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| {{short description|Character in American television series Criminal Minds}} | |||
| {{Infobox character | |||
| {{Multiple issues| | |||
| | name = Dr. Spencer Reid | |||
| {{All plot|date=November 2024}} | |||
| {{More citations needed|date=November 2024}} | |||
| {{Primary sources|date=November 2024}} | |||
| }} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Reid, Spencer}}{{Infobox character | |||
| | name = Spencer Reid | |||
| | series = ] | | series = ] | ||
| | image = ] | | image = ] | ||
| | caption = |
| caption = | ||
| | first = '''S1 E1''' "]"<br>September 22, 2005 | |||
| | last = '''S15 E10''' "]"<br>February 19, 2020<br><small>Returning in Season 18</small> | |||
| | portrayer = ] | | portrayer = ] | ||
| | lbl2 = | |||
| | creator = ] | |||
| | data2 = | |||
| | birthday = october 9, 1981 (age 29) | |||
| | nickname = Spence, Spencie, Crash, Pretty Boy, Boy Genius, Einstein | |||
| | first = "]"<br>1x01, September 22, 2005 | |||
| | gender = Male | |||
| | occupation = ] | |||
| | title = FBI ] Supervisory Special Agent | | title = FBI ] Supervisory Special Agent | ||
| | occupation = ] | |||
| | alias = | |||
| | family = Diana Reid (mother) <br/> William Reid (father) | |||
| | birthday = october 9, 1981 <small>(age 29)</small> | |||
| | spouse = | |||
| | family = Diana Reid <small>(mother)</small> <br>William Reid <small>(father)</small> <br>Daniel <small>(uncle;deceased)</small> <br>Henry LaMontagne <small>(godson, via ])</small><ref>"The Instincts", season 4, episode 6</ref> | |||
| | children = | |||
| }} | |||
| | nationality = | |||
| '''Dr. Spencer Reid''' is a fictional character from the CBS crime drama '']'', portrayed by ]. | |||
| | lbl24 = Seasons | |||
| | data24 = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| }}'''Spencer Reid''' is a fictional character on the ] crime drama '']'', portrayed by ]. He is a Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and has appeared since the show's pilot episode in 2005. Reid is characterized as a genius and prodigy with an eidetic memory and an IQ of 187, possessing multiple doctorate degrees in mathematics, chemistry, and engineering.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Etemesi |first=Philip |date=2021-08-13 |title=Criminal Minds: 12 Hidden Details You Missed About Spencer Reid |url=https://screenrant.com/criminal-minds-spencer-reid-hidden-facts-trivia/ |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> Known for his social awkwardness and analytical brilliance, Reid’s intellectual capabilities and unique quirks have made him an integral part of the BAU team, remaining a regular theme in the series even after initially not returning for the renewal, '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Criminal Minds' Producer Explains Matthew Gray Gubler's Absence |url=https://m.imdb.com/news/ni64740271/?ref_=nws_nwr_li |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| In December 2024, after two seasons of absence, it was announced that Matthew Gray Gubler will be reprising his role as Spencer Reid in ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Meredith |date=2024-12-12 |title=Matthew Gray Gubler Returning as Reid in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' Season 18 |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1166387/criminal-minds-evolution-matthew-gray-gubler-returning-reid-season-18/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=TV Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> He will reportedly appear in one episode.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |last2=Andreeva |first2=Nellie |date=2024-12-13 |title=Matthew Gray Gubler To Reprise His Spencer Reid Role On ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/matthew-gray-gubler-reprise-spencer-reid-role-criminal-minds-evolution-1236202515/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| He is a ] and ] who graduated from a ] public high school at age 12. His fellow team members almost always introduce him as ] Reid. ] revealed in the first season that ] insisted on introducing him as Dr. Reid because Gideon feared that, because of his age, Reid wouldn't be taken seriously as an ] agent. He has an ] of 187<ref>"Extreme Aggressor", season 1, episode 1</ref> and an ] that applies mostly to things he has seen or read (he is shown occasionally to forget things he has heard, such as "that new tech girl's name"<ref>"Tabula Rasa", season 3, episode 19</ref>), but it has been implied that he deliberately suppresses some of his childhood memories. It is also said in "Extreme Aggressor" that Dr. Reid can read 20,000 ] (an average American adult reads prose text at 250 to 300 words per minute). It has been revealed that he holds Ph.Ds in ], ] and ], as well as ]s in ] and ]; he is also working on a B.A. in ].<ref name="Masterpiece, season 4, episode 8">"Masterpiece", season 4, episode 8</ref> | |||
| == Character == | |||
