While a complete, unbridled rage might be an exaggeration, the episode where Dr. Spencer Reid demonstrably expresses profound disappointment and hurt towards Jennifer Jareau, or “JJ,” is Season 6, Episode 18, “Lauren.” This episode marks a significant turning point in their relationship, showcasing a rare moment of vulnerability and anger from Reid triggered by JJ’s secretive behavior surrounding Emily Prentiss’s fake death.
The Seeds of Discontent: Emily’s “Death” and JJ’s Deception
The core of Reid’s frustration stems from the elaborate lie constructed around Emily Prentiss’s supposed death. JJ, being deeply involved in the clandestine operation that faked Emily’s demise to protect her from Ian Doyle, carried a heavy burden of secrecy. She kept this information hidden from the entire BAU team, including Reid, his best friend. This deception profoundly impacted Reid, who already struggled with trust issues and was deeply attached to Emily.
Reid’s anger isn’t necessarily directed at JJ personally, but rather at the principle of the deception and the pain it caused him. He felt betrayed by someone he considered a close friend, someone he expected honesty from. The shock of Emily’s apparent death, compounded by the realization that JJ knew the truth all along, created a powerful and emotionally charged reaction. It’s important to understand that Reid’s emotional outbursts are often related to feelings of betrayal or helplessness, emotions amplified by his unique cognitive abilities and heightened sensitivity.
Unpacking Reid’s Reaction: Beyond Simple Anger
Reid’s response is more complex than simple anger. It’s a potent mix of betrayal, grief, and a deep-seated fear of losing those he cares about. He witnesses the profound impact Emily’s “death” has on the team, including his own emotional distress. The knowledge that JJ could have alleviated this pain, yet chose to remain silent, cuts deep.
His cognitive abilities also play a role. Reid’s eidetic memory and pattern recognition skills allow him to recall subtle inconsistencies in JJ’s behavior leading up to Emily’s “death,” further solidifying his feelings of betrayal. He pieces together the puzzle and realizes the extent of the deception, making the situation even more painful.
Furthermore, Reid’s history of trauma, including his mother’s mental illness and his own struggles with addiction, makes him particularly vulnerable to feelings of abandonment and betrayal. JJ’s actions, regardless of her good intentions, trigger these underlying insecurities and exacerbate his emotional response.
The Aftermath: Rebuilding Trust
While “Lauren” marks a low point in Reid and JJ’s friendship, it doesn’t permanently fracture their bond. Over time, their relationship heals, albeit with a lingering awareness of the events surrounding Emily’s “death.” They learn to navigate the complexities of their friendship, acknowledging the occasional need for secrecy while reaffirming their commitment to honesty and support. The experience, ultimately, strengthens their understanding of each other’s vulnerabilities and reinforces the importance of communication.
Their ability to move past this difficult period highlights the strength of their underlying friendship and their commitment to the BAU team’s well-being. They both recognize that their actions, while imperfect, were motivated by a desire to protect each other and the team from harm. This shared understanding becomes the foundation for rebuilding trust and moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Reid and JJ’s relationship, particularly concerning the events surrounding Emily’s “death” and Reid’s reaction.
H3 Why did JJ keep Emily’s “death” a secret from the team?
JJ kept Emily’s “death” a secret because it was part of a highly classified operation designed to protect Emily from Ian Doyle and his network. Revealing the truth to anyone, even the BAU team, would have put Emily at risk. The situation required absolute secrecy to ensure her safety.
H3 Was Reid the only one angry at JJ?
No, while Reid’s reaction was particularly pronounced due to his close relationship with both JJ and Emily, the entire team felt betrayed by JJ’s secrecy. However, they also understood the circumstances and the immense pressure she was under.
H3 How did Emily’s return affect Reid and JJ’s relationship?
Emily’s return did help to mend the rift between Reid and JJ, as it proved that JJ’s actions, however hurtful, were ultimately motivated by a desire to protect Emily. The relief of having Emily back alive overshadowed some of the lingering resentment.
H3 Did Reid ever fully forgive JJ?
While it’s difficult to say definitively, the show implies that Reid does eventually forgive JJ. Their interactions in later seasons demonstrate a restored sense of trust and camaraderie. He understands the difficult position she was in and acknowledges her good intentions.
H3 Was there a specific scene where Reid confronts JJ about Emily?
Yes, there’s a very powerful and emotionally charged scene in “Lauren” where Reid confronts JJ. He expresses his disappointment and hurt, questioning her decision to keep him in the dark and highlighting the pain it caused him. This confrontation is a pivotal moment in their relationship.
H3 Did JJ apologize to Reid?
While a formal, explicit apology isn’t prominently featured, JJ demonstrates remorse for her actions and acknowledges the pain she caused Reid. Her subsequent actions and unwavering support for him suggest a sincere desire to make amends.
H3 How did Reid cope with Emily’s “death” before he knew it was a lie?
Reid struggled immensely with Emily’s “death.” He experienced grief, guilt, and a sense of loss. He relied on his intellect and the support of his teammates to process his emotions, but the experience undoubtedly left a lasting impact on him. His coping mechanisms were primarily intellectualization and reliance on data.
H3 Did this incident change the way the BAU team operated?
While not explicitly stated, the incident likely led to a greater emphasis on communication and transparency within the BAU team. It served as a reminder of the importance of trust and the potential consequences of keeping secrets, even with good intentions.
H3 Did JJ’s actions affect her relationship with other members of the BAU?
Yes, JJ’s actions did affect her relationship with other members of the BAU, albeit to varying degrees. Everyone felt betrayed by her secrecy, but they also understood the circumstances and the immense pressure she was under. The experience served as a test of their loyalty and resilience as a team.
H3 What season and episode does Emily actually come back?
Emily returns in Season 7, Episode 1, “It Takes a Village.” Her return brings closure to the ordeal and allows the team to begin rebuilding their trust and working together more effectively.
H3 How did Reid’s relationship with Emily influence his reaction to JJ’s secret?
Reid’s close bond with Emily amplified his reaction to JJ’s secret. He considered Emily a close friend and valued her presence in his life. The thought of losing her permanently was devastating, and the fact that JJ knew the truth all along only compounded his pain and sense of betrayal.
H3 Were there any long-term consequences of JJ’s actions on her career within the FBI?
While JJ’s actions caused friction and hurt within the BAU, there were no apparent long-term consequences for her career within the FBI. Her dedication to the team and her commitment to solving crimes ultimately outweighed the negative aspects of the situation. She remained a valuable asset to the BAU and continued to serve the FBI with distinction.