Unveiling the Shocking Truth Behind Criminal Minds' Abrupt End to Reid's Drug Addiction Plot
Gubler's reported dislike for Reid's addiction arc led to the dropping of the storyline This article explores how Criminal Minds mishandled the arc and delves into the drugs Reid got addicted to It also highlights the compelling nature of Reid's dark stories and identifies the episodes that tackle his drug addiction
Summary
Criminal Minds dropped Spencer Reid's drug addiction arc, leaving viewers wondering why. The narrative wasn't properly addressed, with only vague references to his struggle.
Reid's dependency on Dilaudid arose from the relentless administration of the drug by a captor. This substance, classified as an opioid, predisposes individuals to addiction when used inappropriately or excessively.
The profound and intricate narratives surrounding Reid, encompassing his struggle with addiction and subtle indications of schizophrenia, constituted some of the most captivating moments in the series Criminal Minds. The absence of his character in season 16 has left a profound void.
The Spencer Reid drug addiction arc in Criminal Minds was dropped, leaving many viewers questioning why. As an original member of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), Reid was known for his intelligence. However, his life was far from easy, and he arguably faced the most traumatic experiences among the show's characters. Throughout his 15 seasons on Criminal Minds, Reid encountered multiple near-death situations.
One particularly memorable instance occurred in season 2, episode 15, titled "Revelations." Psychotic serial killer Tobias Hankel kidnapped Reid and subjected him to torture and drugging for two consecutive days until the BAU saved him. Although Reid survived, he developed an addiction to Dilaudid, a narcotic painkiller. Reid's personal struggle was portrayed as a secondary plotline until he unexpectedly became clean by the end of season 3.
How The Show Mishandled Reid's Addiction Arc
The drug addiction narrative involving Spencer Reid was not properly addressed in Criminal Minds. Only a few episodes briefly touched upon his personal struggle without providing clear details. The reason behind the show's decision to abandon this storyline seems to be Gubler's request. Another speculation suggests that Reid's crucial role as part of the BAU would have been compromised if the drug addiction arc had been pursued. Without Reid, solving most of Criminal Minds' cases would have become challenging. Gubler mentioned in interviews that Reid has "hints of schizophrenia," so the show could have used his mental health as a reason for him to take a break from assisting the BAU if needed. Ultimately, incorporating a drug addiction plotline for Spencer Reid presented various storytelling difficulties on Criminal Minds.
Aside from serving as a major distraction for Reid in fulfilling his responsibilities, there were potential complications in terms of job security, as his addiction could have potentially led to suspension or even termination. As previously indicated, Spencer Reid played a pivotal role in the BAU, with his exceptional intelligence often leading to successful case resolutions. Losing him to suspension or dismissal would have been a significant setback for the FBI and the entire team.
What Drugs Spencer Reid Got Addicted To
The drug addiction storyline involving Spencer Reid revolved around Dilaudid. Reid developed an addiction to this substance after being repeatedly injected with it by a suspect involved in a case. Initially, Tobias Hankel administered the drug to Reid while the FBI agent was held captive. Hankel believed he was alleviating the pain inflicted by his own father, but the frequent injections within a short period of time led to Reid's body becoming reliant on the drug.
Hankel actually had Dissociative Identity Disorder and one of the identities he dissociated with was his father. Tobias' use of Dilaudid to numb his pain in the Criminal Minds episode "Revelations" only exacerbated his symptoms of DID. Dilaudid, a derivative of morphine, is also known as hydromorphone. It is an opioid and can easily result in addiction if used improperly or excessively.
Some emergency personnel prefer Dilaudid due to its high solubility rate, allowing for quick breakdown and absorption by the body. Although withdrawal symptoms for Dilaudid addiction may subside faster than with other drugs (usually within 72 hours), they are more severe. It is astonishing how Spencer Reid managed to overcome his drug addiction in Criminal Minds so swiftly considering the intensity of Dilaudid withdrawal.
Reid's Dark Stories Were Some Of Criminal Minds' Best Moments
Spencer Reid's presence on Criminal Minds showcased its most intense and compelling moments, whether delving into his struggles with drug addiction or his alluded schizophrenia. From vulnerable exchanges with his severely afflicted mother to the haunting possibility of Reid being a serial killer himself, Reid's character added depth to the show.
As a result, the absence of Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds Season 16 has been deeply felt. The show thrived when exploring the darkness within this complex character. There were even discussions of Reid potentially returning as a villain in Paramount+'s Criminal Minds revival. Unfortunately, it appears that Gubler's time on the series has come to an end.
What Episodes Deal With The Spencer Reid Drug Addiction Story?
The Spencer Reid drug addiction storyline unfolds throughout episodes in seasons 2 and 3 of the show Criminal Minds. It all begins in season 2, episode 14, "The Big Game," where Reid is kidnapped by Tobias Hankel. In the following episode, "Revelations," Tobias injects Reid with Dilaudid, starting his addiction. Reid manages to shoot Tobias and takes the drugs from him. Episodes 16 and 17, "Fear and Loathing" and "Distress," show Reid suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and flashbacks of his kidnapping.
In episode 18, "Jones," Reid reunites with a childhood friend who recognizes something is wrong. Towards the end of the episode, Gideon finds Reid and assures him that anyone who has experienced his trauma would struggle. This prompts Reid to realize that he needs to quit taking drugs. However, the topic resurfaces in season 3, episode 16, "Elephant's Memory," where Reid attends a support group called The Beltway Clean Cops, which is designed for addicts in law enforcement.
