The second episode of FBI Season 8 has done more than just keep the momentum going — it’s reignited one of the most heated debates among fans and critics alike: CBS made a huge mistake canceling FBI: International.
While FBI continues to dominate ratings and deliver gripping domestic cases, Episode 2, titled “Crossfire,” shines a glaring spotlight on the global dimension of crime — and in doing so, reminds viewers exactly what’s missing from the franchise without its international counterpart.
A Case With Global Implications
The episode kicks off with a high-stakes investigation involving a series of coordinated assassinations across multiple U.S. cities. What begins as a local crime soon reveals ties to an overseas arms network operating in Eastern Europe — a storyline that instantly evokes memories of FBI: International and its elite Fly Team.
Special Agent Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki) quickly realize that they’re dealing with a network far bigger than anything the New York office can handle alone. The episode even features several references to “our contacts in Budapest” — a subtle but unmistakable nod to the now-defunct Fly Team.
For longtime fans, those few lines hit hard. The message was clear: while FBI is as strong as ever, the world feels a little smaller without FBI: International to cover the other side of the story.
A Reminder of What Made the Franchise Special
One of the greatest strengths of the FBI franchise has always been its interconnected world — showcasing how the Bureau tackles crime at every level, from New York’s streets to Europe’s borders. FBI: International brought an invaluable perspective, exploring how law enforcement operates across cultures, languages, and jurisdictions.
In FBI Season 8 Episode 2, those elements are sorely missed. The case’s global complexity feels like a perfect setup for a Fly Team crossover, yet it unfolds entirely within U.S. borders. The result? A thrilling episode that nonetheless highlights what’s been lost.
Fans took to social media after the episode aired, expressing nostalgia for the international spin-off.
“This episode proves why canceling FBI: International was a mistake,” one viewer wrote. “Imagine if Forrester and the team were part of this case — it would’ve been next-level.”
A Storyline That Practically Begs for a Crossover
The writing in “Crossfire” clearly acknowledges the interconnected nature of global crime. When Maggie and OA hit a wall in their investigation, they’re shown contacting Interpol and referencing agents in “former European task forces” — a clever but bittersweet callback to FBI: International’s legacy.
Showrunner Rick Eid later confirmed in interviews that Episode 2 was partially inspired by storylines originally intended for a FBI: International crossover arc before the spin-off’s cancellation.
“We had plans to link the two teams in Season 8,” Eid said. “Even though International is gone, we still wanted to honor that world and show how these agents continue to rely on global partnerships.”
That creative decision pays off emotionally, but it also reinforces just how seamlessly the two series once complemented each other. FBI: International gave the franchise depth — expanding its scope from local justice to global accountability.
The Emotional Core: Maggie and OA Feel the Weight
Beyond the thrilling action, Episode 2 delivers an emotionally resonant story for the main characters. Maggie and OA’s frustration at being unable to pursue leads overseas mirrors the audience’s own frustration with International’s absence.
At one point, OA says, “It’s hard fighting shadows when you know there are people out there who could help — if only they were still on the job.” The line feels almost meta — a direct nod to fans mourning the canceled series.
Missy Peregrym’s performance anchors the episode, balancing determination with quiet vulnerability. Her scenes with Zeeko Zaki showcase the emotional realism that has made FBI so compelling. But their dialogue also underscores a deeper truth: even the best agents need allies beyond their borders.
The Franchise’s Global Legacy Still Echoes
Even without FBI: International on air, Episode 2 keeps its spirit alive through subtle callbacks. A quick glimpse at an encrypted email from “[email protected]” in one scene sent fans into a frenzy online — a tiny Easter egg that speaks volumes.
It’s clear that the writers haven’t forgotten the global division, and they’re making sure viewers don’t either. This commitment to continuity is one of the reasons FBI remains such a standout in the procedural genre.
Still, the episode leaves a lingering question: Why end something that worked so well?
Why Canceling FBI: International Was a Misstep
When CBS decided to cancel FBI: International after three seasons, many fans were stunned. The series had consistent ratings, a loyal global audience, and critical praise for its fresh perspective. It balanced tense action with diplomacy and showcased how the Bureau operates beyond borders — something few U.S. procedurals attempt.
Episode 2 of FBI Season 8 drives home exactly why that perspective was so valuable. As the agents struggle to navigate red tape and international politics, viewers are reminded that Forrester’s Fly Team used to be the bridge that made global collaboration possible. Without them, the Bureau’s reach — and the franchise’s storytelling depth — feels limited.
A Missed Opportunity for the Future
The episode’s climax features Maggie and OA racing to stop a foreign assassin before he escapes U.S. soil. The tension is electric, but the ending feels almost like a setup for a crossover that never happens. When the assassin escapes overseas, the case is abruptly handed over to “international authorities,” leaving fans yearning for closure — and for the days when the Fly Team would’ve picked up the chase.
It’s a bold storytelling choice, but also a painful reminder: FBI’s world was stronger when its global division existed.
Fans Call for the Franchise’s Revival
Following Episode 2’s broadcast, fan petitions calling for FBI: International’s return began circulating again online. The hashtag #BringBackFBIInternational trended across platforms, with fans pointing out that the episode perfectly illustrated the need for a global counterpart to the New York-based series.
Even cast members have voiced subtle support for a revival. Zeeko Zaki reposted a fan edit featuring both teams with the caption “Once FBI, always FBI,” further fueling speculation that the door isn’t completely closed.
The Verdict
FBI Season 8 Episode 2 is a standout installment — tense, intelligent, and emotionally charged. But beyond its narrative success, it serves as a powerful argument for why FBI: International should never have been canceled.
The episode’s global scope, its emotional subtext, and its clear reverence for the Fly Team all highlight what made the franchise’s international branch so compelling. It’s not just about catching criminals — it’s about understanding the complexity of justice in an interconnected world.
Until CBS decides to revive or reboot FBI: International, fans will continue to feel the void. For now, “Crossfire” stands as both a thrilling episode and a bittersweet tribute — proof that FBI still thrives, but the franchise was at its best when it reached beyond borders.
