Unveiling Matthew Gray Gubler's Masterpieces: Ranking Every Criminal Minds Episode He Directed

Summary

Matthew Gray Gubler directed 12 episodes of Criminal Minds, showcasing his talent both in front of and behind the camera.

Gubler's direction in each episode brought forth a distinct and chilling atmosphere, exploiting audience fears and weaving in unsettling plotlines.

Effortlessly juggling his directing responsibilities and his character's emotional development, Gubler delivered nerve-racking episodes that remained faithful to Reid's traumatic experiences.

Matthew Gray Gubler, known for his role as Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds, had the opportunity to direct his own episodes in the show. Despite his popularity among fans, he did not return for the revival series Criminal Minds: Evolution, leaving the reason for his absence a mystery. Since the original series ended in 2020, Gubler's acting career has been relatively quiet, with appearances in Horse Girl (2020), King Knight (2021), and seven episodes of Dollface. However, he has not ventured into directing again, despite showcasing his talent in the 12 episodes he directed for Criminal Minds. These episodes spanned from season 5 to season 13, providing Gubler with a platform to demonstrate his skills both in front of and behind the camera. Fans still hold out hope for Spencer Reid's return in the future.

12 "The Capilanos"

Season 13, Episode 17

This episode of Criminal Minds follows the story of two brothers who work together as rodeo clowns but have turned to burglarizing wealthy homes for income. However, one of the brothers has a hidden and deadly agenda, secretly murdering the victims of their crimes. The show reveals some unknown facts about Reid, showcasing the actor's interest in directing chilling episodes. Gubler's talent for invoking fear is evident in this episode, as he subtly taps into the audience's common fear of clowns, especially those who are capable of killing. It is considered one of the standout episodes of season 13, showcasing Gubler's exceptional directing skills.

11 "Elliott's Pond"

Season 12, Episode 6

In this investigation, the team is confronted with the mysterious vanishing of three young children who disappeared while riding their bicycles late one night. They are also faced with the enigma surrounding the disappearance of two children three decades ago, who went missing along the same path. This chilling episode of the show concludes with a shocking twist, as it is revealed that the children who vanished many years ago are still alive and held captive by their abductor since childhood. Gubler skillfully amplifies the already ominous narrative by showcasing the bizarre elements from the very beginning.

10 "Alchemy"

Season 8, Episode 20

In this particular episode, the team delves into the murders of two young men in the picturesque region of Rapid City. The perpetrator is a woman grappling with the lingering anguish of losing a child in the past, and she seeks to fill that void by using her victims as a means to recreate her lost progeny. This presented quite a challenge for Gubler. Not only did he direct this installment of Criminal Minds, but Spencer Reid was still in the midst of mourning his beloved Maeve, adding immense pressure to his character's mental state. Nonetheless, wearing two hats, Gubler skillfully crafted an episode filled with nail-biting tension while never losing focus on Reid's traumatic experiences.

9 "Blood Relations"

Season 9, Episode 20

In the depths of a rural area in West Virginia, the team finds themselves immersed in a murder investigation. Their pursuit unveils the intricate web of two warring families, seemingly linked to the string of heinous crimes. "Blood Relations" serves as a haunting episode that leaves fans unsettled. Its gripping narrative is intensified by the shocking revelation of two teenage siblings who, burdened by their forsaken child, delve into a spree of killings within their respective clans. As is typical of Matthew Gray Gubler's directorial style, this installment of Criminal Minds is both chilling and deeply disturbing.

8 "Gatekeeper"

Season 9, Episode 7

This episode of Criminal Minds exudes an eerie atmosphere as the team delves into a series of strangulation murders. Their investigations unravel the trail to a vigilant front desk clerk, hell-bent on safeguarding the inhabitants of his building at any expense. A fascinating aspect of this episode is that it was directed by Matthew Gray Gubler, who also plays the role of Reid. During the show, Reid takes charge when a pregnant woman experiences complications and cannot reach the hospital in time. As a result, Gubler skillfully balances directing an intricate and gripping episode while portraying the intense scene where his character assists with the delivery of a newborn.

