Few characters in CBS’s hit procedural FBI have grown as steadily — and as compellingly — as Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, played by Zeeko Zaki. Introduced in the pilot episode back in 2018 as Maggie Bell’s reliable partner, OA has evolved from a dependable field agent into one of the most emotionally layered and narratively essential figures in the franchise. Season 7 takes that progression further, positioning OA not only as Maggie’s confidant and tactical equal but also as a leader shouldering more responsibility in the face of increasingly high-stakes cases.
This shift is more than a storytelling device. It reflects the creative team’s understanding of how audiences connect with characters — through growth, vulnerability, and resilience. By giving OA new personal trials and professional responsibilities, FBI is broadening both his role and the scope of the series itself.
A Partner No More — A Pillar Instead
In the early seasons, OA’s identity was firmly anchored in his partnership with Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym). Their dynamic — Maggie as the intuitive investigator and OA as the disciplined former Army Ranger — provided a strong foundation for the show. Yet by Season 7, OA is no longer defined by simply being “Maggie’s partner.”
Episodes this season highlight his ability to lead in moments when Maggie is absent or otherwise preoccupied. In “Hitched”, for instance, a hijacking crisis forces OA to navigate not only the tactical demands of the mission but also the personal fear of seeing his girlfriend Gemma caught in the crossfire. It’s a turning point that illustrates how OA has become a decision-maker in his own right, capable of steering investigations under immense pressure.
Personal Struggles that Deepen His Character
The strength of FBI has always been its ability to balance case-of-the-week urgency with character-driven storytelling. OA’s arc this season embodies that balance perfectly. His trauma after Gemma’s injury introduces a dimension of guilt and emotional struggle rarely afforded to procedural leads.
Rather than brushing past these moments, the show lingers on his vulnerability. Zeeko Zaki’s performance reveals an OA wrestling with self-doubt, haunted by the idea that his work endangers those closest to him. For longtime viewers, this isn’t just drama — it’s payoff. OA has always been portrayed as disciplined, stoic, and controlled. Watching that composure crack makes him more relatable, more human, and far more compelling.
Leadership in Transition: From Field Agent to Team Anchor
The ensemble nature of FBI means no one character dominates every storyline. Yet Season 7 suggests OA is being groomed for larger leadership moments.
With Tiffany Wallace stepping back from the team, the dynamic has shifted into what fans affectionately call the “Three Musketeers” of OA, Maggie, and Scola (John Boyd). This trio now forms the backbone of the field unit. Still, teasers about a potential fourth agent joining signal that OA will play a crucial role in shaping how the team adjusts to its new makeup.
He’s also becoming a moral compass in ways that echo Jubal Valentine’s role at headquarters. When ethical dilemmas arise — such as balancing personal ties against professional duty — OA increasingly becomes the character who asks the hard questions and, at times, makes the hard calls. That gradual but deliberate repositioning underscores the writers’ intent to elevate him into a role that blends action heroism with leadership gravitas.
High-Stakes Cases That Test Every Facet of His Character
If OA is to step into larger shoes, the cases must rise to the occasion — and Season 7 delivers.
From terrorist threats to hostage crises, the show has consistently raised the stakes, placing OA at the center of its most intense storylines. These episodes often push him into gray zones where his military past, his moral instincts, and his personal life collide.
For example:
- In “Clay”, OA is forced to confront his history with the military through a reunion with a fellow soldier. The case tests not only his tactical expertise but his loyalty, forcing him to decide how far personal bonds should influence professional judgment.
- In more recent episodes, his involvement in cases with personal stakes blurs the lines between agent and individual. The audience sees him wrestle with questions of justice, revenge, and accountability in ways that deepen his complexity.
These are not just procedural beats. They’re carefully chosen conflicts that allow OA to embody the broader themes of FBI: integrity under fire, the human cost of justice, and the emotional burden carried by those sworn to protect.
The Future of OA: A Character at a Crossroads
What makes OA’s storyline so intriguing this season is the sense that he’s at a crossroads. He is no longer simply “Maggie’s partner” or “the ex-Army guy.” He’s becoming a central pillar of the team, one whose decisions and vulnerabilities ripple outward, affecting not only investigations but also the relationships within the unit.
The future holds plenty of possibilities. Will OA formally step into a leadership role akin to Jubal’s? Will his bond with Maggie move into deeper, perhaps more personal, territory? Will his ongoing struggle with trauma shape his arc in ways that redefine his approach to both work and life?
For now, what’s clear is that the writers are investing in his evolution, signaling to fans that OA is a character whose story is far from static.
Why OA’s Evolution Resonates with Audiences
The appeal of procedurals like FBI lies not just in the thrill of the chase but in the connection viewers form with its characters. OA’s growth exemplifies why the series has endured across multiple seasons and spinoffs.
By allowing him to show fear, vulnerability, and even doubt, the show makes him more than a stock “hero cop.” He’s a layered character reflecting the real emotional toll of a life spent chasing criminals. In doing so, FBI gives its audience a protagonist who feels authentic — strong, yes, but also human.
Conclusion
As FBI enters deeper into its seventh season, OA Zidan stands at the forefront of its storytelling evolution. Through high-stakes cases, personal struggles, and growing leadership responsibilities, he embodies the show’s ability to weave adrenaline-pumping action with rich character development.
For fans, OA’s expanded role offers not only thrilling drama but also a deeper emotional investment. For the series, it represents a renewed sense of momentum as it continues to balance procedural urgency with heartfelt human stories.
In the end, OA’s journey is no longer about proving himself as a capable agent. It’s about proving himself as a leader — and in doing so, ensuring that FBI remains as compelling in its seventh season as it was in its first.
