The latest update on FBIseason 8 hints that Scola is getting a new partner, as a familiar face joins the cast. Since the departure of Katherine Renee Kane early in season 7, with Special Agent Tiffany Wallace stepping away from the job, FBI has been in a state of flux. Scola (John Boyd) has been paired with a few different partners.
National Treasure: Edge of History alum Lisette Olivera was originally meant to be Scola’s new partner, playing Syd Ortiz, a trained Behavioral Analysis Unit Agent, albeit she departed after a few episodes, with the producers going in a different direction. S.W.A.T. actor Emily Alabi was then brought on in a recurring capacity with the potential to become a series regular.
Deadlinereports that Law & Order: SVU alum Juliana Aidén Martinez is joining FBI season 8. Although details on her character are being kept under wraps, it’s speculated in the report that she could play Scola’s new partner. Martinez previously portrayed Detective Kate Silva for a single season on Law & Order: SVU. Both franchises, FBI and Law & Order, are produced by Wolf Entertainment.
What This Means For FBI
Another Change
FBI season 8 is still finding its footing after Tiffany admitted that she no longer wants to do the job, hoping instead to find something that better balances with her personal life. Tiffany got an episode to say her goodbyes, though the show has been testing different approaches since. Olivera, in the role of Syd Ortiz, appeared in 5 episodes.
Back in November, it was announced that Olivera would depart FBI. The news went out before her character even debuted on-screen. Although the episodes that Olivera filmed aired as planned, her stint on the CBS staple was short-lived overall. Sources underlined that Olivera’s early exit was not a reflection of her work.
It was noted that Syd Ortiz, a young character, wasn’t the right fit for what the procedural franchise was looking for. Alabi appeared in a handful of episodes, including the FBI season 7 finale. According to TVLine, she will return in season 8 just to close out her run as Dani Rhodes.
Our Take On FBI’s New Casting
The Franchise Has A Lot Of Plates Spinning
Regardless of the details of the new character that Martinez plays, the FBI franchise has a lot going on. The spinoff CIA has been pushed back to next year amid retooling and a new showrunner. It could be said that CBS is overthinking what works in the generally sturdy action shows, which have remained popular despite changes.
