Jubal and Sam’s reconciliation seemed to end their long-standing conflict, which began in season 3. But the season also had Jubal almost lose his job because he abuses his power to get his son out of trouble after Tyler (Caleb Reese Paul) is arrested during a protest. These beats put Jubal in the perfect position to have his strongest story in FBI season 8, as Isobel’s (Alana de la Garza) possible death creates a career possibility for Jubal.
Isobel’s Dark Fate Can Lead To Jubal’s Promotion In FBI Season 8
If She Dies Or Is Incapacitated, He’s Her Natural Successor
In the season finale, Isobel survives an assassination attempt at the FBI headquarters, only to suddenly collapse while making a statement at the end of the episode. While it’s not clear yet whether she will survive, this cliffhanger suggests that there will be a vacancy in the Field Office. Even if Isobel recovers, she will likely be incapacitated for some time. Thus, Jubal will likely take on her job on either a temporary or permanent basis. This promotion will give Jubal even more responsibility, which will cut into the amount of time he has available for Sam and Tyler.
Jubal’s Promotion In FBI Season 8 Can Resurrect His Marital Issues With Sam
He May Have Even More Trouble Finding Time To Spend With His Family
Jubal and Sam getting back together doesn’t necessarily mean that the issues that drove them apart are resolved. Chief among them was that Jubal spent too much time at the office and not enough at home. This has been a recurring conflict since season 3, when Sam and Tyler were first introduced. Over the years, Sam resents that Jubal continues to spend a lot of time at work while she is Tyler’s primary caregiver. Although the couple is divorced, they have a co-parenting relationship, but Sam is often irritated that Jubal isn’t there while Tyler is going through serious crises.
Jubal has an especially hard time when Tyler is diagnosed with leukemia in one of FBI’s most important episodes, as he can’t leave work for long enough to focus on his seriously ill son. Yet he and Sam resolve this problem enough that they are willing to give their relationship a second chance in season 7. However, if Jubal now gets this promotion, it’s likely that his overworking will again cause trouble between him and Sam. His new job will come with even more responsibility, making it harder for him to tear himself away.
How Jubal Can Better Balance His Personal & Professional Lives In FBI
He Needs Help Seeing That He Has A Choice
Ironically, Jubal would have had a better chance at resolving this issue if Isobel was healthy and able to guide him. Isobel understands the compartmentalization required for this job and would likely encourage Jubal to reserve more time with his family or give examples from her own life of how to do it. While that won’t be a possibility, Jubal could seek mentorship elsewhere to help him figure out how to do his new job without it taking up all of his time.
Jubal could seek mentorship elsewhere to help him figure out how to do his new job without it taking up all of his time.
Primarily, he will need to learn to trust his team enough to delegate responsibilities so that he can be home as needed. Jubal will also need a new second-in-command in FBI season 8, assuming he gets this promotion, and Maggie (Missy Peregrym) would be the perfect person for this role. She could take on extra responsibilities so as to encourage Jubal to go home, not allowing the job to destroy his marriage for a second time.
