Matthew Gray Gubler's absence as Spencer Reid can be fixed in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. The police procedural returned after a two-year hiatus on Paramount+ with a more focused way of storytelling, devoting one season to a single case and Unsub. Essentially a continuation of the original series on CBS, the majority of the cast of Criminal Minds returned except for two people — Daniel Henney's Matt Simmons and Gubler's Dr. Spencer Reid.

While both were sorely missed, especially since the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) tackled their biggest case yet, Reid's absence was felt more. As an original cast member, the team's resident genius was integral to countless cases over the 15 years that procedural was on network TV. Criminal Minds: Evolution did reveal what happened to Reid, but specifics of his absence remain unclear. Whatever the case may be, the series has a chance to rectify this now that the Paramount+ project is already confirmed for season 2.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Can Use Reid's Absence As The Start Of A New Case

Criminal Minds season 16 Reid return

Before its intense freshman year was even finished, it was confirmed that Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 will be moving forward. Not only is it good news because it means that the BAU is coming back, but it also gives the show another chance to finally bring back Reid. The remaining profilers handled the Sicarius case well, but it could have been easier and quicker for them if boy genius was involved. Instead of simply bringing him back, however, it would have been better if Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 could make a narrative out of his absence and return.

Reid's personal Criminal Minds arcs including his drug addiction plot were always intriguing and well done. The Criminal Minds: Evolution writers could create a backstory for his absence in season 1 and use it as the beginning of a future storyline. Deputy Director Bailey made it sound like he was simply given a different case to tackle in his effort to undermine the BAU; whatever it is, it could tie into the ongoing mystery about Gold Star. Otherwise, it could also be an entirely separate narrative that the show can explore moving forward.

How Spencer Reid Could Appear In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2

Prentiss and Reid on Criminal Minds

There was initially some confusion over the reason for Gubler skipping Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1. Originally, it was believed that the actor turned down the offer because he wanted to focus on his other ventures, especially after starring in the CBS series for 15 years. Eventually, it was revealed that scheduling conflicts were the main culprit for this. Depending on when the new season will film, Gubler can finally rejoin his old castmates, even as a recurring guest star.

Since it sounded like Reid remains to be part of the FBI, it would be fairly easy to reincorporate him into the BAU. After the arrest of Elias Voit, Emily Prentiss and her team likely have a bit more leverage against the brass for them to negotiate the return of Reid. Whether this will come to fruition in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 is currently uncertain, but it's great that there's a straightforward way to recruit Reid back into his old team.