Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) is the youngest member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) on CBS’ Criminal Minds who has an eidetic memory, an IQ of 187, and the ability to read 20,000 words a minute. Not only does his intelligence make him special, but he is also the sole character who has been in the largest number of episodes, which holds a special place in the Criminal Minds fan base’s hearts. With the upcoming 15 year anniversary of the show being on the air, we wanted to look back at a few of our favorite quotes that Reid has given us throughout the years.
“What’s Twilight?”
While Garcia is attempting to hack into someone’s computer, she tells JJ and Reid that the password was Cullen, the vampire family from Twilight. However, with Reid’s lack of fundamental pop culture knowledge, he asks Garcia if she means colon, but when he finds out they are in fact not talking about a body part, he’s speechless, to say the least.
“This is calm, and it’s ‘Dr.'”
After the BAU gets investigated and put on trial for letting Ian Doyle free, Reid gets questioned, stating if someone has to get punished, it should be him for suggesting the idea in the first place. Senator Cramer says, “calm down, agent,” but a visibly angry Reid quickly reminds him of who it is he’s speaking to.
“I got shot in the leg and I don’t get any cookies?”
After the tragic events of what happened to not one, but two members of the BAU, Garcia bakes cookies for Hotch. When Reid tries to eat one, Garcia swats him away and sassy Reid comes out in full force.
“Actually, it’s more like we’re looking for a needle in a pile of needles. A needle would stand out in a haystack.”
Dr. Spencer Reid, correcting one incorrect idiom at a time. Reid and Morgan are on a stakeout after they think they’ve found the killer they’re looking for from their profile. Reid just can’t help himself. He had to set the record straight.
“Actually, there aren’t that many scientific errors in Star Trek, especially considering how long ago it was made. There are certain improbabilities, but not that many outright errors.”
A wise person once said, stand up for what you believe in. That’s exactly what Reid did when Morgan asked what Reid’s late nights look like when Morgan suggests Reid watches Star Trek and laugh at the Physics mistakes (he really thought he got him that time). Reid swiftly corrects him, which no doubt reminded Morgan why you don’t argue with Reid about Star Trek, specifically.
“Look at me. Without a gun on my belt, I look like a teacher’s assistant!”
Reid, still struggling to pass his firearm qualifications in order for him to carry his gun around, approaches Gideon in the station they took base in for the episode. When Gideon asks how Reid is holding up, Reid airs out his frustrations.
If you are in need of a Criminal Minds fix now that the show is off the air, WE tv is hosting the Criminal Minds Summer Stakeout every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. ET/PT and Monday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET/PT now until September 7. Make sure to also check out our top 10 episodes, and stay tuned for more as we celebrate the momentous occasion! And if you need a fix of Gubler specifically, check out our Beyond series spotlight on him here.
