FBI: Most Wanted director Milena Govich previews season 2 finale

Tonight’s FBI: Most Wanted season 2 finale is a major episode for the CBS series—and it has a pretty awesome director, too, in Milena Govich.

Dick Wolf fans likely recognize Milena for her work in front of the camera as Nina Cassady, the only female detective featured in the original Law & Order. But she’s gone on to direct episodes of both the One Chicago franchise and the FBI franchise, including the Most Wanted finale, “Chattaboogie.”

One Chicago Center spoke to Milena about directing the last episode of the season, her incredible journey within the Wolf universe, and the difference between directing FBI and FBI: Most Wanted. Get to know her better in this finale preview before the episode airs at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS tonight!

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One Chicago Center: You started with Dick Wolf as an actress on Law & Order and now you’ve directed episodes on two of his other franchises. Can you describe what that journey’s been like?

Milena Govich: I’m extremely grateful to Wolf Films for believing in me and continuing to hire me in different capacities on their shows. Being the only female detective on the original Law & Order series was life-changing, to say the least. And now my time in front of the camera gives me a unique perspective behind the camera as a director and producer. Getting to know and understand the Wolf brand from both of those angles has really helped me communicate with understanding and empathy as a leader on set.

OCC: You’ve directed on both FBI: Most Wanted and the original FBI. Though they’re both in the same franchise, they also have very different tones. So for you as a director, how do you tackle this show compared to the original series?

MG: One of the main differences between FBI and FBI: Most Wanted is that in the latter, we spend a good amount of time in the perspective of the criminal. We see what they are doing away from the lens of the FBI agents, so the audience understands more of their motivation and what ultimately makes them more dangerous. I’ve really enjoyed diving into those episodic characters as well as our regular heroes.

OCC: What stood out for you in the FBI: Most Wanted season 2 finale?

MG: This season finale is action packed with several big high-octane sequences. I studied classical ballet for much of my life and my first career was on Broadway as a dancer, so I see action sequences as choreography. It’s storytelling with behavior and movement, just like a dance. What’s even more exciting is that these “dances” on FBI: Most Wanted can include everything from gunfights and explosions, to car chases, and even helicopters!

OCC: There’s also a personal storyline here with Jess and Sarah (Julian McMahon and Jen Landon). How do you handle those intimate subplots in a show that’s action-packed and can be very dark?

MG: The more personal moments are an absolute joy to direct. The actors are stellar and always bring dimensional performances that we then shape together. That is one of my favorite forms of collaboration. A show as fast-paced as this one really needs a few moments for the audience to settle in and feel the emotional stakes of the characters, and it’s a treat when we get to explore them.

OCC: You mentioned this earlier, but how valuable is your acting experience on set? Have you ever found yourself wanting to jump back on the other side of the camera in one of these FBI franchise episodes?

MG: My acting experience is invaluable on set. It has helped me tremendously in communicating with everyone on set, not just the performers. I never feel the desire to jump back in front of the camera when I’m directing, because as the director it’s my job to imagine, visualize, and stage all of the characters. So in a way, I get to act all the roles!

OCC: Since we’ve talked about what you bring to the series, what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned or taken away from FBI: Most Wanted?

MG: The production schedule on FBI: Most Wanted is brutal. We are essentially shooting an action movie with stunts, special effects, visual effects, etc. every two weeks. That challenge feels insurmountable at times, but the producers and crew manage to work miracles on a regular basis. It’s truly astounding. During my time with this show, I’ve really valued my meticulous preparation so that when things inevitably change, or go completely upside down, I’m ready to pivot and make it all work.

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For the latest FBI: Most Wanted season 2 spoilers and news, plus more on all of Dick Wolf’s other series, follow the Dick Wolf category at One Chicago Center.

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