Since the end of season 7, FBI fans were concerned about the fate of Alana de la Garza’s Special Agent in Charge, Isobel Castillo. But in a stunning turn, another character’s fate was on the line.
The season 8 premiere saw Jubal in charge while Isobel was still in the hospital, still being treated for the complications of surviving an attack just days earlier. She had been comatose and needed an emergency craniotomy to treat a brain bleed. In the midst of working as the temporary SAC, Jubal also oversaw the team’s investigation into a federal judge’s murder.
The judge’s son was missing, and he had been looking for him when he went to find him. After trying to find the judge's whereabouts, they discovered his son's car had been taken. The thief attempted to burn the car before engaging in a shootout with Maggie and OA. He ended up dead, and they found the judge deceased in the trunk.
Their investigation took them to an island located on the edge of the city, which is where their suspect, Tom Clifford, lived. However, when Maggie and OA went to investigate, they learned the town had been taken over by citizens acting as judge, jury, and executioner.
After the mayor of the town told the agents about robberies that were occurring, they were allowed to go into Clifford's home to look for evidence of their missing person, Eli. They discovered him under the floorboard of the home, where he was being held on apparent suspicion of being the robber in question.
What were the fates of both Isabel and Dani on the season 8 premiere of FBI?
Maggie and OA themselves were taken hostage, leaving Dani Rhodes and Stuart Scola scrambling to come to their aid. But as they arrived on the marina after the town blew up the only bridge connecting the island to the mainland, there was a shootout. At one point, Scola was almost shot, and Dani took a bullet for him, thinking it went into her vest.
Back at headquarters, the office had discovered the actual robber was a man named Dustin, a friend of the mayor who had hidden his crimes and pinned it on Eli. Maggie was eventually able to convince Dustin’s wife to let them go, and was able to use a phone to connect with Jubal.
Despite being outnumbered by men with guns, Maggie, OA, and Eli were able to hold their ground until Scola and Dani arrived with backup. Once Dustin was revealed as the actual robber, the mayor convinced the other citizens to drop their weapons, with Dani having to shoot Dustin just as he aimed his weapon.
Unfortunately, just as things looked like they were looking up, Dani collapsed due to the internal bleeding she was suffering. It was too late, and she passed away from her injury. While fans knew that Alabi was exiting the show, it was shocking to find out how her exit arc would ultimately play out.
Dani gave her life to save Scola’s, and this may be something he has to work through, especially since he has gone through many partners already. Plus, considering what happened to Dani, how could he react to having another partner after such a traumatic loss?
As for Isabol, it looks like she will recover, despite Jubal being told she might be replaced. This could change depending on how long her recovery time would be. Although, depending on whether there is a time skip, it may not be long before we see her back in the SAC’s office.
FBI airs Mondays on CBS at 9/8c. You can find new episodes available the next day on Paramount+.