Introduction
Ever watched FBI: International and thought, “Wait a minute, how is this character operating across borders so freely?” You’re not alone. For a while now, fans have been scratching their heads over one particular team member. But recently, the CIA made a real-world update that surprisingly explains everything. Turns out, sometimes the truth really is stranger—and more convenient—than fiction.
Understanding the Link Between the CIA and FBI: International
Let’s backtrack for a second. FBI: International is one of CBS’s biggest crime dramas, focusing on a team that handles threats outside U.S. borders. Unlike the original FBI and FBI: Most Wanted, this one deals with international terrorism, espionage, and criminal networks.
Here’s where it gets tricky: the FBI doesn’t normally operate abroad the way the show portrays. So how does the series get around that? That’s where this surprising CIA connection comes into play.
What Was the Big Problem in FBI: International?
To put it simply: jurisdiction. The FBI can’t just waltz into other countries and arrest someone. That’s the job of local law enforcement, or—if the U.S. has a stake—agencies like the CIA.
This created a weird gray area for the show. One character, in particular, seemed to have a little too much freedom for someone supposedly tied strictly to FBI protocols. Fans were right to question it.
The Character Who Didn’t Seem to Fit
Let’s talk about Megan “Smitty” Garretson, the team’s liaison officer. From the start, she stood out. Fluent in multiple languages, with mysterious past connections and intel that seemed beyond FBI scope, she often operated more like a spy than a cop.
While the show tried to pass her off as an FBI asset, her skills, access, and style screamed CIA. Fans speculated for seasons, but there was never a clear confirmation—until now.
How the CIA’s Recent Update Connects to the Show
Recently, the CIA made a rare public disclosure: they’ve expanded their global operations, embedding undercover agents into collaborative law enforcement units around the world. This is a strategic shift—more integration, more intelligence-sharing, and more “boots-on-the-ground” influence in partner agencies.
That sounds awfully familiar, right?
It essentially proves that someone like Smitty could realistically exist—operating under the radar within an FBI team stationed in Europe.
Why Fans Were Confused by This One Character
Here’s the deal: most of the FBI: International team operates like classic Bureau agents—diplomatic, procedure-based, and often tangled in red tape. But Smitty? She cuts through the red tape like it’s tissue paper. That’s what made fans go, “Hold on, how is she doing this?”
Whether it was accessing foreign intelligence or persuading high-level operatives, her capabilities didn’t align with a traditional FBI resume.
Breaking Down the CIA’s Real-World Update
The update itself came in the form of a recruitment video and public briefing. CIA Director William Burns confirmed the agency is increasing efforts to place operatives in joint task forces worldwide.
These operatives aren’t just information gatherers anymore—they’re influencers, collaborators, and liaisons embedded with allies. In plain speak? They’re working side-by-side with international law enforcement—exactly like Smitty does on the show.
How This CIA News Rewrites the Character’s Narrative
The moment that update dropped, everything about Smitty’s character clicked into place.
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Her mysterious background?
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Her uncanny global access?
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Her seemingly unlimited clearance?
It’s not sloppy writing—it’s covert writing. She may be portrayed as FBI, but now it’s pretty clear: she’s modeled after a CIA operative.
This brings her storyline into the real-world realm and elevates the show’s believability.
Why This Solves a Longstanding Plot Gap
For fans who’ve been frustrated by inconsistencies, this update is a gift. It explains how the show can have a team so deeply embedded across Europe without constantly butting heads with foreign laws.
It also makes future storylines more flexible. Writers now have the perfect excuse to justify even the most impossible maneuvers.
Could This Character Be Based on a Real CIA Operative?
It wouldn’t be the first time. Hollywood loves to base fictional characters on real-world inspirations—especially in crime dramas.
Considering the CIA’s new disclosure, it’s entirely possible that Smitty is loosely modeled after an actual embedded liaison or dual-agency operator. Someone who knows how to blend in, take control, and still fly under the radar.
Behind the Scenes: Writers Might Have Known All Along
Let’s give the FBI: International writers some credit. They may have played the long game with Smitty. By giving her a vaguely defined background, they left room to incorporate real-world developments like this one.
It’s smart storytelling. Instead of forcing exposition, they waited until the CIA essentially gave them a “Get Out of Jail Free” card—one that retroactively makes their creative choice seem genius.
Other Times the FBI Franchise Pulled From Real Intel
FBI: Most Wanted famously built a few episodes around real criminal cases. The original FBI has referenced events like the Boston Marathon bombing and insider threats from within.
It’s not new for the franchise to weave real intel into its plots—but this is the first time a real CIA development has patched a gap in the International branch.
Fan Reaction: Social Media Applauds the Connection
Twitter and Reddit lit up after the CIA update dropped. Fans revisited old episodes and suddenly saw Smitty in a new light.
Comments like:
“So she’s CIA. That explains everything.”
“This actually makes the show smarter than I thought.”
The realization even sparked discussions on how many other characters might have secret roles we haven’t caught onto yet.
What This Means for Future Episodes
Expect the writers to lean into this. Whether or not they explicitly label Smitty as CIA, they now have real-world justification to expand her role—and maybe even introduce others like her.
This also gives the show more room to explore darker, deeper plots. Think espionage, sabotage, and rogue agents. If the CIA is in the mix, the stakes just got higher.
The Blurred Line Between Fact and Fiction in FBI: International
The line between entertainment and reality just got thinner.
What was once seen as implausible TV drama now has government backing. It proves that sometimes fiction isn’t exaggeration—it’s premonition.
Shows like FBI: International succeed when they mirror truth, and this CIA twist might just be the most grounded thing they’ve ever done.
Conclusion
When the CIA updated the world on its expanded global strategy, it unintentionally handed FBI: International the key to solving one of its biggest character puzzles. Smitty, long questioned by fans for being too capable, now fits perfectly into a real-world mold. Whether the writers knew it or not, the stars aligned in a way that makes the show’s narrative smarter, tighter, and more thrilling. Sometimes, it turns out the truth really does work better than fiction.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Is Smitty from FBI: International officially a CIA agent?
Not officially, according to the show. But the CIA’s real-world update strongly supports the idea that her character is modeled after one.
2. Has the FBI: International show commented on the CIA update?
As of now, there’s been no direct comment—but future episodes may acknowledge it subtly through storyline shifts.
3. Can the FBI legally operate overseas like in the show?
Only under specific conditions, and usually in partnership with local law enforcement or other U.S. agencies—like the CIA.
4. Is it common for TV shows to use real government strategy as inspiration?
Absolutely. Writers often draw from real cases, policies, and leaks to keep their scripts compelling and realistic.
5. Will there be more characters like Smitty introduced?
It’s highly likely. Now that this narrative lane is open, the door is wide for new characters with mysterious, high-clearance backgrounds.
