This season of FBI has already been a roller coaster for Isobel Castille, and it’s not slowing down yet. In the Dec. 1 episode, titled “Fadeaway,” Isobel must decide who will succeed her as Special Agent in Charge before she accepts her promotion. Yet it’s a huge step to take, not only for the office, but for her emotionally.
TVBrittanyF.com spoke to Alana de la Garza ahead of the episode to talk about everything that’s happened to Isobel in FBI Season 8 so far. From undergoing major surgery to looking at a major promotion, she’s gone through a lot of change in just a handful of episodes. “It’s been such an exciting time to play this role!” Alana enthused. “From clinging to life in the first episode to reentering her job feeling strong and inspired—the first half of this season has been a great way to continue to learn about Isobel, even seven seasons in.”
“Fadeaway” lets FBI fans look a little closer at the friendship between Isobel and Jubal Valentine, who’s been her right-hand man her entire time with this team. That bond is made even more memorable because of the rapport between Alana and Jeremy Sisto, who starred together in the final three seasons of Law & Order before they became regulars on FBI. Alana portrayed ADA Connie Rubirosa in Seasons 17-20, while Jeremy played Detective Cyrus Lupo for Seasons 18-20. What has it been like for Alana to play off Jeremy for so long, in two very different roles?
“Working with Jeremy has always been a pleasure,” she told us. “Since our Law & Order days he’s always been great with balancing the often heavy topics we address on the show with some behind the scenes humor!”
Between the two roles, Alana has become a mainstay in the Wolf Entertainment universe. She played Connie Rubirosa for over 90 episodes across three Law & Order series, and she’s now brought Isobel Castille to life for more than 75 episodes in the FBI franchise. We asked her what she’s learned about her character, or herself as an actor, after having spent so many years with Isobel.
“Wow! I’m so thankful that I’ve gotten the opportunity to continue in the Wolf universe,” she reflected. “Being with Isobel for seven seasons now, I think the greatest takeaway is that she is always surprising me—from secret husbands and more, she is a very layered character that is enjoyable to explore from season to season.”
Luckily, it seems like things are looking up for Isobel Castille in the remainder of the season. She’s out of the hospital and healthy, while the prior episode “Parental” showed her making strides in her family life, and now her career is on the cusp of a huge leap forward. With all the pieces seemingly falling into place, is there anything that Alana would like to see for her character in the rest of Season 8?
“I think she is right where she wants to be,” she told us. “I’d love to see her continue to nurture her relationships both outside and inside the Bureau.”