7 "Heathridge Manor"

Season 7, Episode 19

The team's investigation into the murders of women clad in Shakespearean attire unravels a sinister connection to witchcraft and the devil. This installment delves into deeply unsettling family secrets, much like previous episodes. In "Heathridge Manor," Gubler skillfully crafts an atmosphere of familial tension and discomfort, heightened by an enigmatic and eerie conclusion. True to form, Gubler's direction in Criminal Minds always takes audiences on a journey outside the realm of normal cases, and this episode is no exception.

6 "The Lesson"

Season 8, Episode 10

This episode delves into the protagonist's nostalgic journey as he revisits his past when he operated a puppet theater alongside his father. Unbeknownst to the BAU, this man is the main suspect they are investigating, leading them to uncover his sinister plot of orchestrating real-life puppet shows with fatal consequences. Matthew Gray Gubler, known for directing several Criminal Minds episodes centering around mental health issues, skillfully incorporates this theme into a captivating narrative that continuously surprises viewers with unexpected twists.

5 "The Tall Man"

Season 14, Episode 5

The BAU is called to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two individuals in the woods. Their attention is drawn to a local ghost story, known as the "Tall Man," which may hold the key to understanding these unsettling events. Directed by Matthew Gray Gubler, a master of creating eerie atmospheres, this particular Criminal Minds episode delves into the chilling realm of a local legend that has spawned criminal activity. Gubler's fascination with macabre tales is evident in his exceptional directing skills, vividly illustrating how obsession with these mythical narratives can take on a life of their own. This unique episode veers closer to horror, deviating from the typical investigative narratives found in Criminal Minds.

4 "A Beautiful Disaster"

Season 11, Episode 18

In this heart-wrenching episode of Criminal Minds, Morgan's pregnant girlfriend, Savannah, becomes the target of an unsub. Determined to uncover the truth, the team races against time. Throughout the episode, Morgan's resilience shines through, showcasing why he is one of the toughest characters in the series. It's an emotional rollercoaster for fans, as the story tugs at their heartstrings. The arrival of Morgan's son, born to Savannah, brings immense joy to the team. However, the episode ends on a bittersweet note as Morgan makes the difficult decision to leave the Criminal Minds team. Expertly directed by Matthew Gray Gubler, this episode skillfully explores the highs and lows, leaving fans with tears in their eyes.

3 "Lauren"

Season 6, Episode 18

Prior to this episode, Emily Prentiss' past was shrouded in mystery. However, someone from her past resurfaces to torment her, eventually resulting in her abduction. As the BAU team delves deeper into the case, they uncover a startling truth about their beloved colleague and friend. This particular episode, widely acclaimed as the finest installment of Criminal Minds' sixth season, delivers an emotionally charged conclusion as the team mourns Emily's supposed death, only to later discover that it was a ruse. Under the direction of Matthew Gray Gubler, who is known for his exceptional work on Criminal Minds, this episode posed a considerable challenge as it demanded the logical portrayal of how Emily successfully deceived her entire team, while also providing her with a compelling departure from the show.

2 "Mr. Scratch"

Season 10, Episode 21

This episode of Criminal Minds features the notorious character known as Mr. Scratch, who makes multiple appearances throughout the series. The story revolves around the BAU's pursuit of this unsub, who cunningly drugs his victims, inducing hallucinations that drive them to murder their loved ones. While not one of the most terrifying episodes directed by Matthew Gray Gubler, it still manages to deeply disturb many viewers. Gubler skillfully incorporates the presence of a horrifying shadow monster, which the first victim encounters before carrying out the heinous act. This is a prime example of Gubler's specialty in creating chilling and captivating visuals.

1 "Mosley Lane"

Season 5, Episode 16

In this particular instance, the BAU undertakes an inquiry into the vanishing of a young girl at a bustling carnival. Their efforts, alongside the unwavering determination of a mother, result in the revelation of a connection among multiple children who have been abducted throughout the years. This installment of Criminal Minds, skillfully helmed by Matthew Gray Gubler, succeeds in captivating its audience by evoking both tender emotions and heartbreak. Gubler skillfully compels viewers to mourn the lost children while simultaneously allowing them to partake in the elation of families reunited in the end. Although this episode does not showcase Gubler's expertise in the macabre, it effectively showcases his ability to touch hearts and infuse warmth into the storytelling.