FBI Season 7 Ends 2 Big Storylines With Just One-Liners & It Needs To Stop Doing This
Television shows thrive on gripping narratives, well-paced storylines, and satisfying payoffs. FBI, one of CBS’s top procedural dramas, usually does this well—until now. Season 7 just wrapped up two major storylines with barely any explanation, leaving fans frustrated. The show’s habit of resolving complex arcs with quick one-liners is becoming a trend, and frankly, it needs to stop.
Let’s break down what happened, why this is a problem, and how FBI can fix it.
The Storylines That Got the One-Liner Treatment
1. The High-Stakes Case That Fizzled Out
One of Season 7’s biggest cases involved an international crime ring, promising danger, twists, and a gripping resolution. Instead, after episodes of buildup, the case was suddenly closed with a throwaway line. No final showdown, no thrilling resolution—just a simple “It’s done.”
2. The Character Arc That Deserved More
A fan-favorite character had been struggling with personal demons all season. Their emotional journey had been building toward a meaningful conclusion. Instead, the show chose to resolve it in a casual conversation with another character, with a dismissive “I’m good now.” That’s it. No real closure, no depth—just a one-liner.
Why This Is a Huge Problem for FBI
1. It Undermines the Emotional Weight of the Story
When a show spends multiple episodes building up tension, only to resolve everything in seconds, it weakens the impact. Fans invest time and emotion into these storylines, only to be met with disappointment.
2. It Feels Lazy and Rushed
A well-crafted story deserves a well-crafted conclusion. Wrapping up major arcs with one-liners feels like the writers are in a hurry to move on rather than giving the audience a satisfying payoff.
3. It Breaks the Audience’s Trust
Viewers keep coming back because they expect engaging, meaningful storytelling. If the show keeps cutting corners, fans may start tuning out, knowing their investment won’t be rewarded.
4. It Sets a Bad Precedent for Future Seasons
If FBI continues this trend, it risks turning complex narratives into forgettable subplots. Once a show starts taking shortcuts, it’s hard to go back to well-developed storytelling.
What FBI Needs to Do to Fix This
1. Give Major Storylines Proper Resolutions
A case that takes multiple episodes to unfold deserves more than a one-liner. A well-executed conclusion doesn’t have to be drawn out, but it should be meaningful.
2. Let Character Arcs Breathe
Personal struggles and character growth should be explored with depth. If a character is dealing with trauma, addiction, or personal loss, their resolution should feel earned—not like an afterthought.
3. Use Cliffhangers Wisely
Instead of rushing to wrap up storylines, FBI could leave certain arcs open-ended, building anticipation for the next season. This keeps viewers engaged while avoiding lazy resolutions.
4. Prioritize Quality Over Convenience
Good storytelling takes time. The showrunners need to resist the temptation to tie up loose ends too quickly just to make room for new plots.
Have Other Shows Made the Same Mistake?
NCIS and Its Sudden Character Exits
Shows like NCIS have been guilty of abruptly writing off characters without proper closure. Remember when a beloved agent left with nothing but a quick explanation? That’s the kind of misstep FBI needs to avoid.
The Walking Dead’s Rushed Final Seasons
Many fans of The Walking Dead complained that later seasons rushed through storylines instead of giving characters proper send-offs. This led to a decline in viewer satisfaction.
Chicago PD’s Handling of Character Departures
Another example is Chicago PD, which has occasionally dropped key characters with minimal explanation, leaving fans scratching their heads.
What Fans Are Saying About FBI Season 7
1. “Did I Miss Something?”
Many viewers took to social media, confused about whether they had skipped an episode. When resolutions are too abrupt, audiences feel lost.
2. “This Feels Like Lazy Writing”
Some fans expressed disappointment, feeling like the writers didn’t care enough to provide a satisfying conclusion.
3. “Give Us the Payoff We Deserve!”
After investing in a storyline for weeks, fans want to see a rewarding resolution. A one-liner just doesn’t cut it.
How This Could Affect FBI’s Future
1. Potential Viewership Decline
If fans feel like the storytelling is becoming lazy, they might start tuning out.
2. Less Emotional Investment
When audiences know a storyline might get wrapped up with a single line, they’re less likely to care.
3. Damage to the Show’s Reputation
A procedural drama like FBI relies on gripping narratives. If that fades, so does its credibility.
Final Thoughts: FBI Needs to Do Better
FBI has been one of CBS’s strongest procedural dramas, but Season 7’s rushed resolutions show a troubling trend. If the show wants to maintain its fanbase and storytelling integrity, it needs to stop ending major storylines with one-liners.
Fans deserve better. When a series builds up suspense and emotional depth, it should deliver a proper payoff—not a rushed exit.
FAQs
1. Why did FBI Season 7 end major storylines so quickly?
The writers likely wanted to move on to new plotlines, but it resulted in rushed and unsatisfying resolutions.
2. Has FBI done this in past seasons?
While previous seasons have had solid storytelling, Season 7 stands out for its abrupt conclusions.
3. Will FBI change this trend in Season 8?
It’s unclear, but fan backlash may encourage the writers to give storylines proper resolutions in the future.
4. What can fans do about this issue?
Fans can voice their concerns on social media and through feedback channels to push for better storytelling.
5. Are other CBS shows guilty of this?
Yes, shows like NCIS and Chicago PD have also been criticized for rushing character exits and major plotlines.
If FBI wants to keep its audience engaged, it needs to slow down and give its storylines the depth and closure they deserve.
