Here’s why Spencer Reid’s cameo in Criminal Minds: Evolution feels futile

Few characters on long-running television shows have had a greater influence over the years than Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds. Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler.

Gubler captivated audiences with his complicated personality and intellect throughout the course of the original series. Fans eagerly awaited Reid's return for a satisfying continuation of his story with the premiere of Criminal Minds: Evolution. But his guest stint of just a few scenes in Season 3's episode "Time to Say Goodbye" has sparked conversations around its impact and relevance to the series' overall narrative.

The show, which used Will LaMontagne Jr.'s funeral as its central theme and which used Reid's surprise guest spot, was emotionally moving for viewers who had been watching the program over the years. Though his appearance was emotionally resonant, it was surprisingly short, consisting of a subdued presence at the service and a single line exchanged with JJ afterwards. The sublimity of his encounter has been interpreted differently regarding its purpose and effectiveness in the context of the course of the show.

Placing Reid's return in context in Criminal Minds

Matthew Gray Gubler's Dr. Spencer Reid was present for the entire run of the original 15 seasons of Criminal Minds, so his lack of appearance in the first few seasons of Evolution was particularly noticeable.

A.J. Cook facilitated his return in Season 3, insisting on the high emotional content that Reid's return would bring during the funeral. Gubler's invitation to participate, given his other obligations, served to emphasize the significance of the moment for cast and audience alike.

Evaluating the impact of the cameo in Criminal Minds

Though the well wishes behind Reid's cameo, however brief, were sincere, viewers have criticized the cameo for being less than a sincere addition to present storylines, as such, rather than a nostalgic nod.

Inadequate interaction with the existing storylines or character dynamics led viewers to view the cameo as a deficit in the richness of the narrative front.

Implications for future plots

Reid's cameo has implications for the show's future and how it approaches legacy characters. While the cameo was an emotional beat within the episode, it also helped to illustrate the challenges of juggling fan service and plot momentum.

As Criminal Minds: Evolution continues to expand its narrative, the creators continue to consider ways to bring in pre-established characters so they can enhance the story meaningfully.

Dr. Spencer Reid's one-off appearance in Criminal Minds: Evolution is proof of the character's enduring legacy and emotional investment he has with the viewers.

But the blink and you miss return has reignited arguments over the value of bringing back such characters to the show's ongoing continuity. As the series progresses, the resurrection of legacy characters in light of what enriches the narrative will be crucial in maintaining the depth and investment the audience has come to expect.

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