Summary
FBI: Internationalis welcoming aChicago P.D.alum to its ranks, but it creates a glaring problem for the franchise.FBI: International season 4was confirmed earlier this year, and will serve as a reset for the third entry in theFBIuniverse. The series had been trying to bounce back creatively after Heida Reed’s and Luke Kleintank’s departures. This led to the show treading water and questions about who would lead the Fly Team in the future.
Thankfully, there will be an answer about who will take the reins of the dynamic team after weeks of uncertainty due toForrester’s exit duringFBI: International season 3.Adding aChicago P.D.star could have been a great way to unify theFBIandOne Chicagofranchises. Unfortunately, one creative choice created a big issue for the show.
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Jesse Lee Soffer Is Playing A New Character On FBI: International Season 4
The Decision Creates A Big Continuity Issue
Jesse Lee Soffer’s casting would have been the perfect opportunity to bring Jay Halstead toFBI: International, but his playing a new character goes against a previousFBI-One Chicagocrossover. In 2020,Tracy Spiridakos took herChicago P.D.character toFBI, with Hailey Upton seemingly being used to tether the two universes together.Moving Soffer toFBI: Internationalwould theoretically mean he could play Halstead again, giving the show a valuable marketing opportunity and a great way to increase interest following a string of casting woes.
It could also have opened the door for Spiridakos to return as Upton for an episode or two because of the character’s past with Halstead. The decision to take things in a different direction with Soffer could be due to some red tape, seeing asChicago P.D.being an NBC show andFBI: Internationalairing on CBS. Soffer possibly played a part in the decision after spending a decade playing Halstead. Sometimes, actors want to switch things up. As a result of Soffer’s new role, there are questions about what it means for future crossovers.
FBI: International season 4 cast member
Is There Hope For More One Chicago-FBI Crossovers?
One Crossover Between FBI & One Chicago Has Aired
To date, there has been just one crossover betweenFBIandChicago P.D.TheOne Chicagofranchise has crossed over with theLaw & Orderuniverse many times, but that could be attributed to theLaw & Orderfranchise also airing on NBC. Currently, crossovers between shows on competing networks are not a priority. While it makes sense, it’s a shame because Upton’s sole episode of the originalFBIworked well to tell a self-contained tale.
Halstead may not have the experience to lead the Fly Team, butFBI: Internationalseason 4 could have explained that away with a time jump. Despite playing a new character,seeing how Jesse Lee Soffer breaks free of the Halstead role and what he brings to the show will be interesting. Hopefully, he will bring some much-needed consistency becauseFBI: Internationalneeds it.
FBI: Internationalis set to return to CBS in the fall of 2024.
FBI: International
Cast
FBI: International follows the elite agents of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they travel globally to protect Americans. The series focuses on their complex missions, navigating international law, and challenges posed by various jurisdictions, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of their work.
