Where Is Matthew Gray Gubler’s Spencer Reid In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3?

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 officially debuts, but Dr. Spencer Reid is nowhere in the episode despite Matthew Gray Gubler’s confirmed return. After FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit ended the team’s stint on CBS, it didn’t take long for them to return to the small screen, only this time, they are on streaming via Paramount+. The change came with a format alteration, as each season, which is only comprised of 10 episodes, is dedicated to 1 overarching storyline. Coming into Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, the BAU’s main unsub remains to be Elias Voit aka. Sicarius.

Admittedly, Emily Prenitss and her team continuously unable to fully nail Voit for his crimes is a little bit disappointing. When the idea of Criminal Minds: Evolution was first raised, it was supposed to take on 1 unsub per year, but that hasn’t been the case, considering how stealthy and conniving Sicarius is. Multiple times, the BAU had no choice but to give to his demands. Taking down Voit is an all-hands-on-deck mission for the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution, but perhaps the addition of Reid can do the trick — once he finally appears.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3, Episode 1 Doesn’t Feature Matthew Gray Gubler’s Spencer Reid

Gubler Is Confirmed To Appear In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

After the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 cliffhanger finale, season 3 picks up after a substantial time jump, when it is revealed that Voit survived the attack in prison, but is comatose. Back in the BAU, the profilers have been going about their day-to-day responsibilities. Despite fitting in nicely with Prentiss’ team, Tyler Green is going on his field work, which means that he will have to leave Washington DC and be with a different squad. Amid all of this, Dave Rossi is still haunted by Voit, as he is questioned about his potential involvement in what happened to Voit.

The first hour of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, however, doesn’t feature the promised return of Gubler. As an original cast member, Reid has a special place in the heart of every long-time fan of the procedural, so it has been frustrating that he hasn’t been seen in the revamped show. The reason for his absence has changed over the years, but luckily, they are able to stage his comeback for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, but he has yet to show up.

What We Know About Matthew Gray Gubler’s Spencer Reid’s Role In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

Reid’s Role Will Be Limited

Because of the major clamor to see Reid again, any kind of appearance from him is already a treat. Of course, the ideal is for Gubler to officially join the cast as a series regular and reclaim his place as one of the most veteran members of the BAU. Unfortunately, the chances of that happening are very little to none. Gubler is slated to spearhead Einstein — a new CBS procedural, which he also produces.

Official details about his involvement, however, reveal that Reid will only be in 1 episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. Even then, he might not even be on the whole outing. Instead, he will only pop up, because he is needed by the team. Sadly, that’s where the revelations end. However, it’s safe to say that, given the limited time in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, Reid’s appearance will be more personal than professional.

When Spencer Reid Might Appear In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

JJ Needs Her Best Friend

With only 1 episode released thus far, it’s difficult to predict when exactly Reid will appear. The fact that this is the first time that Criminal Minds: Evolution is bringing in a legacy character as a guest adds to that. However, there’s 1 big possibility for this. Reid’s return could be tied to JJ Jarreau’s difficult year. Aside from the fallout from the BAU-gate, there’s also the fear of Will LaMontaigne’s potential death — something that is fueled by Josh Stewart leaving. Reid and JJ are close friends outside of work, so reuniting them would add to the emotional impact of the plot.