Criminal Minds 4.24 - Spencer Reid

Show: Criminal Minds 

Episode: S4E24, "Amplification"

Character: Spencer Reid

Whump Factor: 2

"Amplification" follows the BAU as they hunt for a home-grown bioterrorist who released a deadly new anthrax strain into a local park.

In the course of the investigation, Agent Spencer Reid enters the house of the suspected unsub without his partner Morgan and, quickly realizing the house is filled with anthrax, shuts and locks the door in an attempt to spare his partner. Reid spends most of the episode in the house, attempting to profile the terrorist and find the cure in time. He gradually begins to exhibit symptoms of anthrax poisoning (cough, slurred speech, difficulty breathing).

Unable to speak to his mother directly without alerting her to the emergency, Reid records a touching voicemail for his mother in the event of his death. After locating the cure and finishing the profile, Reid is rushed to the hospital. Because he cut himself on a rosebush before entering the house, the anthrax has acted on his system at an accelerated pace; in the ambulance, he loses control of his speech and begins to cough blood.

The episode ends with Reid waking up in the hospital with Morgan at his side, apparently no worse for wear and joking about Jello.