There are several easy changes FBI: Most Wanted could make in order to improve its quality. Serving as the first FBI spin-off, the series offered consistently high-quality stories during its first two seasons, but the caliber of its episodes began slipping during season 3, which ran over the 2021-2022 season. When original leading actor Julian McMahon left FBI: Most Wanted after season 3, the series struggled to find its footing. The show continues to offer action-packed stories revolving around extremely violent criminals but has not consistently delivered at the level it did in its earliest years.
FBI: Most Wanted has been confirmed for season 6, and the summer hiatus is the perfect time to consider making changes that will improve the series’ quality. The FBI: Most Wanted season 5 finale did not finish with a cliffhanger, instead opting for the feel-good scenes of the series’ first wedding at the end of the episode. Thus, FBI: Most Wanted has plenty of room to start fresh with creative directions beginning with the new season. Here are several ideas for how FBI: Most Wanted could quickly change course to become more like it was during the first two seasons.
5. Solve Casting Issues So That The Cast Remains Stable
It’s Hard To Get Invested In Characters That Constantly Leave
Police procedurals like FBI: Most Wanted need to rely on a stable cast of characters because the plots are similar to what other shows in the genre have to offer. Interchangeable or unmemorable characters will not be compelling enough to retain large audiences. Series like those in the FBI franchise require relatable characters who appear consistently. When characters constantly disappear, it makes it harder to invest in the ones who are left. Additionally, when characters are frequently killed off, it’s difficult to be interested in new characters because of the risk of a similar painful ending.
| Characters Who Have Left FBI: Most Wanted | ||
|---|---|---|
| Character | Final Episode | Date |
| Kenny Crosby (Kellan Lutz) | “Exposed” | September 21, 2021 |
| Jess LaCroix (Julian McMahon) | “Shattered” | March 8, 2022 |
| Ivan Ortiz (Miguel Gomez) | “Inheritance” | May 17, 2022 |
| Kristin Gaines (Alexa Davalos) | “Heaven Falling” | May 23, 2023 |
However, FBI: Most Wanted has somewhat of a revolving door regarding its main cast. Several characters have left, either because the actor chose to move on or the producers decided not to use them anymore. Some turnover is expected in a series that has been on for five-plus seasons. However, four significant characters have exited thus far, often replaced by new, less interesting substitutes. The amount of turnover suggests there could be a behind-the-scenes problem that needs to be addressed. Fixing whatever the potential issue is will go a long way toward improving the show’s quality.
4. Bring Back Alexa Davalos as Kristin Gaines
Kristin Disappeared Without Warning Or Explanation After FBI: Most Wanted Season 4
Kristin Gaines was brought on as a replacement for Kenny Crosby during season 3, only to disappear without explanation after season 4. After she left the unit, Remy (Dylan McDermott) and Nina (Shantel VanSanten) had a brief conversation where Remy denied that Kristin’s disappearance had anything to do with their secret romantic relationship, after which Kristin was never mentioned again. This non-explanation feels like a loose end and, for some, disrespectful to those who enjoyed her presence on the show. Characters with a significant impact deserve a proper exit, at the very least.
One way to make amends for this lack of a proper exit story would be for Kristin to resurface on FBI: International as the replacement team leader for Scott Forrester, who recently went MIA. However, this solution wouldn’t help improve FBI: Most Wanted’s quality and would leave behind that segment of the audience that does not watch FBI: International. Instead, Kristin could simply be written back into FBI: Most Wanted. The easiest way might be for her to explain she was on an undercover assignment, which is why Remy couldn’t divulge the reason for her absence.
Kristin was one of the unit’s most qualified agents and was especially gifted at solving cold cases. Her expertise as a Navy veteran would help the team with cases involving formerly active military members, and her determination and willingness to put herself in harm’s way would raise the stakes during her stories. She also had an interesting dynamic with Remy, which is something that has been lacking since her departure. Her need to balance work and parenting demands adds an extra layer to her character as well.
