Criminal Minds Completely Forgot About 2 Reid Love Interests (& 1 Could Have Been Great) (2024)

When it comes to Spencer Reid love interests, Criminal Minds dropped two — and one of them had the potential to become his best romance in the CBS series. Played by Matthew Gray Gubler, Reid was one of the two characters who appeared in every season of the original series, the other being JJ (AJ Cook). Dubbed the golden boy of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), Reid was intrinsic in almost every single case that the profilers handled. In addition to being part of the team, Criminal Minds devoted time to his personal life.

Aside from the fact that Gubler was an original cast member, he was also a clear fan favorite. Watching him work with the rest of the BAU was entertaining, thanks to his genius and signature idiosyncrasies. However, Reid's personal arc was also compelling. Surviving multiple losses, including the death of his mentor, a prison stint, and his mother's deteriorating health, it was impossible not to root for him. So, whenever Criminal Minds introduced a love interest, there was optimism he could find the love that he deserved.

Criminal Minds Dropped Reid's Romances With Lila & Austin

Reid Missed Out On Two Romantic Happy Endings

Over the years, Criminal Minds attempted to give Reid a romantic partner. Unfortunately, no one really stuck with him as Will La Montaigne and Savannah Hayes did for JJ and Derek Morgan. Occasionally, Reid would develop an interesting dynamic with a new character, but the show wouldn't pursue it further. Two stand out from the pool of potential love interests for the character: Lila Archer (played by Amber Heard) and bartender Austin.

Reid first met Lila in Criminal Minds season 1, episode 18, "Somebody's Watching." After her manager got murdered, the SSA was assigned as her protection. The pair's dynamic was playful, with Lila clearly trying to flirt with Reid. Ultimately, Reid gave in and started engaging her. After her case was resolved, Criminal Minds floated the idea that the pair continued to see each other. The show never showed how their relationship progressed beyond that single outing, only hinting that they eventually split up.

Subsequently, Reid and Austin met in Criminal Minds season 4, episode 9, "52 Pick-Up." The pair's introduction was far more organic as they encountered each other in a bar. Austin was a bartender who Reid tried adorably hitting on as part of Morgan's attempt to teach him how to charm women. The pair had great chemistry, and they ended up dating each other. Unfortunately, after a couple of episodes, Criminal Minds decided also to drop their arc.

Criminal Minds' Austin & Reid Pairing Was A Missed Opportunity

Austin Was The Best Chance Reid Had At Happiness

Reid eventually got into a serious relationship with Maeve Donovan, which resulted in a heartbreaking tragedy. However, looking back at all the romantic partners that the SSA had in the original Criminal Minds show, it's difficult not to feel disappointed that it didn't do more with Reid and Austin's story.

The pair had a great connection and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. Reid was also noticeably relaxed and carefree around Austin. There was no need to break them up. If anything, it could have gone on for far longer, with Reid ultimately ending up with her in the long run.

Could Spencer Reid Return?

Reid Has A Chance To Come Back In Criminal Minds: Evolution

Many fans wondered where Reid was in Criminal Minds: Evolution. The cast from the hit show's final season returned, but there was disappointment in not seeing Matthew Gray Gubler back as Reid. The reason he wasn't back was simple — there were scheduling conflicts. About the series, Gubler said, "They did a newer spin-off of the show, but it was filming during a time when I was shooting something else. But I can't wait — hopefully, it will soon work out."

This was great news because it meant that Reid not appearing had nothing to do with Gubler not wanting to return. He said he is still on good terms with the cast and would love to return to the show. However, it still has to happen, and that means the showrunners have to find a reason to bring Reid back onto the team after he was gone for the entire last season. It should be easy, though. The entire first season saw the members talking about Reid, mentioning him, and ensuring no fans forgot about him.

Season 2 is on the horizon, and many fans would be happy to see Reid back on the team again. Seeing him back as a full-time cast member would be even better. The first season of Criminal Minds: Evolution missed his quirky nature and personality. However, fans should be careful what they wish for. Many people theorized that Reid could return as the next unsub, and that could hurt everything the character meant over his time on the show.

Criminal Minds: Evolution

Thriller

Crime

Drama

Mystery

In Criminal Minds: Evolution, the FBI’s elite team of criminal profilers come up against their greatest threat yet, an UnSub who has used the pandemic to build a network of other serial killers. As the world opens back up and the network goes operational, the team must hunt them down, one murder at a time. Original cast members continuing their roles include Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Zach Gilford joins the dynamic cast as a recurring guest star in a season-long arc.

Cast

Joe Mantegna , A.J. Cook , Kirsten Vangsness , Aisha Tyler , Adam Rodriguez , Paget Brewster , Zach Gilford

Seasons

2

Streaming Service(s)

Paramount+

Writers

Erica Messer

Showrunner

Erica Messer

Main Genre

Crime

Creator(s)

Erica Messer

Watch On Paramount Plus