Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer explains the season 2 comment about Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and his sabbatical. New episodes have followed David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and other members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit amid increasing criminal activity, but Gubler’s character remains noticeably absent. Reid, whose brainpower and unique personality made him a fan favorite, appeared in 15 seasons of the original series as a fellow Supervisory Special Agent. However, in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 7, Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) revealed that he’s temporarily away from the FBI.
During an interview with TV Insider, Messer explained why Reid’s nonappearance was described as a sabbatical. She clarified that because Prentiss and Jill Gideon (Felicity Huffman) are not partners, “sabbatical felt like the safest thing to say,” and suggested that reuniting Gubler, and even Daniel Henney (who portrayed Matthew Simmons), with their former castmates is still a possibility, as long as the schedule aligns. Read more of Messer’s comments below:
I think we discussed what Prentiss would say to Jill [Felicity Huffman] and it just felt like special assignment felt too ‘in the know.’ That’s only if you need to know. You’re not going to tell that to somebody who’s not in the unit or not with the BAU or FBI or anything. So sabbatical felt like the safest thing to say, even if it’s not the exact truth. But she could say with honesty, Morgan’s [Shemar Moore] gone and Hotch [Thomas Gibson] is gone, but Reid’s on sabbatical.
We haven’t been able to work it out scheduling wise with them yet. So we’re all remaining hopeful that that can happen. Both of those guys are part of this family and so if we can get them back one day, that would be amazing.
How Reid Could Return For Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Or Beyond
That sabbatical update leaves the door open.
In season 2, episode 7, titled “Piranha,” Prentiss seeks information regarding the “white paper” that got released, which leads her to Jill. Playing catch up, she reveals the status of several BAU agents, including Aaron Hotchner and Derek Morgan. When it comes to Reid, audiences finally learned that he’s on sabbatical, an update that leaves the door wide open for his return in Criminal Minds: Evolution. Perhaps Reid coming back to the BAU will connect him to a particular case they investigate, or reveal that his assignment relates to the next season in some way.
When Reid last appeared on Criminal Minds he was near-death, hallucinating various characters and memories after collapsing in his apartment. Taken to the hospital, he’s comforted by his mother Diana (Jane Lynch) and during the final time jump, he expresses interest in starting work again. Though it seemed like a potential farewell for Reid, the Criminal Minds revival makes it possible for him to rejoin the BAU, either in season 3 or later on. Messer’s comments also provide some encouragement that Gubler will reprise his role, but in what capacity remains unknown.
Whether a season-long run or just a guest spot, viewers of Criminal Minds would likely enjoy having Reid back. Now that his whereabouts have been somewhat discussed, it will be interesting to see if and when Gubler’s character returns for Criminal Minds: Evolution, and if Simmons or anyone else may also appear down the line.