When it comes to television shows, even though I will disagree with Dick Wolf on a lot of things, Wolf Entertainment has a way of creating captivating procedurals and the FBI Franchise is definitely one of them. But, if we have to really talk about which one I love the most (and we do, because I am writing this) that would definitely be FBI: International.
And part of that is my crush of Scott Forrester (yes, fully aware he’s fictional) and maybe it’s the fact that I wish that I could drive like Smitty, but it’s the storytelling. It’s the way that they have so many roads to take. Somethings are very dark and some aren’t, but all of them are storylines that I think that we all can understand, but also be like WTF.
But all of that being said, part of what I love so much about last nights episode, Magpie, is it reminded us that all of these agents are human. They have high intensity jobs, but they are at the very end of the day, human.
And that human element is part of what we love all of the characters of these franchises. Yes, we love the stories, the mysteries, the solving of cases; but like any of the shows or movies out there, you fall for the characters. They are who you are invested in. While I will say that when the show started, I was completely against Forrester and Kellet being together, but over time, I realized (as I got into the show) was that it’s the human element of these characters.
So, all of this being said – setting up a love triangle – I am not mad about it. Vo, Raines and Powell. I am here for it.
Partially because I love Powell and Vo and want them together, but partially because I love Vo. I love Vo because she’s this bad ass character that has made the FBI her life, but we’re seeing her grow and find balance. She’s willing to learn and she’s willing to grow and listen and do what it takes to be the best agent. But she’s also had to take a second to live her life and we’ve seen her do that. All of this balancing isn’t easy.
But she does it.
She’s also managed to grow into a fierce leader. As the team heads to Monaco to solve the case of a murdered billionaire, she’s in charge. She heads there with Powell and Raines, right after the most awkward talk with Powell.
Vo wants to talk about why she cooled things off, but Powell tells her that Raines saved his life and he won’t do that to him. He won’t take his girl. Vo is a little taken aback because she doesn’t realize that Raines has feelings. We’ve all noticed and so I am glad that someone has pointed it out for her.
It does make me think about how hard it is to realize that someone is having feelings and the person you have feelings for doesn’t want to acknowledge them. But here we are.
The team is working on solving the case and well, if you think about it, there are a lot of people who are probably going to be front and center as suspects when it’s the murder of one of the richest women in the world. It broke my heart seeing a 16 year old find her Mom murdered and then blaming herself. But, Vo is leading the team and figuring out everything along the way.
Vo is the one who is getting Emily (the 16 year old) through. Vo is driven and yet compassionate with Emily. Working with Raines as her partner, she’s catching everything and following the road to solving the case.
And protecting Emily when it comes down to it. We find that Emily’s Mom has been blackmailed for years by an ex from her highschool days. He had compromising pictures of her and she’d been paying him off for years, but stopped. When she stopped, her killed her, but he also ended up taking Emily hostage.
The team works to get her free, and what ends up happening is Vo goes in to the shop in order to free her. When the plan goes wrong, she’s not giving up. She takes all of the signals, the moments, and the opportunities to save Emily. When she takes on the kidnapper, she’s getting her a** kicked. Both Powell and Raines run faster than they ever have to save her.
And they get there.
Powell looks distraught as Raines is the one to rescue Vo. Now, I have to ask – why are men so damn stupid. Like tell your feelings – it’s hard, sure. But it will save you a lot of pain. Like just be honest. Tell what is on your. mind.
This martyr shit, that I can’t do it because my friend likes her? Seriously. Sorry that you think that only your feelings count. It’s not that simple. But good to make it all about you.
Vo and Raines are the best of friends and they make good partners. If we are being honest, I don’t want them together. Why? Because their partnership and the way they work together is part of what I love so much about this show. So if that gets ruined, I will be BEYOND pissed.
There is so much to love about FBI: International, but the most important thing is the character development. That’s a highlight and something I look forward to every week.
OTHER THOUGHTS
- I am really starting to love Amanda Tate and I think we need to learn more about her.
- Amanda has a daughter named Lily? Where is she? I am gonna be afraid that something will happen to her.
- Really need to know more about the new people in headquarters. Names would be good.
- Powell, I really have to admire the longing looks for Vo. Just admit your feelings bro.
- Forrester – you’re so damn hot.
- Smitty is the best driver ever.
FBI: International airs Tuesdays on CBS.
One more thought – Vinessa Vidotto, you’re killing it. Love the way you’re bringing Vo to life.