| Reid exhibits many common autistic tendencies, including impaired eye contact, abnormal speech, ], literalness, savantism, and missed social cues. The unsub in "Broken Mirror"<ref name="Broken Mirror, season 1, episode 5">"Broken Mirror", season 1, episode 5</ref> noted this, and ] stated in an interview in the show's second season "'s an eccentric genius, with hints of ] and minor ], ]. Reid is 24, 25 years old with three PH.D.s and one can't usually achieve that without some form of autism." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvdramas.about.com/od/criminalminds/a/matgraygubint.htm|title=An Interview with Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid, Criminal Minds)| accessdate=2010-09-26}}</ref> Originally, Reid was supposed to be more like Data from ], but the producers liked Matthew's interpretation and finally hired him after several auditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ciminal-minds-matthew-gray-gubler-168464|title='Criminal Minds' Star Matthew Gray Gubler on Directing}}</ref> He is a technophobe, and does not use either email or the new iPads. ] tweeted that Reid is also germaphobic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twitter.com/GUBLERNATION|title=GUBLERNATION Aug 3 2009}}</ref> In general, Reid dislikes shaking hands<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmsetreport.blogspot.com/2011/12/cmsetreport-chat-transcript-for.html|title=CM_SetReport Chat Transcript for Executive Producer Janine Sherman Barrois and Matthew Gray Gubler 12/15/2011 | |||
| }}</ref>, and shows adverse reactions when touched by strangers.<ref name="Pleasure Is My Business, season 4, episode 16">"Pleasure Is My Business", season 4, episode 16</ref> It's speculated the character may also have slight ], particularly from a scene in "Out of the Light"<ref name="Out of the Light, season 6, episode 22">"Out of the Light", season 6, episode 22</ref> where ] slightly moves an item in an OCD unsub's home, and Reid immediately places it back to its previous spot. | |||
| === Backstory === | |||
| Spencer's birthday is noted in one episode, "Plain Sight" as having been "three days ago", the setting of this particular scene having been October 12, 2005, and his age was said to be 24,<ref name="Plain Sight, season 1, episode 4">"Plain Sight", season 1, episode 4</ref> concluding that his birthday is October 9, 1981. In season 7, Reid celebrates his 30th birthday in "True Genius", which airs in January, 2012, although it is noted the team forgot it originally. Spencer's place of residence is speculated to be near the Van Ness Metro Station in the District of Columbia, as surmised by the opening scenes in "Coda", where he is seen walking near the Van Ness-UDC Metro sign.<ref>"Coda", season 6, episode 22</ref> Adding to the speculation is the fact that his car, as seen in "In Name and Blood", has DC license plates.<ref>"In Name and Blood", season 3, episode 2</ref> | |||
| Spencer Reid was born on October 12, 1981, to Diana and William Reid. His mother, a college professor of literature, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, a condition that deeply influenced Reid’s childhood. His father left the family when Reid was a young boy, unable to cope with Diana’s illness. Reid’s academic prowess was evident early, as he graduated from high school at twelve and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees by the age of 22. When Reid was eighteen, he institutionalized his mother, a decision that left him with lingering guilt, leading him to maintain regular correspondence with her. | |||
| Reid joined the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit at the unusually young age of 22, becoming one of the team's youngest members. Despite challenges with the physical aspects of FBI training, he was admitted due to his exceptional intellectual talents. | |||
| ==Storylines== | |||
| ===Backstory=== | |||
| Spencer Reid was born in ] (as was ]). In Reid's youth, his father abandoned the family, ostensibly because he couldn't tolerate his wife Diana's ] ]. It was revealed in a later episode "Memoriam", however, that his father actually left because he couldn't bear all the stress of Diana's involvement in a murder when Spencer was a child. The Reids' neighbor, Mr. Jenkins, killed a man named Gary Michaels with a baseball bat because Michaels had sexually abused and murdered Jenkins' son, Riley, and Diana had seen the same man approach Spencer. After going to see what was happening, Diana witnessed the murder and got blood on her clothes, forcing Reid's father to burn her clothes to protect her. | |||
| === Personality === | |||
| Reid was a victim of severe bullying in school. In "Elephant's Memory", he recounts one instance where he was stripped naked and tied to a goalpost in front of other students, remaining there for hours. In "L.D.S.K.", Hotchner is forced to kick Reid in order to allow him access to a gun in order to shoot a suspect. When Hotch says he's sorry if he hurt him, Reid points out that he had been a child prodigy in a Las Vegas school and that he (Hotch) "kick like a nine-year-old girl." Reid's social standing as a child increased when he started winning games as the coach of his high school's basketball team, using statistics to break down the opposing teams' shooting strategies. <ref name="Painless, season 7, episode 4">"Painless", season 7, episode 4</ref>He learned much of what he knows from self-directed reading or listening to his mother (a college professor of 15th Century Literature), as revealed in "The Fisher King, Part 1". It is revealed in "The Boogeyman" that Reid is afraid of the dark because of the "inherent absence of light". | |||
