Shocking Reason Reid Only Speaks Once in Criminal Minds: Evolution’s Latest Episode!

As a devoted fan of Criminal Minds: Evolution, I couldn’t help but notice the significant impact of season 3, episode 3, “Time to Say Goodbye.” This episode was particularly poignant, serving as a subtle comeback for Matthew Gray Gubler’s character, Spencer Reid. For 15 seasons, Reid has been an integral part of the team led by special agents such as Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), and Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez). They formed the Behavioral Analysis Unit in Criminal Minds, a team central to the series’ crime-solving exploits. Regrettably, over the years, key BAU members like Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) and Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) have bid their farewells.

In the new series “Criminal Minds: Evolution”, several well-known characters were part of the cast, but some notable names were missing, most notably Spencer Reid. Instead, fresh faces like Rebecca Wilson (Nicole Pacent) were introduced as Tara Lewis’ girlfriend. Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) also returned to her role as the BAU’s technical analyst and quickly formed a bond with Tyler Green (Ryan-James Hatanaka). However, Reid’s appearance in “Criminal Minds: Evolution” was a mixed joy, as his character appeared only sparingly.

Spencer Reid Only Says 1 Line In His Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Cameo

The BAU’s Former Rambler Is Now A Man Of Few Words

In the third episode of season 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, Spencer Reid’s brief return was hinted at before the premiere but proved to be relatively short-lived. During Will LaMontagne’s funeral, Emily and Penelope subtly signaled his arrival by mentioning flower arrangements from ex-BAU members like Hotch, Morgan, and Reid. They discuss Reid’s minimal contact, with Emily expressing gratitude for receiving a text from the doctor, who has reportedly been on a secret mission since 2020. As if on cue, Reid makes an impressive entrance in a flash scene.

In the church before the service, Reid gives a comforting hug to JJ and her two sons. Later, he sits with Emily, Penelope, and Rossi on a pew. Throughout the funeral, the camera occasionally focuses on Reid. At the end of the episode, it’s only during his farewell to JJ that he speaks, saying “I’ll always be here for you all.” Afterward, Reid departs, presumably for an extended period.

The Circumstances Surrounding Reid’s Return Limit His Speaking Opportunities

Will’s Funeral Wasn’t The Place For A Spectacle

In the third episode of season 3 in the show “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” Reid’s silence was observed, yet it didn’t feel out of sync with the storyline. The focus of “Time to Say Goodbye” was on JJ as she grappled with her husband’s sudden demise and managed her family’s grief while suppressing her own. By the end of the episode, JJ might have found some semblance of equilibrium, but for the narrative to resonate fully, it was crucial that JJ took center stage in the episode.

In Criminal Minds: Evolution, it seems harsh that Reid’s return follows Will’s death, yet it could have been even more distressing if Reid had dominated Will’s funeral and JJ’s grief. To be fair, there were opportunities for Reid to communicate with JJ at the cemetery or show up at the post-funeral luncheon. I would have accepted a brief appearance of Reid chatting in the background, but instead, Matthew Gray Gubler vanished as soon as Will was buried.

Reid Has Never Been Good With Dealing With Big Emotions

Spencer Has Been The Most Awkward Character From Inception

It’s true that Reid from Criminal Minds isn’t typically the most emotionally perceptive character. His exceptional intellect and photographic memory sometimes made him uncomfortable in social situations, and when Reid faced traumatic events, he was usually unprepared to handle them effectively. Numerous episodes of Criminal Minds highlighted his difficulty in dealing with complex emotions, whether it involved understanding other characters’ feelings or his own. Occasionally, Reid would display a sudden empathy towards an unsub, victim, or colleague, but the genius often found it challenging to establish and maintain emotional bonds.

Initially, during the first seasons of “Criminal Minds”, Reid’s connection with Gideon was his most significant relationship. It took him several years to cope after Gideon mysteriously vanished in season 3. After discovering that Gideon had passed away later on, Reid grappled with his feelings without leaning heavily on his network of support. Over the course of the original series, Reid experienced substantial character growth. His subtle reappearance in “Criminal Minds: Evolution” is understandable, as are the unspoken ways he offers comfort – a hug, a soothing touch on the shoulder, a nod. Despite being understated, Reid’s comeback was fitting for the situation and true to his character.

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2025-05-24 16:28

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