Reid – A ‘Criminal Minds’ Character Review

Dr. Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, is one of the most beloved characters from the long-running crime drama series Criminal Minds. As the team’s resident genius, Reid has helped solve countless cases with his exceptional IQ and knowledge of criminology. However, there have been moments in the show where Reid’s life has been in danger, leaving fans wondering if he would survive. In this blog post, we will explore Reid’s character and answer the question: does Reid die in Criminal Minds?

Firstly, let’s take a closer look at Reid’s character. Reid is a highly intelligent, socially awkward, and introverted member of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). He has an eidetic memory, which allows him to recall vast amounts of information, and has a deep love for reading and learning. Despite his intellectual abilities, Reid often struggles with his emotions and has a troubled past, including a drug addiction and the death of his girlfriend.

Throughout the series, Reid has been in severl dangerous situations, including being kidnapped, held hostage, and shot. One of the most intense moments was in the season 12 episode “Spencer,” where Reid is abducted and held captive by a group of cult members. The cult planned to kill him as part of a ritual sacrifice, but the BAU was able to rescue him just in time.

So, does Reid die in Criminal Minds? The answer is no. Despite being in life-threatening situations, Reid has never died in the series. However, he has been responsible for the deaths of eight unsubs, which has taken a toll on him emotionally. In the season 12 finale, Reid is arrested for murder, but it is later revealed that he was set up by a corrupt FBI agent.

Although Reid has never died on the show, fans were disappointed when Gubler announced that he would not be returning for the Criminal Minds reboot, titled Criminal Minds: Evolution. According to executive producer Erica Messer, it was difficult to schedule Gubler due to his other projects. However, fans can still enjoy watching Reid’s previous appearances and admire his intelligence and bravery in solving some of the most complex cases.

Reid is a beloved character in Criminal Minds, known for his exceptional intelligence and troubled past. While he has been in several dangerous situations, he has never died in the series. Although fans may miss seeing Gubler’s portrayal of Reid in the reboot, they can still appreciate his contributions to the show’s legacy.

Did Reid Survive on ‘Criminal Minds’?

Reid from Criminal Minds did not die. While there have been numerous close calls throughout the series, Reid has never been killed off. In fact, in the episode “Entropy” from Season 11, Reid is nearly murdered by a cult member but is rescued by his team before any harm can come to him. While Reid is quiet on the plane ride home, he is shown to be alive and well in subsequent episodes.

does reid die in criminal minds
Source: goodhousekeeping.com

Reid’s Fate on Criminal Minds

In the Criminal Minds reboot, Spencer Reid is absent from the show. This is because Matthew Gray Gubler, the actor who portrays Reid, has decided to explore other career opportunities. Gubler’s role as the BAU’s boy genius was his first job after college, and he has appeared regularly on the series for 15 years. However, his absence does not affect the show’s storyline, as the team continues to solve cases and tackle new challenges.

Reid’s Departure From ‘Criminal Minds’

Matthew Gray Gubler, who portrayed Dr. Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds, did not leave the show voluntarily. His departure from the series was due to scheduling conflicts with his other projects. According to the show’s executive producer Erica Messer, it was very challenging to fit Gubler’s availability into the filming schedule of Criminal Minds: Evolution, as he had other commitments lined up during their window. Hence, Gubler’s absence from the series was not a result of any personal or creative decision, but rather a consequence of his busy schedule.

Exploring the Possibility of Reid Becoming a Serial Killer

Reid does not become a serial killer on the series. While it is true that he has been responsible for the deaths of eight unsubs, it is important to note that these were all in self-defense or defense of others. Reid is a highly skilled FBI agent and profiler, and his knowledge and quick thinking have helped save countless lives throughout the series. Additionally, Reid has consistently shown empathy and compassion for victims and their families, which are not traits typically exhibited by serial killers. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to label Reid as a serial killer.