| Reid is depicted as socially awkward and is known for his verbose and tangential explanations. His eidetic memory allows him to retain and recall vast amounts of information, often leading to rapid, information-heavy responses that occasionally overwhelm or shock his colleagues. Reading at a rate of 20,000 words per minute, Reid demonstrates a love of books and traditional methods of learning. His colleagues, particularly Derek Morgan, often light-heartedly tease him for his lengthy explanations and obscure knowledge. Reid has an IQ of 187 and is characterized as a genius throughout the series. Reid is autistic, a major contributor to his exceptional intelligence and social awkwardness.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
| While intellectually brilliant, Reid’s emotional maturity and social skills develop more gradually. He sometimes misses social cues and is uncomfortable with modern technology, showing a preference for physical books over digital media. He also exhibits mild obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as his habit of meticulously organizing his belongings. Reid’s aversion to physical contact, especially with strangers, further highlights his social discomfort. For example, he usually refrains from shaking hands after meeting somebody. Notably, he becomes more comfortable with his teammates over time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet Criminal Minds' Chic Geek, Matthew Gray Gubler |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/meet-criminal-minds-41573/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| While Reid was close to his mother growing up, and learned everything he knows from her, he nevertheless realized that the way she was living was unhealthy. When he was 18, he had his mother committed involuntarily to a psychiatric institution, as revealed in "Revelations". Diana still resides in the same institution, and Reid has stated that he sends her letters every day, in part because of the guilt he feels for not visiting her. He worries about the fact that his mother's illness can be passed on genetically; he once told Morgan: "I know what it's like to be afraid of your own mind" in "Sex, Birth, Death". | |||
| In addition to his academic strengths, Reid displays emotional resilience, overcoming a traumatic kidnapping and forced drug addiction in ]. This experience affects his empathy and deepens his understanding of human suffering, and he admits that it helped him connect with victims’ experiences more profoundly. | |||
| Reid has an obvious lack of talent when it comes to talking to women; there are very few times that he has actually interacted with a woman without being noticeably and obviously uncomfortable. The only two exceptions are Lila Archer, a young actress he was assigned to protect; and a bartender he wooed with magic tricks while showing her a sketch of a potential suspect, or "UnSub" (unidentified subject). In "Memoriam", a prostitute hits on Reid in a Las Vegas casino and he seems oblivious to her intentions. It is mentioned that Reid has been subject to the flirting of other prostitutes while searching for the suspect. | |||
| Matthew Gray Gubler has been known for his many hairstyles throughout the series, resulting in a completely different hairstyle for Spencer Reid in almost every season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hope |first=Stephanie |date=2020-12-18 |title=I Ranked Spencer Reid From "Criminal Minds" Haircuts From Worst To Best |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniehope/i-ranked-spencer-reids-hair-from-criminal-minds |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=BuzzFeed |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| Reid got his Mathematics doctorate when he was 17. He has attended both ] and ]. He has also stated that ] was his "safety school". Writer ] admitted the MIT line was a mistake<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmsetreport.blogspot.com/2011/10/cmsetreport-chat-transcript-for-breen.html|title=CM_SetReport Chat Transcript for Breen Frazier 10-13-11}}</ref>, but as of yet that has not been corrected onscreen. Also, in the same twitter chat, Frazier noted Reid now has a fourth Ph.D, from Yale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmsetreport.blogspot.com/2011/10/cmsetreport-chat-transcript-for-breen.html|title=CM_SetReport Chat Transcript for Breen Frazier 10-13-11}}</ref> This has not been stated onscreen. | |||
| == |
== Storyline == | ||
| Reid joined the FBI at the age of 21 and was hand-picked by Gideon to work on Hotch's team. After being kidnapped by a serial killer with multiple personalities, Tobias Hankel, Reid was tortured and drugged over the course of two days in "Revelations". This led him to develop an addiction to the narcotic painkiller ]. While the ] team members had their suspicions about Spencer's addiction, none of them confronted him about it. An old friend of Reid's in ] is also aware that Reid suffers from 'problems' in "Jones". Reid has become clean since then and has attended a support group meeting for addicts in Law Enforcement in "Elephant's Memory", at which he admitted struggling with cravings as well as with traumatic memories, including a young adult suspect's shooting death in his presence. Also when he contracts ] in "Amplifications" he does not want to take any pain medication. Memories of his torture under Hankel also allowed him to empathize with other victims. | |||
