Some ‘Criminal Minds’ Fans Are ‘Disappointed’ by Beloved Character’s Return
After stepping away from the Criminal Minds franchise in 2020, Matthew Gray Gubler made his return as Dr. Spencer Reid for Season 18, Episode 3. In the episode, Spencer came to support his Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) co-worker and friend, Jennifer “JJ” Jareau’s (A.J. Cook), at her late husband, William “Will” LaMontagne, Jr.’s (Josh Stewart) funeral.
However, some Criminal Minds fans weren’t all that happy about Spencer’s return. Some fans took to the Criminal Minds subreddit on Reddit to share their disappointment that Gubler was only on screen for a short time.
“Ugh I wish Spencer said more than one line I miss him 💔💔😭,” wrote a commenter.
“I’m sad that it was so brief. MGG is my favorite,” added another.
“Can I just say I haven’t cried so hard in a very long time…this episode really got me by my feelers!!!😥,” wrote a different person. “And also I’m very disappointed at Spencer’s scenes…he really didn’t even have a speaking part, like any wisdom or anything to bring to the table, even though it was awesome that he was there for JJ, Michael and Henry it wasn’t what I expected…I’m truly upset about that!!! And then Will’s mom, JJ’s wicked ass mil…ugh, I got so upset when she slapped JJ, the whole while they had that conversation I was hoping JJ would slap her lol And I really think that since Spencer’s arrival was brief they should’ve brought Hotch and Derek back also, but very cool of them to ‘send flowers’!!!”
“I cried like a baby! I was hoping we’d hear more of Spencer. I do have a question: last time we heard of Spender [sic], wasn’t he on some sort of assignment? So now he works for some other place/department? Another question: Why was Tyler the one to carry Will’s coffin? He just got here?? [Sorry I just don’t like him and don’t think he fits in with the team] Is that normal that someone who barely knew Will would carry his coffin? I am so glad they mentioned Hotch and Morgan. I think bringing Spencer back for like 2 scenes and one line wasn’t enough! Side note: Will’s mom was such a b—h omg,” commented another Reddit user.
Fans on X also commented on Spencer’s brief return. While some Criminal Minds viewers wanted a longer cameo, others were just happy to see the beloved character on their screens again.
“so spencer reid came back only to speak ONE LINE?????” wrote a social media user.
“cannot believe criminal minds gave us spencer reid and penelope garcia hugging in 2025 like they did this for me,” commented a fan.
“SPENCER REID HOW I ADORE YOU,” shared another X user, along with two pictures of Spencer at Will’s funeral.
Gubler mentioned his desire to return to Criminal Minds: Evolution in an October 2023 interview on The Six O’Clock Show. He said he had not filmed for the series because of his prior acting commitments. The actor said, however, that he would love to step back into Spencer’s shoes.
“I would be honored!” said Gubler during the interview.
