Jason Gideon

Jason Gideon (played by Mandy Patinkin) was the BAU's best profiler on the CBS crime drama, Criminal Minds. He helped Morgan and Reid through their nightmares. He is shown to have a very close relationship with Reid, having hand picked Reid from the FBI Academy for his team; helping Reid through many difficulties (including his implied drug use), even leaving the good-bye letter for Reid to find. His 'father-son' relationship with Reid extended to non-work aspects as well; such as when he encourage Reid to ask JJ out on a date (by buying Redskin tickets for Reid's birthday), and insisting on 'Dr. Reid', as he believes people respect the young genius more. Through the first two season, Gideon is portrayed to be very good at chess, winning against Reid many times (only exception being Reid's birthday, 1x04), and encouraging him to 'think outside of the box'.

Prior to the series, he is said to have had a "nervous breakdown" (or "major depressive episode") after he sent six men into a warehouse in Boston with a bomb in it. All six agents were killed, and he was heavily criticized about the event. He would later confront the bomber, Adrian Bale and finally face the demons that had haunted him for months. He shows particular dislike for the practice of using religion as a defense or motivation for one's crimes.

He blamed himself for the torture Reid received from Henkle as he had ordered Garcia to add a virus warning to the videos Hankle posted. Gideon also has a son named Stephen, as shown in episode 1x11 ("Blood Hungry"). The nature of their relationship has not been directly stated, but it is implied that they have not seen each other very recently. Gideon began to lose confidence in his profiling skills after Frank murdered his girlfriend. During his final case in Arizona, he further lost faith in his abilities when his decision to release the unsub resulted in the deaths of both the unsub and a young woman.

As a result of his actions Hotch was suspended and this was the final straw for Gideon. Leaving his gun and badge behind at his cabin with a letter for Reid to find, he left to wayfare and to regain belief in himself and happy endings. Gideon shared much in common with real life FBI profiler John E. Douglas, who has written many books on the subject. Similarities include that both controversially predicted an unsub would have a stammer, and both required a prolonged leave of absence due to stress related illnesses acquired as a result of the job. He was replaced by David Rossi.