The Episode in Which Dr Reid Dies

Dr. Reid, portrayed by actor Matthew Gray Gubler, does not die in any episode of the television series “Criminal Minds”. The character remains an integral part of the show’s narrative throughout its 15-season run, from the first episode “Extreme Aggressor” which aired on September 22, 2005, to the final episode “And in the End” which aired on February 19, 2020. Throughout the series, Dr. Reid is portrayed as a highly intelligent and empathetic member of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, knon for his extensive knowledge and expertise in various academic fields. Despite facing numerous challenges and personal struggles throughout the show’s run, Dr. Reid remains a beloved and iconic character among the show’s fans.

does reid die in criminal minds
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Reid’s Marriage

Reid married no one. However, his fraternal twin sister, Lilliana Reid, is married to Aaron Hotchner, their Unit Chief at the BAU. Together they have a daughter named Hope. Lilliana is also known for her exceptional intellect and is one of the youngest members of the BAU team.

Has ‘Criminal Minds’ Been Cancelled?

Criminal Minds did get cancelled after its 15th season, which aired in 2020. However, in February 2021, a revival of the series was announced, with a 16th season in the works. This revival was later confirmed by Paramount+ in February 2022, with the new title of Criminal Minds: Evolution being announced in September 2022. So while the original series did come to an end after 15 seasons, fans can look forward to new episodes with the upcoming revival.

Has JJ Left ‘Criminal Minds’?

Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, portrayed by actress A.J. Cook, leaves the TV show Criminal Minds in the sixth season. This departure was due to budgetary constraints and changes in the show’s creative direction. JJ’s exit was not related to any character arc or storyline, and it was unexpected for both the audience and the actress herself. However, JJ returns to the show in the seventh season and continues to be a recurring character throughout the series.

The Reason Behind Reid’s Incarceration

Reid was arrested and jailed in Mexico on charges of drug possession and the murder of a woman named Nadie Ramos. Initially, he was believed to have killed Rosa Medina, but it was later found out that the real victim was Nadie Ramos. Reid had been working undercover to bring down a drug cartel and was framed for the murder and drug charges by corrupt Mexican police officers who were working with the cartel. Despite his innocence, Reid was kept in jail and faced a long and difficult legal battle to prove his innocence and clear his name.

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Garcia’s Romantic Future

In the final episode of season 15 of the TV show Criminal Minds, titled “And In the End…”, it is revealed that Penelope Garcia, one of the main characters, ends up going out to dinner with Luke Alvez, played by Adam Rodriguez. However, it is important to note that this is not necessarily a confirmation that they end up in a long-term relationship or get married. Prior to this, Garcia had also been involved with an old flame named Sam. Ultimately, the show leaves the romantic future of Garcia open-ended, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions.

Who Is Responsible for Shooting Reid?

Reid was shot by Worley. Worley fired one shot which proved to be fatal for Reid. Reid was unarmed when the incident took place.

Will Garcia Leave ‘Criminal Minds’?

Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness) does leave the BAU in “Criminal Minds”. She departs the unit before the series finale and is no longer a part of the team when the show ends. In the upcoming spin-off series, “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders,” Garcia’s absence will be addressed, and it is revealed that she is living her best life outside of the BAU. While it may be disappointing for fans to see Garcia leave the show, they can look forward to seeing her in a new light and exploring the potential for new characters in the spin-off.

Conclusion

Dr. Spencer Reid is a complex and intriguing character from the long-running TV series Criminal Minds. As the BAU’s resident genius, Reid’s vast knowledge and analytical skills have helped the team solve some of the most challenging cases. However, he has also struggled with personal demons and faced dangerous situations, including being held hostage and amost being killed by a cult. Despite his quiet demeanor, Reid has proven to be a strong and capable agent, responsible for taking down numerous unsubs over the course of the show’s 15 seasons. While fans may miss seeing him in the upcoming reboot, it is clear that actor Matthew Gray Gubler is ready to explore new opportunities in his career. Reid’s character has left a lasting impact on viewers and will always be remembered as a beloved member of the BAU.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.