Matthew Gray Gubler’s New Criminal Minds Replacement Show Is A Boost For Spencer Reid Return Hopes
Matthew Gray Gubler is set to star in a brand new CBS series, and that boosts his chances of coming back to Criminal Minds: Evolution. As an original ensemble member, not having Spencer Reid as part of the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution has been a big topic of conversation among those who enjoy the series. There was initial confusion on why Gubler isn’t really involved, but ultimately, it was determined that his absence boiled down to scheduling conflicts. The actor wanted to venture out and do something different after playing Reid for 15 seasons on the CBS series.
Everyone involved in Criminal Minds: Evolution has been supportive. In return, Gubler has expressed his desire to come back as Reid. BAU’s golden boy is still technically a member of the team, with his desk intact. In season 1, it was revealed that he was just working on a different case, but in season 2, Emily Prentiss shared that Reid was actually on sabbatical. This made it seem like it was only a matter of time before Reid appeared in Criminal Minds: Evolution. So, it’s surprising to learn that Gubler will be leading Einstein — a new procedural on CBS.
Gubler will reportedly play the descendant of Albert Einstein who helps the police solve crimes in the upcoming show, Einstein. Since the project appears to still be in the early stages of development, not much is known about it aside from the actor being the face of the project. As exciting as this is, Gubler taking on a new series on network TV may seem detrimental to his return chances are Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. That said, an interesting tidbit from Deadline actually hints that being on Einstein makes it easier for him to return.
With Einstein bringing Gubler back in the fold of CBS Studios, which co-produces Criminal Minds, synching up schedules may be easier should Einstein go to series and Evolution get renewed for a third season.
While leading Einstein will undoubtedly make Gubler busy, both projects being from CBS Studios makes scheduling easier. Since the actor is already under contract with the company, they can easily arrange for him to make at least a cameo in Criminal Minds: Evolution. The fact that the initial report mentioned this piece of information supports the idea.
Depending on when CBS is planning to release Einstein, it may take a while before more details are released about the new show. Based on its premise, however, anyone who has followed Criminal Minds would know how perfect Gubler is for the part. In the long-running procedural, BAU’s golden boy is known for his eidetic memory, which essentially makes him a genius. Being smart is his unique skill, and while it’s mostly always a joint effort among the profilers, cases are solved more quickly if Reid is around, considering that he’s a walking and talking encyclopedia and calculator.
Granted that Einstein’s grandson is also supposedly a troublemaker in the upcoming endeavor — something that Reid is not in Criminal Minds , it’s safe to say that Gubler can effectively play the role.
For 15 seasons until Criminal Minds ended, Gubler played the role so effectively, which makes his transition to playing another genius in his next project somewhat easier. Granted that Einstein’s grandson is also supposedly a troublemaker in the upcoming endeavor — something that Reid is not in Criminal Minds, it’s safe to say that Gubler can effectively play the role. If anything, it also allows him to try something new. Instead of simply doing a repeat of his performance in Criminal Minds, Gubler has an updated version of the smart guy character he is so used to portraying.
After he was framed in Mexico and jailed for a time, Reid started spending time away from the BAU. He was hesitant at first, but considering everything that he went through, he was forced to take a leave and recuperate. Prentiss helped him with his free time by getting him to teach upcoming bureau agents. Throughout this time, the BAU was still able to function effectively. Even without Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution, the profilers are able to solve the trickiest of cases
That being said, it doesn’t mean that Gubler is no longer needed in Criminal Minds. There are several reasons why he still needs to return. Firstly, he is still technically a part of the team. If he decides to leave permanently, there should be a proper send-off episode, the same way Derek Morgan had. Secondly, the procedural series has yet to reunite Reid and Morgan on-screen since Shemar Moore’s exit. Criminal Minds: Evolution is well-positioned to deliver on that, especially since both actors are willing to come back.
