FBI: International season 4, episode 19, titled “Flinch Now And It’s Over,” offers Mitchell (Jesse Lee Soffer) a possible exit story as the procedural begins to wrap up. Mitchell first joined the Fly Team in FBI: International season 4 and seemed to be interested in staying for a long time. However, the sad news that CBS canceled FBI: International means that the series now has only a few episodes left to wrap everything up for each of its major characters.
There have been several disappointing exits within the FBI universe, most recently Wes’ predecessor, Scott Forrester (Luke Kleintank). Thus, the idea of ending the series by writing Mitchell out is risky. However, since there will not be any further episodes of the procedural beyond the end of this season, it makes the most sense to write out as many characters as possible so that FBI: International can provide a glimpse of each one’s future at the end of the series.
Mitchell Learns About His Half-Sister In FBI: International Season 4, Episode 19
He’s Not Interested, But That Can Change
Mitchell’s biological father, Dean Bartlett (Kenny Johnson) spends most of “Flinch Now And It’s Over” trying to get in touch with his estranged son. Mitchell puts him off for as long as he can while working undercover with Smitty to catch an arms dealer who is selling weapons illegally, but eventually is forced to meet face-to-face when Dean arrives in Budapest. This meeting leads to the reveal that Mitchell has a half-sister who is in high school.
Although Mitchell claims that he doesn’t care about this half-sister and just wants Dean to leave him alone, it’s likely that he will change his mind later. There would be little point in bringing up this new character’s existence if she wasn’t going to appear on-screen or be mentioned again. Additionally, Mitchell mentions during the meeting that Dean punched him hard enough to break his jaw when he was eleven years old. This history gives him reason to worry that Dean might abuse his teenage half-sister — a fear that gives Mitchell a strong motive for searching for her.
Mitchell Going Back To The US For His Family Is His Best Excuse To Leave The Fly Team
It’s The Only Reason That Makes Sense
Mitchell came to Budapest in search of the man who murdered his work partner in Los Angeles. However, since then, he has fully embraced his role as the new Fly Team leader. He is passionate about his job, so it wouldn’t make sense for him to suddenly return to the United States for work reasons. Additionally, while he initially had an ex-girlfriend back home who he could consider reconciling with, he ended things permanently with her after learning about her unethical behavior. Thus, she would be a non-factor in any decision to go back to the United States.
Logically, the only way Mitchell can stop Dean (or anyone else) from hurting his half-sister is if he returns to the United States full-time.
The only reason Mitchell would consider abandoning the Fly Team at this point would be if his family at home needed him, and even that is unlikely. However, his half-sister is still a minor, so he may view her as someone who is in need of protection. Logically, the only way Mitchell can stop Dean (or anyone else) from hurting his half-sister is if he returns to the United States full-time. Thus, his half-sister’s existence represents the best reason for Mitchell to decide to give up the Fly Team and head home.
Mitchell Leaving The Fly Team Paves The Way For FBI: International’s Best Ending
Vo Could Take Over His Leadership Position
If Mitchell were to return to the United States, the procedural could end with Cameron Vo (Vinessa Vidotto) being promoted to team leader. Vo leading the Fly Team in FBI: International would be the best possible ending for the series and for her character. She has been loyal to the team since the series premiere and has helped Mitchell grow into his new role by discouraging him from impulsive and aggressive reactions to local law enforcement. Without Vo’s help, Mitchell would likely have remained an ineffective leader, so her abilities should be rewarded at the series’ end.
FBI: International should wrap up by having Raines get the position he and Vo are fighting for, Mitchell going home, and Vo becoming the new Fly Team leader.
Of course, Vo is currently competing with Andre Raines (Carter Redwood) for a GS-14 position elsewhere. However, FBI: International can only give one character that position. If the procedural allows Raines to get this position, it leaves an opening for Vo to become the new Fly Team leader, which would give the character the acknowledgment she deserves as the most vital member of the Fly Team. Thus, FBI: International should wrap up by having Raines get the position he and Vo are fighting for, Mitchell going home, and Vo becoming the new Fly Team leader.
