Let’s start with the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Spencer Reid, our nerdy genius with the fluffy hair (played by the one and only Matthew Gray Gubler), finally showed up! Fans like me have been begging for this since Evolution kicked off in 2022, and Season 3, Episode 3 titled “Time to Say Goodbye” delivered.
But, ugh, it’s not the happy reunion I dreamed of. Reid walks into a church, looking all serious, and my heart skipped a beat.
The BAU team Emily, Penelope, Rossi, and JJ were there too, and you could feel the vibes shift when he showed up.
Why’s he back now? Well, it’s not just a random visit. Something super sad happened, and it’s why this episode is such a big deal. Keep reading I’ll spill it all!
A Sad Goodbye: Will LaMontagne’s Death 💔
Alright, brace yourself because this part is rough. JJ’s husband, Will LaMontagne, is gone. Like, gone gone.
He collapsed in Episode 2, and by the end of it, he didn’t make it. I’m still not okay! Will’s been around since the original Criminal Minds days, popping in here and there, and seeing JJ lose him broke me. In “Time to Say Goodbye,” we’re at his funeral, and it’s the reason Reid came back.
The scene where JJ stands by Will’s casket? Oof, I felt that. She’s trying to hold it together for her kids, but you can tell she’s shattered.
Reid being there for her made it even more emotional—he’s like the rock she needs right now. Have you ever lost someone close? This hit way too close to home.
Emotional Reunions at the Funeral 😢
So, the funeral is where it all goes down. Picture this: the church is quiet, flowers everywhere (shoutout to Hotch and Derek for sending some too!), and then Reid walks in.
The BAU crew Emily, Penelope, Rossi see him, and it’s like time stops. They’ve missed him so much! He sits with them, doesn’t say much at first, but you can feel the love.
After the service, everyone’s saying goodbye to Will, and Reid sticks around for JJ. She’s shocked he’s even there, and he just says, “I’m always here for you guys.” Cue the waterworks!
Then he hugs everyone Emily, Penelope, even the newbies like Tyler and Rebecca get a handshake. It’s this bittersweet moment where you’re happy they’re together but so sad about why. What did you think of that scene? I was a mess!
Where Has Reid Been?
Here’s the big question: where the heck has Reid been since Evolution started? The show’s been kind of sneaky about it. Back in Season 1, they said he was on a “special assignment” with the FBI super hush-hush stuff.
Then in Season 2, Emily told someone he was on sabbatical, like he’s just chilling somewhere. But in this episode, we get a tiny hint: Reid’s working with a new team, and his boss gave him the morning off for the funeral because he and JJ go way back.
Where’s Reid been? He’s on a secret FBI mission with a new squad, but we don’t know much more—typical Reid mystery!
I’m guessing it’s something intense, like chasing a crazy unsub across the country. Maybe he’s undercover? Or teaching at some fancy school? What do you think he’s been up to? The show’s keeping us in the dark, but I’m dying to know more!
Will Reid Stay with the BAU? 🤔
Now, the million-dollar question: is Reid back for good? Don’t get your hopes up too high. In the episode, he dips out after the funeral,
so it feels like a one-time thing. His “special assignment” isn’t done, and outside the show, Matthew Gray Gubler’s got a new gig called Einstein coming up on CBS in 2026.
He’s playing a goofy crime-solving Einstein descendant sounds wild, right? So, he’s probably too busy to be a regular again.
Will Reid stay? Probably not full-time, but the door’s open for more guest spots!
Still, Evolution could surprise us. Maybe his mission ends, and he comes back to the BAU? Or he pops in when JJ needs him? I’d love that—Reid’s brain is too good to waste! What do you think—should he stay or keep doing his own thing?
Moments from Episode 3
Want the highlights? Here’s what went down in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Episode 3:
- Reid’s Return: Spencer walks into Will’s funeral, shocking everyone.
- Will’s Death: JJ’s husband passed away in Episode 2, and this is the aftermath.
- Team Reunion: The BAU crew hugs it out, and it’s super emotional.
- Reid’s Mystery: He’s been with a new team, but we’re still clueless about the details.
- Future Tease: Reid leaves, but maybe he’ll show up again?
Perfect for when you just need the juicy bits!
Reid Through the Years
Check out this little table to see how much Reid we’ve gotten lately:
| Show/Season | Episodes with Reid |
|---|---|
| Original Criminal Minds | 324 (basically all!) |
| Evolution Season 1 | 0 (where’d he go?!) |
| Evolution Season 2 | 0 (still MIA) |
| Evolution Season 3 | 1 (so far—yay!) |
He’s been a ghost in Evolution until now—makes his return even crazier!
Final Thoughts
Wow, what a ride! Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Episode 3 gave us everything—Reid’s big comeback, a heartbreaking goodbye to Will, and a team reunion that had me smiling through tears.
It’s wild to think Reid’s been off doing secret stuff, but I’m just happy we got to see him, even if it’s just for one episode.
JJ’s got a tough road ahead, and I’m crossing my fingers Reid sticks around to help her out. What’s next? I’m hooked—bring on Episode 4!
What about you? Did Reid’s return live up to the hype? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to chat about it!
FAQs
Why did Spencer Reid leave Criminal Minds?
He didn’t really “leave” the original show he was there ‘til the end! In Evolution, they say he’s on a special assignment, then a sabbatical. Basically, he’s just been too busy for the BAU.
Is Matthew Gray Gubler coming back to Criminal Minds?
He’s back for this episode, yay! But don’t expect him every week—his new show Einstein might keep him away. Fingers crossed for more cameos, though!
What happened to Will LaMontagne in Criminal Minds?
Will collapsed and died in Season 3, Episode 2. Episode 3 is all about his funeral it’s a total tearjerker.
Will there be a romance between Reid and JJ?
Ooh, spicy! There was some flirty tension way back, but with Will just gone, it’d be tricky. Maybe down the road? Fans are split on this one.
When’s the next episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Stay tuned for Episode 4! Check your TV schedule—I don’t have the exact date, but it’s coming soon!
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