Fans of FBI have been left in suspense as Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, portrayed by Zeeko Zaki, has been noticeably absent from multiple recent episodes of the hit CBS procedural drama. This absence has led to a surge of speculation across social media and fan forums, with many wondering if Zaki’s character is being written off the show. While there has been no official confirmation, the clues surrounding OA’s disappearance suggest that changes are brewing for both the character and the actor.
Who is OA Zidan?
Before diving into the theories behind OA’s absence, it’s essential to recall who OA is and why fans are so invested in his storyline. OA Zidan is a founding character on FBI, debuting in Season 1 as a former Army Ranger turned FBI Special Agent. Over the years, OA became a central figure in the series, offering emotional depth and moral clarity, especially through his compelling personal backstory. His partnership with Maggie Bell (played by Missy Peregrym) became one of the highlights of the show, and OA’s character explored themes of PTSD, loyalty, and identity, making him a fan favorite.
The Timeline of OA’s Absence
OA’s recent absence from the screen has been increasingly noticeable. In Season 6, Episode 3, his screen time was minimal, and by Episodes 5 and 6, he was either absent entirely or mentioned only briefly. In Episode 8, “Phantom,” OA made a brief return, but his presence felt inconsistent compared to previous seasons. Fans quickly took to social media to express concern over the character’s diminishing role, which sparked widespread speculation.
What Are the Showrunners Saying?
Despite the growing rumors, CBS and the FBI producers have been largely silent regarding the cause of OA’s absence. No official statement has been made confirming his departure, and this silence has only fueled the theories circulating among fans. In the TV world, when there’s no official word, it often raises more questions than answers, leaving viewers to wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Theories About OA’s Disappearance
Several theories have emerged online to explain OA’s reduced presence in FBI:
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Zeeko Zaki’s Other Projects
Rumors have suggested that Zaki may be busy with other film or TV commitments, which could explain his limited screen time. If true, this may not indicate a full departure, but rather a temporary absence due to conflicting schedules. -
A Dramatic Storyline
Another theory proposes that OA’s absence is part of a larger narrative development. Perhaps OA is being sent undercover, reassigned to a different task, or dealing with personal issues off-screen. This could all be setting up a future twist, one that will explain his absence and bring him back with a major storyline. -
Contract Negotiations
TV fans are no strangers to actors stepping away from their roles during contract renegotiations. It’s possible that OA’s absence is linked to Zaki’s negotiations with the network, and his reduced screen time could be a tactic to leverage a better contract deal.
Social Media Reactions: Fans Are Concerned
The fan community is buzzing with concern over OA’s absence. Social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook have seen an influx of comments from distraught viewers:
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“Where is OA? This show isn’t the same without him.”
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“If Zeeko Zaki leaves, I’m done with the show. OA is the heart of FBI.”
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“Please tell me OA is coming back. The show won’t be the same without him.”
These reactions highlight how deeply fans connect with OA and how integral he is to the show’s dynamics.
Zeeko Zaki’s Career Aspirations
In interviews, Zeeko Zaki has expressed a desire to diversify his career, with ambitions beyond acting, including producing and directing. He’s also mentioned his interest in telling more Middle Eastern stories in Hollywood. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate that he’s leaving FBI, it suggests that Zaki is seeking opportunities outside of his current role, which could impact his future on the show.
How OA’s Character Has Evolved
OA’s character has undergone significant development throughout the series, particularly with storylines that dealt with his military background, PTSD, and complex relationships. However, in recent seasons, his character has seemed to take a backseat, with fewer major arcs and less focus on his personal journey. This shift in narrative focus could be a deliberate move by the writers to prepare for a possible transition or exit for the character, or it could signal a larger story arc yet to come.
Comparing OA’s Absence to Past Cast Exits
The situation with OA’s character mirrors what has happened on other FBI universe shows. For instance, Julian McMahon’s departure from FBI: Most Wanted was handled with little fanfare, and his exit was written off in a subtle, low-key manner. Could OA’s disappearance be following a similar trajectory? It’s a possibility that has many fans speculating about how the show will handle his exit.
Behind-the-Scenes Clues
There are a few subtle behind-the-scenes clues that have raised eyebrows among fans:
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No Press Tours: Zaki hasn’t appeared prominently in any of the Season 6 promotional material, leading some to wonder if he is being phased out of the spotlight.
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Missing from Cast Photos: Several official FBI cast photos have excluded Zaki, fueling speculation that his role on the show is being reduced or ended.
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Infrequent Mentions in Scripts: OA’s name has been barely mentioned in episodes where he’s absent, leading many to wonder if his absence is being deliberately downplayed.
Could OA Return in a Spinoff or Flashback?
Even if OA is leaving the main FBI team, there’s still hope for fans. OA’s military background and strong character development make him a prime candidate for a spinoff series, a crossover event, or even flashback scenes. If the character is written out of the main show, these avenues could provide a way for Zaki to return in a new capacity, ensuring that OA’s story continues to resonate with fans.
How Would OA’s Exit Affect the Show?
If OA were to leave FBI permanently, the show would undoubtedly lose a key part of its emotional core. OA provides cultural depth, moral clarity, and a strong partnership with Maggie, which has been integral to the show’s dynamic. Without him, the team would lose its balance, and the show’s chemistry would shift dramatically. The departure of such a central character would have far-reaching implications, both for the narrative and for fan engagement.
Fans Want Closure
At this point, fans aren’t necessarily demanding OA’s permanent return—they just want clarity. Whether it’s a temporary absence or the beginning of a larger exit storyline, fans are asking for transparency from the show’s creators. They deserve to know what’s happening with the character they’ve grown to love over the years.
Conclusion: Is OA Leaving for Good?
For now, there’s no official confirmation that OA is leaving FBI permanently, but the signs point to a shift in his storyline. Whether the reason lies in creative decisions, behind-the-scenes contract negotiations, or Zeeko Zaki’s ambitions outside of FBI, the character is in limbo. Fans will have to keep watching to see where OA’s story goes—hopefully with the closure and answers they deserve.
