As fans look ahead to the future of Maggie Bell in Season 9, many are taking a moment to look back at the relationship that once defined her emotional world: her romance with Special Agent Nestor Vertiz. In a recent retrospective, actor Josh Segarra shared his thoughts on the “spark” that made the Nestor-Maggie dynamic one of the most memorable arcs in the FBI franchise.
The reflection comes at a “full circle” moment for the show, as Maggie (Missy Peregrym) navigates a period of personal burnout and professional transition in 2026.
A Match of Equals: The Nestor and Maggie Dynamic
Nestor Vertiz was introduced as a charismatic, highly skilled undercover agent who didn’t just work alongside Maggie—he challenged her. Segarra, who has since gone on to star in projects like She-Hulk and The Other Two, recalls the chemistry on set as being immediate.
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The Attraction: “Nestor and Maggie were two people who spoke the same language,” Segarra noted. “They both had this ‘tactical athlete’ mindset, but Nestor was the one who could see when Maggie was pushing herself too hard. He was a mirror for her.”
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The Conflict: The romance ultimately hit a wall because of the “raw truth” of the job. Nestor’s undercover lifestyle and Maggie’s rigid commitment to Bureau protocol created a friction that was both romantic and tragic.
For many fans, this relationship was the last time we saw Maggie truly allow herself to be vulnerable before the traumatic events of her later seasons, including the sarin gas exposure and her recent burnout.
Parallel Journeys: Love and Resilience
The reflection on Nestor and Maggie’s past romance highlights a broader theme within the CBS universe: the difficulty of finding “love and adventure” while working in high-stakes environments.
Real-Life Success Stories
While Maggie Bell struggles with the ghosts of her past, the actors within the Fire Country and FBI families are finding the happiness their characters often miss.
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Jules Latimer (Eve from Fire Country) is currently celebrating her engagement to Kat Cunning, proving that a lifetime of commitment is possible even with a demanding filming schedule.
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Jeremy Sisto continues to be the blueprint for balance, maintaining a quiet family life while leading the JOC as Jubal Valentine.
The “What If” Factor
Josh Segarra’s comments have reignited “what if” theories among the fanbase. As Maggie explores a potential move to the BAU or a leadership role in Season 9, could a familiar face return to her life? While there are no official plans for Segarra to return, his fondness for the character suggests the door is never truly closed.
Why the “Spark” Still Matters
As FBI approaches its ninth season, the show is leaning more into the personal lives of its agents. We’ve seen OA navigate a complicated relationship with Gemma and Scola balance fatherhood with Nina. Looking back at Nestor reminds us that Maggie’s heart is just as important as her badge.
In the world of FBI, where “skeletons in the closet” and “shocking twists” are the norm, the memory of a genuine connection provides a rare sense of hope. Whether Maggie finds a new beginning with someone new or finds her way back to her own emotional center, the spark she shared with Nestor remains a pivotal part of her evolution.
Final Thoughts
As we wait for the Season 9 premiere in Fall 2026, these retrospective looks remind us that the characters we love are built on a foundation of past loves and losses. Josh Segarra’s reflection is a tribute to a time when Maggie Bell was just beginning to realize that she deserved a life outside of the Bureau.
