When it comes to The Fly Team, we know one thing for certain, they are a family. They are a family that looks out for each other while looking out for the world and that’s part of the great dynamic of the show. You believe in what The Fly Team, is doing because you believe in them as a family.
While I have said time and time again, I thought that I would have a hard time with the show once Kellet was no longer a part of the team, I honestly have to admit that this show has gotten better. It’s progressed in a way that feels natural, but also feels as though we’re able to become more invested.
And the person that has been the missing piece is Amanda Tate. She’s been the best addition to this team and like Smitty, has been a natural fit. While I have complained that we have needed to learn more about her, I have come to realize that we are getting to learn more about her in the speed that is best.
Slowly and naturally.
We get to see Tate as the Mom that she is. One that is devoted, filled with love, and would move heaven and earth to help her child. She’s excited for every moment and would not trade time with her daughter for anything.
When she is served with paperwork, we know that it has to do something with her daughter, but it’s awhile into the episode before we learn that is a fact. While I will say that I do get her exe’s hesitation towards her job, I don’t think that he’s looking for the best interest of their kid.
I can see why Amanda is distracted from the case. An American was murdered in Amsterdam and the team heads out to figure out what happened. The maritime security officer, was in the Navy. Scott can tell as she’s giving the briefing that she’s distracted and when she asks for the day off – he gives it to her.
Forrester isn’t always a level headed man, but he does know when something is up with his team. He’s going to focus on the case, but also focus on being there for his team. For everything that this man has been through he somehow finds a way to balance it all. I kinda love that about him.
Seeing Vo and Forrester work together, their dynamic is completely different than the one that Forrester had with Kellet. But as we get to explore their dynamic, one thing I am missing in all of these episodes is Forrester and Smitty’s dynamic. Smitty has been an important part of the team, and I do get very ugh about Smitty’s reduced role on the show.
I am going to chalk that up to the writers introducing new characters.
As the team works to solve the case, this episode reminds me of a few things. One, I could never be on a show like this because it involves too much cardio and I am not a runner. Two, I am a lover and not a fighter – these fight scenes have me scared.
Watching the team solve the case, I am reminded of the flight team of old, but also the way that they adapt and come together. I have to believe that they always will find a way to evolve with this show, because it feels like they do. This writer appreciates with this show that they are seeing that we want to know more about the characters, even the ones that feel like background characters. I love seeing people in the office helping and knowing that Tate has a team to help her. What I loved finding out is that they have been there with her all along.
They know what Tate is going through and are going to honor her privacy, but they give enough to let the team know that she’s in a space. Also, I wonder if Tate realizes she won’t be able to hide things from the FBI.
Which is why, when she resigns, Scott knows that something is wrong, but also knows that they need her. So he steps in and makes sure that she knows that she has people behind her. Raines shows up with her diplomatic passport, which means that she’s going to not have to leave Hungary and will keep the 50/50 custody.
The case against Tate had her facing the possibility having her daughter taken from her and having to return to the USA. Seeing her embrace Raines and breakdown, I cried. Hearing Raines tell her that they have her back. I broke.
They truly are a family.
Then there is the other thing that made me cry. Yes, yes, I know that the case is important. Especially with this one. The man was murdered because he knew that the ship that he was on was smuggling human beings. One of the people that was smuggled helped crack the smuggling ring and the Dutch people got him the paperwork to work legally and stay in the country. It was one of the most beautiful moments.
And it broke my heart.
And I loved seeing the way that his joy and knowing that he could be there. That he could make a better life for his family. I broke.
This episode was highly emotional. But it was also very good.
FBI: International is progressing and growing in a trajectory that makes me not only keep it as appointment television and but also rewatch TV.
OTHER THOUGHTS
- I missed Raines running the office, but I love him in the field
- I love that FBI: International keeps you captivated and keeps growing
- I can not with all the cardio – I am tired
- Scott Forrester is so hot
- I want more Smitty
- Them arresting the captain – yes!
FBI: International airs Tuesdays on CBS.