| === Season 1 === | |||
| Reid and Prentiss were once held hostage by a cult led by Benjamin Cyrus (portrayed by ]). Though he was not injured, Reid struggled with guilt over "allowing" Prentiss's beating at the hands of Cyrus in "Minimal Loss". | |||
| In ], Reid, at age 22, is introduced as a socially awkward genius with a profound intellect. Reid’s youth and inexperience in fieldwork gives him a rough start socially, yet he begins forming bonds with his colleagues overtime, especially ], to whom he asks out on a date. In "L.D.S.K.", despite failing his weapons qualification, he saves a room full of hostages, gaining a measure of respect from his teammates.<ref>'''S1 E6''' "L.D.S.K.". ''].'' November 2, 2005.</ref> | |||
| Reid also contracted anthrax during an outbreak in ],<ref>"Amplification", season 4, episode 24</ref> and was later shot in the leg protecting a doctor whose life was being threatened.<ref>"Nameless, Faceless", season 5, episode 1; the shooting was written in to explain actor Matthew Gray Gubler's crutches following knee surgery after an injury from a dance-off with several co-stars from the film ''500 Days of Summer''.</ref> | |||
| === Season 2 === | |||
| Reid is a good map-reader, and therefore does the geographic profiling and map-related activities for the team. He also has a talent with words, and is the team's go-to linguistic profiler, as well as their unofficial discourse analyst. He is rarely seen behind the wheel - one time when Morgan hands him the keys, JJ and ] exchange horrified expressions - but in "Lo-Fi" he is seen getting in to the driver's side of a vehicle and even driving that same vehicle in one scene. | |||
| ] sees Reid face significant trauma. In "The Fisher King, Part 2," he reveals his mother’s schizophrenia, which he fears inheriting.<ref>'''S2 E1''' "The Fisher King: Part 2". ''].'' September 20, 2006.</ref> Later, he is abducted and tortured by Tobias Hankel, a serial-killer who injects him with the drug ], leading to Reid’s struggle with addiction. His traumatic experience in captivity affects him deeply, and he begins attending support meetings for law enforcement officers struggling with substance abuse. | |||
| === Season 3 === | |||
| Gideon was his closest confidant on the team during the first two seasons, and often served as a mentor to Reid. Gideon even prodded him to ask out JJ after giving him ] football tickets for his birthday. Reid is close to JJ, who asked him to be godfather of her son Henry, and is the only one on the team who calls him "Spence." It is implied in 'Plain Sight' that Reid may have a slight crush on JJ, but they have a brother-sister relationship. | |||
| In ], Reid confronts the lingering effects of his past traumas. He reveals a painful bullying experience from high school to ] in "Elephant’s Memory" and relates to a young criminal who was also a bullying victim.<ref>'''S3 E16''' "Elephant's Memory". ''].'' April 16, 2008.</ref> Reid also forms deeper friendships with his team members and begins opening up more, especially to Morgan, who acts as a mentor and older brother figure. | |||
| === Season 4 === | |||
| In the episode "Somebody's Watching", with the team on a case to protect a TV starlet, Lila Archer (]), from being harmed by a serial killer, Reid and Lila kindle a short-lived romance, beginning when Lila pulls Reid, fully clothed, into her pool for a kiss. At the end of the episode they go their separate ways and Lila is not seen in further episodes. In yet another episode, Reid and Morgan are in a nightclub trying to find a serial murderer who picks up women in nightclubs. Reid is having trouble talking to the women in these clubs, especially since he is spouting out facts about club-related deaths, but Morgan helps him out. Reid starts a conversation with the female bartender, and proceeds to do a magic trick in which he appears to jab a pen through the eye of a police sketch, but pulls it through, leaving the paper unscathed. She expresses interest in him, and he gives her his business card in case she hears something about the killer. Later, she sees the killer with another potential victim and intentionally spills her drink on the lady, pulling her away. The killer seems to disappear, and while the bartender goes outside to phone Reid, he grabs her. The team responds quickly and saves her before she is harmed. At the end of the episode, she and Reid are talking over the phone, and he opens a package at his desk that contains the card that he gave her—with a lipstick kiss on the back. | |||
| Reid’s backstory and family ties are further explored in ]. In "Minimal Loss," he and ] go undercover at a cult, and he feels guilt when Prentiss is harmed while protecting him.<ref>'''S4 E3''' "Minimal Loss". ''].'' October 8, 2008.</ref> In "Memoriam," Reid reconnects with his estranged father who abandoned him and his mother. This painful reunion stirs unresolved anger, but Reid ultimately finds some closure. He also becomes godfather to JJ’s son, Henry, solidifying his bond with JJ.<ref>'''S4 E7''' "Memoriam". ''].'' November 12, 2008.</ref> | |||
| === Season 5 === | |||