3. Reduce The Number of Crossover Episodes
Too Many Crossovers Make FBI: Most Wanted Unable To Stand On Its Own
FBI: Most Wanted is part of the FBI franchise, so it’s understandable that there have been some crossover appearances, especially since Nina is in a relationship with FBI’s Stuart Scola (John Boyd). Cameo appearances, such as consulting with Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto), often make sense, and sometimes the unit will work with other teams to protect New York City. However, FBI: Most Wanted has gotten into the habit of leaning too heavily into its connection to the franchise, which makes it feel more like an offshoot of the original FBI than a show worth watching for its own sake.
Without standing on its own as a series, FBI: Most Wanted will never give audiences who are interested solely in the show a reason to stay. They could easily fall into the trap of only watching for crossover episodes without being pulled into the show completely. Even as a spin-off, the series needs its own identity without relying too much on the flagship. The writers should come up with stories that help to make the show unique and not simply a less interesting piece of the larger FBI franchise puzzle.
The best way to solve this is to send Nina back to the original FBI series. It makes more sense for her to be on that show, where she and Scola can interact routinely without it feeling forced or contrived. If Kristin returns, there will be no need for Nina to fill in for her, making this transition simple. Even if Kristin stays MIA, removing Nina from the Most Wanted team will help the series feel less like an extension of FBI and more like a bona fide spin-off.
2. Create Multi-Episode Cases
Longer Stories Could Make FBI: Most Wanted Less Predictable
FBI: Most Wanted has become predictable because each case is self-contained and follows the same formula. Most episodes begin with the introduction of the victim, feature a chase scene, and at some point, show the agents discovering a key witness has been killed. Oftentimes, the car they are searching for has been abandoned, complicating the investigation before the bad guys are caught or killed in the end. Including these tropes in every story has caused FBI: Most Wanted to fall into a rut; it’s easy to guess what will happen next in any given episode.
The simplest way to fix this problem is to include longer stories that span several episodes. It can be challenging to create these types of narratives without dragging things out unnecessarily or becoming boring, but it would be worth it to experiment with cases that take more than one episode to complete because they would be fresh and original. These episodes could include high-stakes cliffhangers that would generate interest and discussion before the next part of the story airs.
The One Chicago franchise on NBC has an already proven template of how to successfully balance weekly cases with longer-spanning stories. Procedurals like those in the Chicago universe have found the right mixture of interesting cases and stories centered on characters. Regarding cases, the writers need to break free from the usual tropes and come up with compelling side stories that can connect with the long-running narratives revolving around members of the team. This will inspire people to keep tuning in.
1. Utilize Fewer Cast Members Per Episode
Focusing On A Few Characters Per Episode Will Help Increase Viewer Investment
CBS has announced that lead actors on FBI: Most Wanted will have reduced air time during season 6. This cost-saving measure could turn out to be a better thing for the series than it sounds. Since FBI: Most Wanted is working with a reduced cast per episode, it now has an opportunity to correct a bad habit of over-stuffing episodes with characters. Recent episodes have been harder to follow because they have contained too many characters, and some have been cheated out of significant screen time because there isn’t enough room for them to have more than a few lines.
The new rules regarding how much screen time each main character will get give the writers a perfect opportunity to transition into more character-focused storytelling. Each story could go in-depth on one or two characters, including a side story about their home or personal life and their challenges in the current case. This would allow for better, fully developed characters that are more relatable to the audience and easier to invest in. It would also provide more continuity, as the character’s side story could progress each time they were featured instead of being dropped for weeks at a time.
Some characters have side stories now that are ripe for development, and this new format could help flesh them out effectively.
Some characters have side stories now that are ripe for development, and this new format could help flesh them out effectively. For example, now that Ray and Cora are married, they have plenty of storyline opportunities. Sheryll’s divorce and custody battle also arguably deserves more screen time than it is getting. These stories could work without becoming a distraction from the main plot if FBI: Most Wanted narrowed its focus each episode to one or two characters rather than including the entire cast every time. These changes could improve the structure and likability of the series dramatically.
FBI: Most Wanted season 6 will air on CBS on Tuesdays and stream on Paramount+ in Fall 2024.
