainment Weekly:

Experiencing his return felt incredibly heartwarming. I was overjoyed that he decided to join us in this project. As we brainstormed for this episode, Erica and I kept insisting on Spence’s presence. It seemed incomplete without him. So, I reached out to him and asked if he’d like to be a part of it. Being the kind-hearted individual that he is, he accepted. When I shared with him about Will’s situation, his immediate response was, “I can’t believe it! I will definitely be there.” Although his appearance was brief, it carried a significant impact. It meant a great deal to me, our team, and I’m sure it held meaning for him as well.

Instead of returning to participate in any investigations or discuss matters publicly, not even appearing on camera with his friends, Reid stood by JJ when she required her closest companion. The surprise at witnessing him stirs curiosity about what transpired off-screen since the Reid Easter Egg in Season 2, hinting that he had taken a break, or “sabbatical.

Subscribe to Paramount Plus for just $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually and gain access to all fifteen seasons of the original Criminal Minds series, as well as the reboot. Choose between the Essential plan, which is ad-supported, or upgrade to the Premium plan for an ad-free experience and double the content with Showtime at $12.99 per month. Additionally, take advantage of a 10-month discount when you opt for the annual plan. Check out this deal now!

When Matthew Gray Gubler first mentioned his comeback as Reid to Ansa, he disclosed that he’d “shot a single episode of Criminal Minds, ” implying that Episode 3 was the sole episode he appeared in this season. The team behind Evolution had a substantial workload with limited screen time, considering the later seasons of CBS exploring a “Jeid” relationship between JJ and Reid.

A.J. Cook acknowledged the complexity of a situation where this character might return for his husband’s funeral, since their relationship was built on mutual affection, as previously established in the series.

The situation was delicately balanced; we didn’t want to project any awkwardness at all. Our aim was to make it feel like a genuine show of support from a close friend during tough times. That’s why it required careful handling. It was a question of whether to embrace, or not, and how the audience might perceive it. The topic is divisive among fans of [the JJ and Reid shippers]. Everyone is entitled to their own imaginings. We were meticulous in our approach, and Erica did confirm that he would return, though she emphasized his role was minor yet significant in a larger episode. However, it’s impossible to satisfy everyone. We always strive for the best.

In a touching instance, Spencer warmly embraced JJ and her sons. This hug seemed particularly meaningful for them. Though his role wasn’t significant in this episode, it left an indelible impression. It also sparks optimism that Matthew Gray Gubler might reprise his character as Reid in the future, although he may not regain his series regular position.

One point to consider, the show “Criminal Minds: Evolution” has been renewed for Season 4, which indicates that Gubler filming just one episode of Season 3 doesn’t necessarily mean it was his last opportunity. Another angle, the actor’s new CBS series initially planned for the 2025-2026 TV season has been postponed to the 2026-2027 TV season. Might there be a chance that Gubler could have some unexpected spare time to reprise his role as Reid while “Einstein” is temporarily on hold?

Not only did “Time to Say Goodbye” demonstrate that Spencer Reid could reappear for personal reasons, such as supporting his friends, it also hints at the possibility of another one-time appearance instead of a permanent return for a new case. I’m choosing to interpret this first comeback of Reid in a positive light, implying that there may be opportunities to see him again during Season 4.

Currently, don’t forget to watch the latest episodes of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” every Thursday on Paramount+. Additionally, you can stream all the fifteen seasons from CBS and the initial two seasons of “Evolution” on the platform as well.

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2025-05-24 03:38

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