| During the episode "Corazon", Reid begins to suffer from severe headaches and hallucinations. He goes to see a doctor in order to find out the source of his headaches, but the doctor says that there is no physical cause for his headaches, and that they may be psychosomatic. Reid refuses to believe this, afraid that he may be suffering from the same illness as his mother.<ref>"Corazon" Season 6, Episode 12</ref> | |||
| In ], Reid’s storyline focuses on physical recovery and emotional growth. Early in the season, he is shot in the leg while protecting a civilian, which temporarily limits his field activities. During his recovery, Reid reflects on his purpose within the team, and his relationships with his teammates, particularly JJ and Morgan, deepen. | |||
| === Season 6 === | |||
| It is not mentioned again until "Coda", when he is seen once again wearing sun glasses and is carrying a book on migraines. In the same episode, Reid bonds with a young autistic boy, Sammy Sparks.<ref>"Coda" Season 6, Episode 16</ref> A cut line from the episode has Rossi stating Sammy and Reid are two of the most fascinating minds he's ever encountered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRd2eItYhnI|title=Criminal Minds 6x16 Coda EXTENDED promo}}</ref> | |||
| ] reveals Reid struggling with migraines, fearing they might signal the onset of schizophrenia. His anxiety over potential mental illness leads him to see multiple doctors, none of whom provide answers. This subplot highlights Reid’s longstanding fear of inheriting his mother’s schizophrenia. When Prentiss is believed to have died in "Lauren," Reid is devastated, and he later reveals that he considered relapsing to cope with the loss.<ref>'''S6 E18''' "Lauren". ''].'' March 16, 2011.</ref> | |||
| === Season 7 === | |||
| In the episode "Valhalla", Reid tells Prentiss about his headaches. By then, Reid had gone to several doctors, but no one has been able to diagnose what is wrong with him. He tells Prentiss that he has not told any of the team members because he is afraid that they will "treat him like a baby."<ref>"Valhalla" Season 6, Episode 17</ref> | |||
| In ], Reid learns that Prentiss’s death was faked as part of an operation, and he feels betrayed by JJ, who withheld the truth. This strains their friendship, as Reid reveals the depth of his grief and the struggle he endured, nearly relapsing into his addiction. Over time, Reid forgives JJ, and their friendship is restored. Reid also confronts unresolved questions about his near-death experience in Season 2. | |||
| === Season 8 === | |||
| In the episode "Lauren", it is Reid and ] who react most strongly to the news of Emily's death. Reid's reaction is to run out of the room, and ends up sobbing into JJ's shoulder telling her that he "never got a chance to say goodbye."<ref>"Lauren" Season 6, Episode 18</ref> | |||
| In ], Reid begins a relationship with Maeve Donovan, a geneticist he consults about his health concerns. Their relationship is exclusively long-distance, as Maeve is being stalked. In "Zugzwang," Maeve is kidnapped and later killed by her stalker, Diane Turner, in front of Reid, leaving him heartbroken and traumatized.<ref>'''S8 E12''' "Zugzwang". ''].'' January 16, 2013.</ref> This loss profoundly impacts Reid, and he withdraws from his teammates as he grapples with grief and guilt over her death. | |||
| === Season 9 === | |||
| In Season 7 when ] returns and Reid discovers ] and ] faked her death, Reid is upset, especially with JJ. He tells her he felt betrayed because he came to her house "for 10 weeks, crying" and she didn't say anything. He also mentions that he considered taking ] again after Emily "died.".<ref>"Proof" Season 7, Episode 2</ref> | |||
| ] explores Reid’s continuing struggles with grief over Maeve’s death and his fears about mental illness. In "Angels," Reid is shot while protecting a colleague.<ref>'''S9 E23''' "Angels". ''].'' May 7, 2014.</ref> The season ends with him beginning to mend emotionally, as he receives support from his teammates, especially Rossi, who consoles him and helps him confront his grief. | |||
| == |
=== Season 10 === | ||
| Reid’s grief resurfaces in ] after the murder of his former mentor, ]. He begins playing Gideon’s unfinished chess game as a way to process his feelings. His bond with the team, particularly with Rossi, continues to strengthen as they share memories of Gideon. This season solidifies Reid’s role as an emotionally resilient profiler who remains devoted to his team despite his struggles. | |||
| {{Reflist}} | |||
| == |
=== Season 11 === | ||
| In ], Reid’s attention shifts to his mother, who has developed dementia. He takes a sabbatical to care for her and expresses concerns about his genetic risk of developing the condition himself. In "Entropy," Reid reveals the extent of his fears about his own mental health while undercover to take down a hitman network targeting the BAU.<ref>'''S11 E11''' "Entropy". ''].'' January 13, 2016.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Criminal Minds: All About Reid's "Badass" Return to Take Down the Dirty Dozen |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/criminal-minds-reid-returns-matthew-gray-gubler-erica-messer/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> This mission brings his bravery and resilience to the forefront. | |||
| * {{imdb character|0024261|character=Dr. Spencer Reid}} | |||
| * at | |||
| === Season 12 === | |||
