<P> While investigating the case of Adrian Bale, a.k.a. "The Boston Shrapnel Bomber", Gideon had reportedly suffered a nervous breakdown after he sent six men into a warehouse before Bale detonated a bomb inside . All six agents and a hostage were killed, and he was heavily criticized about the event . He took a six - month medical leave because he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder . Upon his return from medical leave, he was given the Senior Agent position, as Hotch was confirmed as Unit Chief . Not much is known about his personal life, other than he has a son named Stephen, with whom he was estranged because of his commitment to his job . </P> <P> Through the first two seasons, Gideon was portrayed to be very good at chess, winning against Reid many times (only exception being Reid's birthday) and encouraging him to "think outside the box". Prior to the series, he was said to have had a "nervous breakdown" (or "major depressive episode") after he sent six agents into a warehouse with a bomb in it; all six agents & a hostage were killed, and he was heavily criticized about the event . He showed particular dislike for the practice of using religion as a defense or motivation for one's crimes . Gideon participated in some field operations during his time with the BAU and had the rest of his team "think outside the box" as well, as he made a major advancement by shouting at the top of his lungs with pleas of mercy and, when questioned by his team, he said that the victims were being threatened to be kept quiet as neighbors would have heard the pleas if they were unrestrained . He blamed himself for the torture Reid received from Tobias Hankel as he had ordered Penelope Garcia to add a virus warning to the videos Hankel posted he also blamed himself that he was the one that got Elle Greenaway shot . Gideon also had a son named Stephen . The nature of their relationship has not been directly stated, but it was implied that they have not seen each other very recently . Gideon also has an obsession for birds and bird - watching . </P> <P> The character of Jason Gideon was partially based on real - life criminal profiler John E. Douglas, one of the founders of modern Behavioral Science . </P> <P> He helped Derek Morgan and Spencer Reid through their nightmares . He was shown to have a very close relationship with Reid, having hand - picked him from the FBI Academy for his team, helping Reid through many difficulties (including his implied drug use), and even leaving the good - bye letter for Reid to find . Gideon did not know Garcia well, as expressed through an episode wherein he is placed with her while he is on crutches; after they are placed, Garcia complains about him, and he doesn't know her name . </P>

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