I’m Still Bummed FBI: International Was Cancelled, But The Stakes Feel Fabulously High After An Early Exit In The Two-Part Series Finale

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Be aware that the initial half of the FBI: International‘s two-part series finale, titled “Herbivore Man,” is filled with spoilers. You can watch it now if you have a subscription to Paramount+.

Only one installment remains before the closing credits of FBI: International on CBS, and I must admit, it’s not exactly joyful to utter this fact, even over two months after the show’s cancellation was announced. As I ventured into the penultimate episode, a complex mix of emotions accompanied me; I’m still saddened that the Fly Team’s escapades are drawing to an end in just a week. However, a two-part finale seemed like an incredibly grandiose way to bid farewell.

The international series has arranged a final episode featuring Jesse Lee Soffer’s character, Wes, journeying to Japan in search of a serial killer. Yet, I can’t help but be on edge after the “Herbivore Man” episode left me guessing if a character might meet their end. With shows wrapping up, major characters are not immune to being written off, and it appeared that Jay Hayden’s character, Agent Tyler Booth from Station 19, could perish in the line of duty.

In this context, I didn’t necessarily hope for Tyler’s demise, as Jay Hayden brought an enjoyable dynamic to the fourth and final season, along with the amusing backstage banter from his off-screen camaraderie with Jesse Lee Soffer. However, given that the recurring character had signaled early in the episode that the death of a sex worker in America would be his last case with the Fly Team, I found myself suspecting that the plot might be hinting at Tyler’s imminent departure when he began pursuing a fleeing suspect through Budapest.

In the heat of things, I was weaving through traffic with narrow escapes, and moving at such breakneck speeds that there wasn’t a moment’s pause for self-defense or evasion if an unexpected threat had appeared ahead. Given that “Herbivore Man” was the prelude to a two-part finale, the series coming to an end, and Tyler being a pivotal character while Hayden isn’t a regular, it seemed plausible that this chase could be his final scene as a surviving character on the show.

I really enjoy the tension that comes with suspense in a procedural television series, and I can still recall the moment when I watched FBI: Most Wanted take out Julian McMahon’s character, Jess LaCroix, in 2022. It’s not often that network TV leaves me on the edge of my seat, wondering if a major character might meet their end… but Chicago Med managed to do just that within the Dick Wolf TV universe this past spring, as Luke Mitchell’s character found himself in grave danger.

I wasn’t upset that Tyler ended up having a happy ending on FBI: International as my initial concerns proved unfounded, but the genuine tension created by the possibility of his character being written off kept me tense throughout, and that’s an exciting experience. Moreover, it’s uncertain whether the entire Fly Team will survive the second half of the finale, given Wes is heading to Japan. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming next:

[Embeds video promo for FBI: International]

Considering the upcoming finale with an optimistic perspective, it seems plausible that at least one member of the Fly Team could depart Budapest, though without any harm coming to them. Both Vinessa Vidotto (as Vo) and Carter Redwood (as Raines) are in contention for the same promotion. It wouldn’t shock me if either one of them secures this opportunity and returns to the U.S., climbing up the professional ladder.

On Tuesday, May 20th at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on CBS, catch the final episode of FBI: International. This airs immediately after the intense Season 7 finale for characters Jubal (Jeremy Sisto) and Isobel (Alana de la Garza) from the original series FBI, which airs at 8 p.m. ET, and before the final episode of FBI: Most Wanted at 10 p.m. ET.

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2025-05-15 02:08