While I’m glad that FBI is breaking a three-year pattern with its latest cast update, the trade-off is disappointing. When FBI was renewed for three years in March, no major cast changes were announced. However, there was speculation about whether Tiffany Wallace (Katherine Renee Kane) would remain with the series after the season 6 ending, which involved her shooting the suspect who killed Agent Hobbs (Roshawn Franklin). This was put to rest when it was recently announced that Kane would depart the series in FBI season 7.
The news of Tiffany’s exit came shortly after another FBI season 7 cast update announced that Lisette Oliveri would be joining Jubal Valentine’s team as a behavioral analyst named Syd. This was a very different type of role than the one Tiffany performed for the team, but the timing of these cast announcements suggests that Syd is a replacement for Tiffany. I’m not surprised, considering the concerning FBI update about the series’ plan to rotate cast members to save money, but I’m not happy with the trade-off.
Lisette Olivera Is The FBI’s First New Series Regular In Three Years
The Cast Has Had Only A Few Changes In Seven Years
The FBI cast has been remarkably stable, considering that it has been on for seven years. There were a few exits early on, most notably Ebonee Noel as Kristen Chazal at the end of season 2, leading to Tiffany’s inclusion in FBI. While the reason for Chazal’s exit was that she was recovering from major injuries sustained in the line of duty, two other characters died while working for Jubal’s team: Rina Trenholm in season 4 and Trevor Hobbs in season 6.
| Every Character Who Has Left FBI | |
|---|---|
| Character | Departure Date |
| Special Agent in Charge Dana Mosier (Sela Ward) | May 14, 2019 |
| Analyst Kristen Chazal (Ebonee Noel) | March 31, 2020 |
| ADIC Rina Treholm (Kathleen Monroe) | January 11, 2022 |
| Special Agent Trevor Hobbs (Roshawn Franklin) | February 13, 2024 |
| Special Agent Tiffany Wallace (Katherine Renee Kane) | TBD |
Tiffany was brought on during FBI season 3 as a replacement for Chazal, but no new character was created to replace Rina or Hobbs. Thus, while it’s disappointing to lose Tiffany, I’m excited about Syd’s inclusion in the cast. This will be the first fresh face brought in since season 3, and I’m eager to see what she brings to the table. Additionally, a behavioral analyst will bring a new skill set that hasn’t often been utilized in FBI, making Syd a unique character who won’t fall into the trap of being too similar to the one she replaced.
However, it’s still disappointing that Tiffany will be leaving. She is currently the only Black character in the unit, which gives her a unique perspective and increases its diversity. Once she leaves, FBI will no longer be able to explore issues related to being a Black member of law enforcement. That said, Syd will bring her own unique perspective as a Mexican team member, which is exciting.
Olivera’s FBI Season 7 Debut Comes As Katherine Renee Kane Leaves
Kane Will Get An Episode To End Her Story
I’m glad that Tiffany will at least get an episode to wrap up her story. Chazal’s disappearance was one of the most disappointing exits in the FBI universe, as she vanished between seasons. It was only explained in dialogue that she had left the unit to focus on rehabilitation from her injuries after getting stabbed. Thus, it’s a relief to know that FBI has learned from its mistake and will wrap up Tiffany’s story properly before she departs the series.
It’s unclear whether Syd will appear in the first episode or if she will join the team after Tiffany leaves. It would make more sense for them to appear together, as Syd is not technically filling the same position that Tiffany did. Additionally, her role as a behavioral analyst could be helpful in FBI season 7’s first case, which can tie to a fitting send-off if it’s something that triggers Tiffany’s decision to leave the unit.
There is little time for Tiffany and Syd to interact, if at all, even though there is room for both of them in Jubal’s team.
However, that’s an additional reason I’m disappointed with this trade-off. There is little time for Tiffany and Syd to interact, if at all, even though there is room for both of them in Jubal’s team. This leaves untapped potential on the cutting room floor unless TIffany returns as a guest star in the future. It would not be the same as the two interacting as official members of the bureau, however.
How Olivera’s Syd Impacts FBI Season 7’s Story
Her Skills As A Profiler Suggest The Team May Move In A Different Direction
Syd is a different type of character than those who have come before her, so I’m excited to find out how she will affect the story. Behavioral analysts use psychology to understand why perpetrators are committing crimes and anticipate their next move, so her inclusion will add a different dimension to the cases the team investigates. Syd might also fit in with the FBI: Most Wanted team, which searches for serial killers and other violent criminals. This can be handy for crossover episodes.
FBI has become somewhat stale in recent seasons, investigating the same types of criminals in the same way every week. A cast shake-up might help reinvigorate the series, especially since the new character will be the first behavioral analyst in the series’ history. While all of this is exciting, I’d prefer Tiffany remain in the show rather than Syd taking her place in the main cast.
