Jason Gideon

Jason Gideon is a criminal profiler who was formerly the Unit Chief of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Background
Gideon had reportedly suffered a nervous breakdown due to the death of six of his colleagues in a warehouse bombing before the beginning of the series. He was called back from medical leave in the pilot episode, "Extreme Agressor".

Gideon has a knack for counseling his colleagues, and has been a great help to both Derek Morgan and Spencer Reid. He has also beat Dr. Reid at chess on several occasions.

On the Job
After a series of emotional cases, Gideon began to feel burned out. The last straw was Hotchner's two-week suspension, for which Gideon felt responsible. He retreated to his cabin during the 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 remarking to a Nevada diner waitress that he didn't know where he was going or how he'd know when he got there, leaving the diner and subsequently driving off in his vehicle.

Behind the Scenes
Jason Gideon was portrayed by Mandy Patinkin.