| ] sees Reid facing one of his greatest challenges when he is framed for murder and sent to prison. He endures physical threats from inmates and moral dilemmas, struggling to survive the violent environment. His time in prison leaves him with PTSD, which he grapples with in later seasons. Reid’s ordeal tests his loyalty and resilience, and his teammates rally to prove his innocence, reflecting his importance to the BAU family. | |||
| === Season 13 === | |||
| In ], Reid is reinstated at the BAU after his prison release, though he now suffers symptoms of PTSD. He receives mandatory time off to manage his recovery, during which he begins teaching seminars for FBI trainees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Criminal Minds Exclusive: There's a Condition to Reid's Reinstatement |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/criminal-minds-exclusive-reid-probation/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> Reid’s prison experience alters his approach to fieldwork, and he adopts a more aggressive stance against suspects, showing how deeply his imprisonment has affected him. | |||
| === Season 14 === | |||
| ] focuses on Reid’s gradual reintegration into the BAU and his complex relationships with his team, particularly JJ. In "Truth or Dare," during a hostage situation, JJ confesses that she has always loved him, though she remains committed to her family.<ref>'''S14 E15''' "Truth or Dare". ''].'' February 6, 2019.</ref> Reid acknowledges his own complicated feelings, and they agree to maintain their friendship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Criminal Minds' A.J. Cook Says the Idea of JJ and Reid Still Makes Her Nervous |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/jj-reid-criminal-minds-aj-cook-nervous/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> Reid also demonstrates his combat skills in several cases, reflecting his growth as a more confident agent. | |||
| === Season 15 === | |||
| In ], the final season of the original run, Reid seeks closure for past traumas. His lingering feelings for JJ are seemingly resolved, and he forms a new connection with Maxine Brenner, whom he meets as part of his therapy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Criminal Minds Showrunner Addresses JJ and Reid's Emotional Conversation in Final Season Premiere |url=https://people.com/tv/criminal-minds-showrunner-jj-reid-emotional-conversation/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=People.com |language=en}}</ref> When he suffers a brain injury and hallucinates people from his past, including Maeve, Reid gains emotional clarity and finds peace with his memories. By the end of the season, he has transformed into a resilient, mature profiler who has overcome profound personal struggles. Reid's last appearance (excluding flashbacks and mentions) was on the original series finale, "And in the End."<ref>'''S15 E10''' "And in the End". ''].'' February 19, 2020.</ref> | |||
| == References == | |||
| <references /> | |||
| {{Criminal Minds}} | {{Criminal Minds}} | ||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Reid, Spencer}} | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
Latest revision as of 03:00, 20 December 2024
Character in American television series Criminal Minds | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
| Spencer Reid | |
|---|---|
| Criminal Minds character | |
.png) | |
| First appearance | S1 E1 "Aggressor" September 22, 2005 |
| Last appearance | S15 E10 "And in the End" February 19, 2020 Returning in Season 18 |
| Portrayed by | Matthew Gray Gubler |
| In-universe information | |
| Nickname | Spence, Spencie, Crash, Pretty Boy, Boy Genius, Einstein |
| Gender | Male |
| Title | FBI BAU Supervisory Special Agent |
| Occupation | FBI Special Agent |
| Family | Diana Reid (mother) William Reid (father) |
| Seasons | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18 |
Spencer Reid is a fictional character on the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler. He is a Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and has appeared since the show's pilot episode in 2005. Reid is characterized as a genius and prodigy with an eidetic memory and an IQ of 187, possessing multiple doctorate degrees in mathematics, chemistry, and engineering. Known for his social awkwardness and analytical brilliance, Reid’s intellectual capabilities and unique quirks have made him an integral part of the BAU team, remaining a regular theme in the series even after initially not returning for the renewal, Criminal Minds: Evolution.
In December 2024, after two seasons of absence, it was announced that Matthew Gray Gubler will be reprising his role as Spencer Reid in Season 18. He will reportedly appear in one episode.
Character
Backstory
Spencer Reid was born on October 12, 1981, to Diana and William Reid. His mother, a college professor of literature, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, a condition that deeply influenced Reid’s childhood. His father left the family when Reid was a young boy, unable to cope with Diana’s illness. Reid’s academic prowess was evident early, as he graduated from high school at twelve and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees by the age of 22. When Reid was eighteen, he institutionalized his mother, a decision that left him with lingering guilt, leading him to maintain regular correspondence with her.
