as Jason Gideon
Gideon was a father figure to all of the team members. He helped Morgan and Reid through their nightmares. Prior to the series, he is said to have had a "nervous breakdown" after he sent six men into a warehouse with a bomb in it. All six agents were killed, and he was heavily criticized about the event. Gideon is also skilled at chess, having continually beaten Dr. Reid. After a series of emotional cases, Gideon began to feel burnt out. He retreated to his cabin during Hotch's suspension and left a letter for Dr. Reid, whom he knew would be the one to come looking for him. When Reid arrived at the cabin, it was empty except for the letter and Gideon's badge and weapon. Gideon was last seen at the beginning of Season 3, leaving a diner and remarking to the waitress that he didn't know where he was going or how he'd know when he got there, and then subsequently drove off in his car.