FBI: International’s Heida Reed Says ‘It’s Time’ for Kellett’s New Romance

CBS’ hit procedural FBI: International has been shaking up its dynamics in Season 2. The second spinoff in Dick Wolf’s FBI franchise has changed the lineup of the International Fly Team and almost seen its team leader shipped off to another department. As is typical for second seasons, the series has also been exploring different and bigger stories now that its globe-trotting world has been established.

The biggest change was FBI: International officially moving on from Jamie Kellett and Scott Forrester’s interoffice romance. Kellett has found a new love interest in Hungarian officer Benedek Erdős, and the Feb. 28 episode, “He Who Speaks Dies,” explores their growing relationship. CBR spoke to actor Heida Reed about Kellett’s new storyline and whether or not Kellett and Forrester fans are truly out of luck.

CBR: FBI: International fans didn’t see Kellett and Forrester’s breakup coming because their relationship was a huge part of the series. “He Who Speaks Dies” shows her already growing very close with Erdős (portrayed by guest star Miklós Bányai). How has it been for you to play the romance between Kellett and Erdős after all that time spent on Kellett and Forrester?

Heida Reed: It’s nice to shake things up. Ben [Erdős] is a lovely person, and it’s time for Jamie to explore elsewhere. However, I don’t think Scott will ever be fully forgotten.

What elements of Kellett does Erdős bring out that her relationship with Forrester didn’t?

She can let her guard down more and be more playful. Having something outside of work is important and doesn’t happen enough for her.

The FBI franchise is known for its action sequences, which aren’t afraid to put heroes like FBI: Most Wanted‘s Jess LaCroix in serious peril. There are some very intense ones in this episode. How big of a role does Kellett play in that part of the story?

In this particular one, Kellett is more on the support line. The team goes in for a big operation, and Jamie is their eyes on the outside. But in general, the action stuff is usually my favorite.

Season 2 has already included some major changes for the Fly Team, whether it’s Kellett’s personal life or the arrival of new faces like Megan “Smitty” Garretson (played by Eva-Jane Willis). How different would you say Kellett is as a character now compared to where she was last season?

When I was cast, the character had been written. Now, they write for me and the rest of the cast, so moving forward, the performance will always feel more lived-in than at the start.

FBI: International is your first lead role in a U.S. series, but you’re very familiar with the crime drama genre. You’ve appeared in some hugely successful international series, including Silent Witness and Death in Paradise. Has any of that experience helped you bring Kellett to life?

Definitely. Mostly in terms of making the guest cast feel comfortable and getting the best performance out of them. It’s also one of my favorite parts of the show because they are such a huge part of what keeps the show interesting.