Reid joined the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit at the unusually young age of 22, becoming one of the team's youngest members. Despite challenges with the physical aspects of FBI training, he was admitted due to his exceptional intellectual talents.
Personality
Reid is depicted as socially awkward and is known for his verbose and tangential explanations. His eidetic memory allows him to retain and recall vast amounts of information, often leading to rapid, information-heavy responses that occasionally overwhelm or shock his colleagues. Reading at a rate of 20,000 words per minute, Reid demonstrates a love of books and traditional methods of learning. His colleagues, particularly Derek Morgan, often light-heartedly tease him for his lengthy explanations and obscure knowledge. Reid has an IQ of 187 and is characterized as a genius throughout the series. Reid is autistic, a major contributor to his exceptional intelligence and social awkwardness.
While intellectually brilliant, Reid’s emotional maturity and social skills develop more gradually. He sometimes misses social cues and is uncomfortable with modern technology, showing a preference for physical books over digital media. He also exhibits mild obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as his habit of meticulously organizing his belongings. Reid’s aversion to physical contact, especially with strangers, further highlights his social discomfort. For example, he usually refrains from shaking hands after meeting somebody. Notably, he becomes more comfortable with his teammates over time.
In addition to his academic strengths, Reid displays emotional resilience, overcoming a traumatic kidnapping and forced drug addiction in Season 2. This experience affects his empathy and deepens his understanding of human suffering, and he admits that it helped him connect with victims’ experiences more profoundly.
Matthew Gray Gubler has been known for his many hairstyles throughout the series, resulting in a completely different hairstyle for Spencer Reid in almost every season.
Storyline
Season 1
In Season 1, Reid, at age 22, is introduced as a socially awkward genius with a profound intellect. Reid’s youth and inexperience in fieldwork gives him a rough start socially, yet he begins forming bonds with his colleagues overtime, especially JJ, to whom he asks out on a date. In "L.D.S.K.", despite failing his weapons qualification, he saves a room full of hostages, gaining a measure of respect from his teammates.
Season 2
Season 2 sees Reid face significant trauma. In "The Fisher King, Part 2," he reveals his mother’s schizophrenia, which he fears inheriting. Later, he is abducted and tortured by Tobias Hankel, a serial-killer who injects him with the drug Dilaudid, leading to Reid’s struggle with addiction. His traumatic experience in captivity affects him deeply, and he begins attending support meetings for law enforcement officers struggling with substance abuse.
Season 3
In Season 3, Reid confronts the lingering effects of his past traumas. He reveals a painful bullying experience from high school to Derek Morgan in "Elephant’s Memory" and relates to a young criminal who was also a bullying victim. Reid also forms deeper friendships with his team members and begins opening up more, especially to Morgan, who acts as a mentor and older brother figure.
Season 4
Reid’s backstory and family ties are further explored in Season 4. In "Minimal Loss," he and Prentiss go undercover at a cult, and he feels guilt when Prentiss is harmed while protecting him. In "Memoriam," Reid reconnects with his estranged father who abandoned him and his mother. This painful reunion stirs unresolved anger, but Reid ultimately finds some closure. He also becomes godfather to JJ’s son, Henry, solidifying his bond with JJ.
Season 5
In Season 5, Reid’s storyline focuses on physical recovery and emotional growth. Early in the season, he is shot in the leg while protecting a civilian, which temporarily limits his field activities. During his recovery, Reid reflects on his purpose within the team, and his relationships with his teammates, particularly JJ and Morgan, deepen.
Season 6
Season 6 reveals Reid struggling with migraines, fearing they might signal the onset of schizophrenia. His anxiety over potential mental illness leads him to see multiple doctors, none of whom provide answers. This subplot highlights Reid’s longstanding fear of inheriting his mother’s schizophrenia. When Prentiss is believed to have died in "Lauren," Reid is devastated, and he later reveals that he considered relapsing to cope with the loss.
Season 7
In Season 7, Reid learns that Prentiss’s death was faked as part of an operation, and he feels betrayed by JJ, who withheld the truth. This strains their friendship, as Reid reveals the depth of his grief and the struggle he endured, nearly relapsing into his addiction. Over time, Reid forgives JJ, and their friendship is restored. Reid also confronts unresolved questions about his near-death experience in Season 2.
Season 8
In Season 8, Reid begins a relationship with Maeve Donovan, a geneticist he consults about his health concerns. Their relationship is exclusively long-distance, as Maeve is being stalked. In "Zugzwang," Maeve is kidnapped and later killed by her stalker, Diane Turner, in front of Reid, leaving him heartbroken and traumatized. This loss profoundly impacts Reid, and he withdraws from his teammates as he grapples with grief and guilt over her death.
