When it comes to television crime dramas, fans often expect sparks to fly between male and female leads. But CBS’s hit series FBI has taken a refreshing route by keeping Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and Omar Adom “OA” Zidan (Zeeko Zaki) in a platonic, yet deeply loyal partnership. Instead of bending to the will-they-or-won’t-they formula, the show leans into their mutual respect, trust, and unwavering bond. According to star Zeeko Zaki, this decision gives their characters “longevity”—something rare in a genre often fueled by romantic subplots.
Let’s dive into how this dynamic sets FBI apart, why fans are invested in Maggie and OA’s partnership, and what Zeeko Zaki believes makes their non-romantic storyline such a strength for the series.
The Dynamic Duo of ‘FBI’
Maggie and OA are the heartbeat of FBI. From the pilot episode, viewers saw the two agents thrown into high-stakes cases, building chemistry through action, not flirtation. Their relationship is built on camaraderie, loyalty, and trust, forming one of the strongest bonds on television.
Breaking the Romance Trope in TV
Most crime dramas rely on romantic tension to hook audiences—think Bones, Castle, or Law & Order: SVU at times. Yet FBI makes a deliberate choice: Maggie and OA are partners in the truest sense, not love interests. This narrative decision allows the writers to focus on the action, the cases, and the personal sacrifices that come with FBI life.
Zeeko Zaki on the “Longevity” of Maggie & OA
In interviews, Zeeko Zaki has praised the decision to keep Maggie and OA’s relationship non-romantic. He explained that their dynamic gives them staying power. Why? Because without the risk of romance fading or storylines fizzling out, the writers can continue to explore their evolving partnership for years.
Trust at the Core of Their Relationship
What makes their bond work? Trust. Maggie and OA don’t just work together—they rely on each other with their lives. Whether running into danger or making split-second calls, their trust feels real, and that’s what keeps viewers hooked.
The Power of Platonic Chemistry
Chemistry doesn’t always mean romance. Maggie and OA prove that powerful platonic connections can create just as much emotional impact. Their shared glances, unspoken understanding, and ability to back each other up in the field make their relationship compelling without ever crossing into love story territory.
A Refreshing Take for Viewers
For many fans, Maggie and OA’s relationship is refreshing. In a world where nearly every show tries to push romance between leads, FBI takes a bold stand—focusing on mutual respect and deep friendship instead.
Comparisons to Other TV Partnerships
Think Mulder and Scully (The X-Files) or Benson and Stabler (SVU). Those dynamics were often overshadowed by “will they or won’t they” debates. By contrast, Maggie and OA sidestep that trap entirely, allowing the show to shine without distractions.
How Writers Benefit From a Platonic Partnership
From a storytelling perspective, not forcing romance gives the writers freedom. They can explore case-driven drama, personal backstories, and emotional depth without being tied down to romantic arcs that may divide fans or feel forced.
Maggie’s Strength as a Character
Maggie Bell stands strong on her own. She’s a skilled agent, a leader, and someone who doesn’t need a romance subplot to define her character. Her partnership with OA enhances her role, not diminishes it.
OA’s Perspective and Character Growth
OA’s background as a Muslim-American agent brings unique depth to the show. His personal struggles, cultural ties, and career challenges are explored in meaningful ways—without reducing his story to romantic entanglements with Maggie.
Why Fans Support the Platonic Dynamic
Fan discussions across social media highlight appreciation for Maggie and OA’s unique bond. Many argue it feels more authentic than forced TV romances and makes their connection even stronger.
The Balance Between Work and Personal Life
While both characters have personal storylines, their partnership stays grounded in professionalism. This balance mirrors real FBI partnerships, where trust is essential but romance could complicate high-stakes situations.
Zeeko Zaki’s Personal Insight on Maggie & OA
Zaki often emphasizes how lucky he feels to work alongside Missy Peregrym, praising her professionalism and natural chemistry. He credits their real-life respect for one another as the secret sauce behind Maggie and OA’s on-screen magic.
The Longevity Factor Explained
When Zaki talks about “longevity,” he means the ability to sustain character arcs without burning out. By avoiding romance, Maggie and OA’s storylines remain open-ended, leaving room for growth, new challenges, and deeper character exploration.
Looking Ahead for Maggie and OA
With FBI continuing to thrive, the future looks bright for Maggie and OA’s partnership. Expect more high-stakes cases, emotional depth, and perhaps even new layers of their bond—still built on trust, loyalty, and respect.
Conclusion
Maggie and OA’s relationship on FBI stands out as one of the most refreshing partnerships in modern television. By steering away from romance, the show highlights trust, loyalty, and the power of platonic chemistry. As Zeeko Zaki said, this gives their characters “longevity”—and fans couldn’t agree more. Their partnership proves that sometimes, the strongest relationships aren’t about love, but about standing side by side through every storm.
FAQs
1. Why don’t Maggie and OA have a romance in FBI?
Because the writers and actors believe their platonic partnership creates stronger storytelling and character longevity.
2. What does Zeeko Zaki mean by “longevity”?
He refers to the ability to keep their characters’ storylines fresh and engaging without being tied to a romance plotline.
3. Do fans want Maggie and OA to become romantic partners?
While some fans ship them, many appreciate their bond as it is, celebrating the rarity of strong platonic dynamics on TV.
4. Has Missy Peregrym commented on their relationship?
Yes, she has praised their partnership, echoing that their dynamic works best without romance.
5. Will Maggie and OA’s storyline ever change into a romance?
So far, both the cast and showrunners have indicated that they plan to keep the partnership platonic, focusing on trust and professional respect.
