Among television’s most memorable investigative partnerships, few have made as lasting an impression as Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and Omar Adom “OA” Zidan (Zeeko Zaki) in FBI. After seven seasons, they are not only central to the show’s high-stakes cases but have also become a symbol of trust, loyalty, and unshakable teamwork.
1. The foundation of their partnership
From the very first episode, writers carefully crafted Maggie and OA’s relationship as a pairing of contrasting yet complementary personalities. Maggie embodies the image of a seasoned agent—strong and compassionate—while OA, a former Army Ranger, brings discipline, focus, and questions of identity rooted in his cultural and personal background.
Their differences never pull them apart; instead, they balance one another, creating the kind of trust that is essential in the dangerous world of law enforcement.
2. “No romance, but plenty of kinship” – A smart narrative choice
Instead of pushing Maggie and OA into a predictable romance, the showrunners chose to build their bond on mutual respect, friendship, and professional partnership. This deliberate choice has given the characters greater depth and avoided the clichés often found in primetime dramas.
Audiences see them as dependable colleagues who can lean on each other—whether in chasing suspects or confronting personal struggles. Ironically, this absence of romance makes their connection feel even more authentic and enduring.
3. Acting synergy – When characters rise off the page
Much of the duo’s strength comes from the performances of Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki. Peregrym delivers Maggie as a tough agent with a deeply empathetic core, while Zaki portrays OA as a man constantly negotiating between his faith, duty, and military past.
Together, they inject just the right amount of tension and sincerity into every scene, convincing viewers that these are not fictional characters but real agents with real lives.
4. Audience response – From “work partners” to “iconic duo”
Fans frequently describe Maggie and OA as the “soul” of FBI. Their chemistry anchors the show, even when supporting casts shift over time. On social media, viewers have expressed a strong desire to see the duo appear in more crossover episodes with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.
This response underscores a key truth: the success of a procedural series depends not only on gripping cases but also on authentic human relationships at its core.
5. Symbolic role within the “FBI universe”
While FBI: Most Wanted emphasizes action and FBI: International broadens the scope globally, the flagship FBI—through Maggie and OA—represents the heart of the franchise. They serve as the familiar faces who maintain continuity while embodying the core values of the FBI: courage, resilience, and trust in one another.
6. Looking ahead
As Season 7 unfolds, fans continue to wonder: will Maggie and OA’s bond evolve into something more? The producers remain tight-lipped, but it’s clear that the pair will stay at the emotional core of the show, guiding storylines and connecting audiences to its human dimension.
With CBS investing heavily in the franchise and expanding it globally, Maggie Bell and OA Zidan are poised to remain its golden duo—keeping FBI compelling and ensuring its place as one of television’s defining crime dramas.
