Warning! Spoilers ahead for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 2, “The Zookeeper”.
Although many viewers eagerly anticipate Dr. Spencer Reid’s comeback in Criminal Minds: Evolution, few are thrilled about his potential return given the somber circumstances as depicted by the series. In essence, Reid remains a part of the BAU team, but he has yet to appear in the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution following the initial two seasons. The show has hinted at Reid taking a sabbatical and being away on a clandestine mission, free to rejoin whenever he sees fit.
Matthew Gray Gubler has been confirmed to reappear in Season 3 of “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” although his role may not be as extensive as fans might anticipate – possibly limited to a single episode, and potentially not the entire episode itself. With much discussion surrounding Reid’s potential return to the BAU, the season 3, episode 2 finale tragically sees the demise of JJ’s husband, Will LaMontagne. This unfortunate event compels Dr. Reid to make a return for Will’s funeral.
Will’s Death Is The Most Justified Reason For Reid’s Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Appearance
If Sicarius Wasn’t Enough To Bring Reid Back, It Must Be An Emotional Reason To Return To The BAU
In the second episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution’s third season, JJ’s husband, Will, tragically passed away unexpectedly from an aneurysm linked to thyroid issues. Regrettably, he didn’t have a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee or share a goodbye kiss with his wife before this happened. Despite experiencing a thyroid-related health scare in the finale of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1, it appeared that the issue had been resolved at that time.
Between them, JJ and Reid shared a special bond among the BAU members due to their youthful status on the team. Their interplay was pivotal in many of Reid’s most memorable moments in Criminal Minds. Interestingly, only JJ would address him as “Spence,” and she played a crucial role in helping Reid transition from Communications Liaison to becoming a profiler, eventually earning that status herself. Criminal Minds: Evolution is choosing not to revisit the romantic relationship between them that was present in the original series, and it seems inappropriate to bring it up during Will’s funeral – a time set aside for mourning and remembrance rather than rekindling past relationships.
| Main Cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Character | Seasons | Role |
| Paget Brewster | Emily Prentiss | 2-18 | BAU Unit Chief, formerly Interpol |
| Joe Mantegna | David Rossi | 3-18 | Founding Father of the BAU |
| A.J. Cook | Jennifer “JJ” Jareau | 1-18 | Formerly BAU Communication Liaison |
| Kirsten Vangsness | Penelope Garcia | 1-18 | Technical Analyst |
| Aisha Tyler | Dr. Tara Lewis | 11-18 | Forensic Psychologist |
| Adam Rodriguez | Luke Alvez | 12-18 | Previously FBI Fugitive Task Force |
| Ryan-James Hatanaka | Tyler Green | 16-18 | Former military intelligence officer, sister was an early Sicarius victim |
| Zach Gilford | Elias Voit | 16-18 | Sicarius |
Elias Voit, also known as Sicarius, is one of the most notorious serial killers that the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) has ever encountered, and this is even before considering his extensive online following of disciples. If Rossi’s abduction in season 1 or Emily’s hostage situation by Gold Star in season 2 didn’t prompt Reid to cut short his assignment, then the motivation for his return must be deeply personal rather than based on the case itself. The most touching reason for Reid’s long-awaited comeback appears to be his desire to offer support to JJ, his closest friend at the BU, during the funeral of her husband.
Can Matthew Gray Gubler Return To Criminal Minds After Season 3?
Gubler’s Commitment To CBS’ Einstein Makes An Ongoing Return Unlikely
In a manner that leaves room for his potential return, Criminal Minds: Evolution has scripted Reid’s departure as a sabbatical along with a special assignment. This means he can rejoin the Behavioral Analysis Unit whenever he chooses, from a narrative perspective.
It appears that Gubler’s participation in the future might not be as straightforward. He is set to star in the upcoming show “Einstein,” where he will portray the great-grandson of Albert Einstein, a role that seems like an ideal continuation for the actor renowned as child prodigy Dr. Reid. However, due to CBS’ crowded schedule, “Einstein” has been postponed and won’t debut until the 2026-2027 television season. On the other hand, Gubler is set to reappear in “Criminal Minds: Evolution” for its third season, but he will not be a series regular.
What Will’s Death Means For JJ & The BAU Moving Forward
JJ Might Throw Herself Into Work Like Rossi Did In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 1
JJ could channel her sorrow into her work rather than addressing her sudden loss directly. It’s possible that JJ becomes intensely focused on solving the Sicarius mystery or exposing Elias Voit’s supposed feigned amnesia, which might lead her to become more than just dedicated, but potentially overwhelmed and emotionally unstable, much like Rossi when dealing with the demise of his wife Krystall.
In contrast to Rossi, JJ has a strong connection that anchors her – her two sons, Henry and Michael. Unfortunately, this means she will now be raising them alone. Previously on “Criminal Minds: Evolution” season 1, it was hinted that JJ’s mother lives nearby, while it seems there may be tension between her and her mother-in-law.
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the third season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” seems to be focusing heavily on the Sicarius plot, which has been intriguing but might benefit from some diversification. To my delight, it appears that we’ll get a glimpse into JJ’s personal life, offering a refreshing break from the ongoing storyline. Given JJ’s central role in this series, it seems logical to introduce more characters to flesh out her family dynamic, providing additional depth and helping her navigate through the tragic events she’s experiencing.
In the TV series Criminal Minds, Will and JJ’s relationship has lasted longer than any other, so it’s crucial to allow JJ ample time to mourn. Will played a significant role in helping JJ balance her perilous, essential job with being a mother, something she initially didn’t desire but grew to appreciate. It would be fitting if Criminal Minds: Evolution provided Will an appropriate farewell that doesn’t get overshadowed, even if Reid attends the funeral.
Criminal Minds: Evolution streams Thursdays on Paramount+. Season 3, episode 3 airs May 22, 2025.
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2025-05-18 13:09