FBI’s Attempt To Find Scola’s Permanent Partner Has Repeatedly Failed, But I’m Optimistic About This One

I’m optimistic about FBI‘s newest partner for Scola (John Boyd) despite the numerous failed attempts to find someone to replace Tiffany (Katherine Renee Kane). Tiffany left after the premiere episode of FBI season 7, moving to Georgia to decompress from all the trauma she experienced while working as an FBI agent. After her exit, the procedural made several attempts to introduce a new partner for Scola, but none of them were successful — the characters continually moved on after only a few episodes.

Even though I knew a new partner was coming, it felt like FBI had given up. In recent episodes, FBI partnered Scola with Maggie (and on one occasion, OA) instead of introducing a new partner or bringing up the possibility of one. Allowing Scola to rotate partners among the current team was an acceptable solution, as it allowed him to participate fully in investigations. However, Scola will again meet a new partner in FBI season 7, episode 16, “Covered,” which will air on April 1, 2025, and hopefully this one will last until the season ends in mid-May.

FBI Season 7 Has Struggled To Find Scola’s Permanent Replacement Partner

The Show Has Cycled Through Several New Characters With No Luck

Soon after Tiffany’s exit from FBI, the procedural began introducing temporary characters who served as Scola’s partner for one or two episodes. He was first matched with Sofia Ortero, who decided that the NY Field Office was not for her at the end of her first case. This was unfortunate as she was one of the better matches for Scola. Scola was then paired with a man who was so arrogant and annoying that I was relieved when he disappeared without explanation.

These partners were meant to be placeholders for Syd Ortiz (Lisette Olivera), who had been tapped to be Scola’s permanent partner, despite her background being in profiling rather than being out in the field. Unfortunately, Dick Wolf Entertainment decided to change direction soon after Olivera began filming, and it was announced that Olivera was leaving FBI before her first episode aired. This decision once again left Scola partnerless while the procedural searched for the perfect actress to play his next new partner.

Why Emily Alabi’s Dani Sounds Like The Perfect Match For Scola In FBI

She Has The Experience And Understanding Of The Job He Needs

FBI has tapped an actress who is no stranger to the franchise or to police procedurals in general to play Scola’s newest partner, Dani Rhodes. Emily Alabi has guest-starred in several procedurals, including an episode of FBI: International, and most recently appeared on multiple episodes of S.W.A.T. This impressive resume gives me more confidence that she will be able to portray the type of character FBI needs and thus be invited to stick around. However, she is currently only on recurring status, which means she could still be replaced if the role doesn’t work out.

Related

Are Maggie & OA Okay? I’m Starting To Get Worried About FBI’s Best Partnership

Maggie and OA aren’t in a great place right now. The latest developments in FBI have made me start to worry about the procedural’s best couple.

That said, there are also strong story reasons to be cautiously optimistic. Many of Scola’s previous partners didn’t work out because they didn’t have the experience or temperament to succeed at the New York Field Office long-term. Even Otero, who was the best of these, was unable to resist going after a perp without Scola’s backup. However, Dani Rhodes is a seasoned agent who crosses paths with Scola after her cover is blown during an undercover operation. This backstory makes her a better match for Scola in FBI than Ortiz or any of the other replacement partners.

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FBI

Release Date

September 25, 2018

Directors

Dick Wolf

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  Missy Peregrym

  Maggie Bell

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  Zeeko Zaki

  Omar Adom OA Zidan