Summary
Thanks to thefamous guest stars like Amber Heardand compelling regular characters, it’s no wonderCriminal Mindsis still going strong. Now,Criminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3 is premiering soon, and a beloved character is coming back. After premiering in 2005,Criminal Mindsseason 15 premiered in January 2020, and fans wondered if that would be the end. Then, thankfully, the show came back to Paramount+ in 2022, andthe FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is still solving crimesand catching serial killers likeTim Curry’s terrifying Billy ‘The Prince of Darkness’ Flynn.
As fans get ready to watch new intenseCriminal Minds: Evolutionepisodes, they’re excited to see a familiar face. But, unfortunately, there’s one thing that they’re not as thrilled about.
Matthew Gray Gubler Is Returning For Criminal Minds: Evolution… But Only Briefly
In September 2024,TV Linereported thatMatthew Gray Gubler is reprising his role of Spencer Reid onCriminal Minds: Evolution season 3, which is also referred to asCriminal Mindsseason 18. But, sadly, he’s only coming back briefly. As the publication explained,Gubler will be in some of one episode.
While fans are excited to see Gubler again, especially since they’ve been wondering for a few years if he would work with the BAU again, it’s definitelya shame that he is making such a brief appearance. A similar situation happened onNCISwhenLeroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) left. Althoughsome fans like the new boss Alden Parker (Gary Cole), others think no one will ever compare to Gibbs. No matter how many memorable characters are still onCriminal Minds, like the tough David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), everyone still misses Gubler’s Spencer Reid.
Reid is such an excellent part ofCriminal Mindsbecause, likebelovedChicago Meddoctorsandmajor and minor characters onThe Rookie,he’s likable but complex. Reid is equally known for his intelligence and awkwardness, and as he gets further along in his career, he has to deal with childhood trauma. He also gets into some terrifying situations as a result of his job. Fans became so invested in him it was sad to learn he wouldn’t be coming back forEvolution.
In aReddit thread, fans shared their thoughts, and Redditor @Thebrokenphoenix_ wrote, “It’s better than nothing I guess.” @shipsatdown said:
“I’m sure we won’t get more than a few minutes of Spence on screen however, I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
“Finally but he solves everything in a second.”
What Could Matthew Gray Gubler’s Criminal Minds: Evolution Storyline Be?
Fans have thought about what Matthew Gray Gubler’sCriminal Mindsseason 18 appearance could be like, and since he’ll only be back for briefly, there’s not much that he can do. However, viewers are sure he will be as smart and memorable as ever.
In the same Reddit thread, Redditor @lisforlda referred tobelovedBuffy the Vampire Slayercharacter Giles Rupert(Anthony Stewart Head) and wrote:
“For those who know theirBuffyI would like a Giles ‘I’d like to test that theory’ moment. BAU are seriously stuck, Spence appears sorts the problem and effs off again. If all we get is a short moment then just let him be clever. Proper serious intuitively clever. No emotional support fluff.”
Another fan isworried Reid could diesince he’s not coming back for long, but that doesn’t seem likely to happen. Maybe Reid will consult or advise on a case, or visit one of the characters who is still on the show. No matter how Reid comes back,Criminal Mindsfans will be thrilled to see this quirky and smart agent again.
