What Happened to Reid in Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds, a popular American crime drama television series, aired on CBS from 2005 to 2020. The show followed a team of FBI agents, led by Aaron Hotchner, as they investigated and analyzed the most heinous and disturbing crimes. One of the main characters, Derek Morgan, played by Shemar Moore, left the show in 2017. Another prominent character, Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, played by A.J. Cook, had her character go missing, and her storyline was heavily shrouded in mystery. However, the biggest plot twist came when Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, seemingly disappeared.
The Cliffhanger: Reid’s Disappearance
In the season 15 premiere of Criminal Minds, "And in the End," Reid is on a mission to rescue a young girl from a Russian compound. He is forced to leave the compound to retrieve a necessary item and does not return. Despite efforts to locate him, he is nowhere to be found. The team searches for him, but every lead ends in a dead-end. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wondering what happened to Reid.
Fan Theories and Speculations
The sudden disappearance of Reid sparked a massive wave of fan theories and speculations. Some fans believed that Reid was either:
• Captured and being held hostage: This theory suggests that Reid was taken by the Russians or another group and is being held captive.
• Injured or trapped: Another theory proposes that Reid was injured during the rescue mission and is struggling to escape.
• Alive and on the run: Some fans believed that Reid was able to escape but is now in hiding to protect himself and the girl.
• Dead: Unfortunately, some fans thought the worst and believed that Reid had died during the mission.
The Official Explanation:
In an interview, Matthew Gray Gubler, the actor who plays Reid, revealed that he had always known the outcome of Reid’s storyline and had discussed it with the show’s creators. Gubler explained that Reid’s storyline was always intended to end with his disappearance.
According to Gubler, the writers wanted to give Reid a heroic ending, and his disappearance would allow the show to move forward without him. Reid’s fate is left intentionally ambiguous, leaving the audience to imagine their own scenarios.
A Brief Recap of Reid’s Journey
Reid, a genius and introverted criminal profiler, joined the BAU team in season 2. Throughout the series, he played a significant role in solving cases, often using his exceptional intellect and analytical skills. His relationships with his colleagues were also a significant part of his character development.
• His troubled past: Reid’s past was marked by neglect and abuse. His mother, Diana Reid, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and his stepfather, Homer, was physically and emotionally abusive.
• His struggles with intimacy: Reid’s relationships with women were often awkward and complicated. He struggled to open up and trust others due to his difficult childhood.
• His dedication to his work: Despite his personal struggles, Reid was deeply committed to his work. He was driven by a desire to help others and make a difference.
Conclusion:
Reid’s disappearance was a shocking twist in the final season of Criminal Minds. While the outcome may have been unexpected, it was also a testament to the show’s creators’ ability to craft a compelling and emotionally resonant storyline. The ambiguity surrounding Reid’s fate has sparked countless fan theories and discussions, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved characters in the show’s history.
Table: A Summary of Reid’s Character Development
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Troubled Past | Neglect and abuse in childhood |
Struggles with Intimacy | Complicated relationships with women |
Dedication to Work | Deep commitment to solving cases |
Bullets List: Important Points About Reid’s Storyline
• Reid’s disappearance was intended to be a heroic ending to his storyline
• The outcome was intentionally ambiguous, leaving fans to imagine their own scenarios
• Reid’s character was deeply complex, with a troubled past and struggles with intimacy
• His dedication to his work was a significant part of his character development