Season 9
Season 9 explores Reid’s continuing struggles with grief over Maeve’s death and his fears about mental illness. In "Angels," Reid is shot while protecting a colleague. The season ends with him beginning to mend emotionally, as he receives support from his teammates, especially Rossi, who consoles him and helps him confront his grief.
Season 10
Reid’s grief resurfaces in Season 10 after the murder of his former mentor, Jason Gideon. He begins playing Gideon’s unfinished chess game as a way to process his feelings. His bond with the team, particularly with Rossi, continues to strengthen as they share memories of Gideon. This season solidifies Reid’s role as an emotionally resilient profiler who remains devoted to his team despite his struggles.
Season 11
In Season 11, Reid’s attention shifts to his mother, who has developed dementia. He takes a sabbatical to care for her and expresses concerns about his genetic risk of developing the condition himself. In "Entropy," Reid reveals the extent of his fears about his own mental health while undercover to take down a hitman network targeting the BAU. This mission brings his bravery and resilience to the forefront.
Season 12
Season 12 sees Reid facing one of his greatest challenges when he is framed for murder and sent to prison. He endures physical threats from inmates and moral dilemmas, struggling to survive the violent environment. His time in prison leaves him with PTSD, which he grapples with in later seasons. Reid’s ordeal tests his loyalty and resilience, and his teammates rally to prove his innocence, reflecting his importance to the BAU family.
Season 13
In Season 13, Reid is reinstated at the BAU after his prison release, though he now suffers symptoms of PTSD. He receives mandatory time off to manage his recovery, during which he begins teaching seminars for FBI trainees. Reid’s prison experience alters his approach to fieldwork, and he adopts a more aggressive stance against suspects, showing how deeply his imprisonment has affected him.
Season 14
Season 14 focuses on Reid’s gradual reintegration into the BAU and his complex relationships with his team, particularly JJ. In "Truth or Dare," during a hostage situation, JJ confesses that she has always loved him, though she remains committed to her family. Reid acknowledges his own complicated feelings, and they agree to maintain their friendship. Reid also demonstrates his combat skills in several cases, reflecting his growth as a more confident agent.
Season 15
In Season 15, the final season of the original run, Reid seeks closure for past traumas. His lingering feelings for JJ are seemingly resolved, and he forms a new connection with Maxine Brenner, whom he meets as part of his therapy. When he suffers a brain injury and hallucinates people from his past, including Maeve, Reid gains emotional clarity and finds peace with his memories. By the end of the season, he has transformed into a resilient, mature profiler who has overcome profound personal struggles. Reid's last appearance (excluding flashbacks and mentions) was on the original series finale, "And in the End."
References
- ^ Etemesi, Philip (2021-08-13). "Criminal Minds: 12 Hidden Details You Missed About Spencer Reid". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- "'Criminal Minds' Producer Explains Matthew Gray Gubler's Absence". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- Jacobs, Meredith (2024-12-12). "Matthew Gray Gubler Returning as Reid in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' Season 18". TV Insider. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (2024-12-13). "Matthew Gray Gubler To Reprise His Spencer Reid Role On 'Criminal Minds: Evolution'". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- "Meet Criminal Minds' Chic Geek, Matthew Gray Gubler". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- Hope, Stephanie (2020-12-18). "I Ranked Spencer Reid From "Criminal Minds" Haircuts From Worst To Best". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- S1 E6 "L.D.S.K.". Criminal Minds Season 1. November 2, 2005.
- S2 E1 "The Fisher King: Part 2". Criminal Minds Season 2. September 20, 2006.
- S3 E16 "Elephant's Memory". Criminal Minds Season 3. April 16, 2008.
- S4 E3 "Minimal Loss". Criminal Minds Season 4. October 8, 2008.
- S4 E7 "Memoriam". Criminal Minds Season 4. November 12, 2008.
- S6 E18 "Lauren". Criminal Minds Season 6. March 16, 2011.
- S8 E12 "Zugzwang". Criminal Minds Season 8. January 16, 2013.
- S9 E23 "Angels". Criminal Minds Season 9. May 7, 2014.
- S11 E11 "Entropy". Criminal Minds Season 11. January 13, 2016.
- "Criminal Minds: All About Reid's "Badass" Return to Take Down the Dirty Dozen". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- "Criminal Minds Exclusive: There's a Condition to Reid's Reinstatement". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- S14 E15 "Truth or Dare". Criminal Minds Season 14. February 6, 2019.
- "Criminal Minds' A.J. Cook Says the Idea of JJ and Reid Still Makes Her Nervous". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- "Criminal Minds Showrunner Addresses JJ and Reid's Emotional Conversation in Final Season Premiere". People.com. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- S15 E10 "And in the End". Criminal Minds Season 15. February 19, 2020.
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