FBI never explained why Jubal didn’t get Dana’s position after she left, which is just one example of a larger, long-standing problem with the franchise. Many characters in the FBI universe get disappointing exits, and obvious plot points, such as explaining why Jubal didn’t get the promotion, are glossed over or ignored.
In Jubal’s case, Isobel was introduced as the new Special Agent in Charge in FBI season 2 without any explanation of how she got the job. The behind-the-scenes reason was likely that Dick Wolf Entertainment decided to create a new female character to replace Dana to make the transition from one team leader to the other easier.
While there was no in-universe explanation given, the most likely is that Jubal was not seen as stable enough to be in the top position. It is well established in FBI that Jubal has an issue with alcohol addiction. At the time Dana left, Jubal had been sober for five years. While this was a significant achievement, it may not have been enough for the FBI leadership to trust he wouldn’t relapse.
This is the most logical explanation, especially since Jubal did relapse after 10 years of sobriety in FBI season 5. However, it’s equally possible that Jubal didn’t apply for the job or campaign much for it.
Jubal focuses more on doing his current job well than on the relationship-building needed to advance in the Bureau’s hierarchy.
Promotions within the FBI tend to be as political as they are merit-based, and Jubal focuses more on doing his current job well than on the relationship-building needed to advance in the Bureau’s hierarchy. This decision might have resulted in Jubal not being on the FBI’s radar as a potential replacement when Dana left.
Can Jubal Still Become Special Agent in Charge In FBI Season 8? (How?)
It’s Possible Given the Season 7 Cliffhanger
Whether Jubal has a chance to become the Special Agent In Charge in FBI season 8 depends on what direction the procedural takes the Isobel season 7 cliffhanger. The FBI season 7 finale put Isobel in extreme danger. She survived an assassination attempt, but after confronting some corrupt FBI agents in high positions, she suddenly collapsed.
There has been no word yet about whether Isobel will live or die. If she dies, there will be a vacancy that needs to be filled immediately. In this case, Jubal would be the most logical choice. He could be promoted immediately while the FBI looks for someone else to fill Isobel’s position.
Even if Isobel lives, she might decide that it’s time to retire. She risked her life to save the FBI’s integrity, and that might be enough of a final act for her. This would leave a vacancy that Jubal could again try to fill. However, there is no guarantee that Jubal would want the position. He might be more likely to accept it if it were temporary, as he wouldn’t have to give up working more closely with the agents under him.
The possibility of Jubal’s promotion is especially interesting now that he has reconciled with Sam. His inability to be there for his family because of job demands is part of what killed their marriage, so taking a new job could cause serious problems with his relationship now.
Jubal having to decide whether he wants Isobel’s job or how to balance his work and family lives better so he doesn’t lose Sam again would make a strong FBI season 8 arc for him.
Jubal having to decide whether he wants Isobel’s job or how to balance his work and family lives better so he doesn’t lose Sam again would make a strong FBI season 8 arc for him. It would be especially compelling if he were making these decisions against the backdrop of grief over Isobel’s death.
Of course, FBI would have to figure out how to fill Jubal’s position if he were promoted, but Maggie or OA could move into that role. If Isobel leaves the procedural, it would be the perfect time to promote Jubal and make up for not doing so after Dana left.
