Shock: Actor Jeremy Sisto, star of FBI series, dies at age 51

FBI Season 7, Episode 17, “Lineage” does remind viewers how lucky the CBS show is to have Alana de la Garza. The episode is meant to be a spotlight hour for de la Garza’s character Isobel Castille, and in that sense it’s successful. But in a broader sense, the script has more than its fair share of struggles. culminating in a plot twist that every viewer will see coming.

“Lineage” starts with the murder of a high-profile rapper on his tour bus. Yet the episode quickly pivots to being about drugs and those who traffic in them, settling down into something much more predictable. While it’s not close to the most underwhelming episode of the season, it is a collection of missed opportunities.

FBI Lets Viewers Finally Meet Isobel Castille’s New Husband

Tom Cavanaugh Is a Welcome Addition to the Show

Phillip, played by Tom Cavanaugh, embraces Isobel in their living room on the TV show FBI

For all its storytelling flaws, “Lineage” does allow Alana de la Garza much more room to shine. The Law & Order veteran is the most underrated actor in the FBI ensemble, since her character usually has limited screen time. But even if Isobel is given a very typical backstory, the episode is a chance to see her more vulnerable and outside of just giving orders to other people. Most importantly, viewers meet her husband — played by Tom Cavanaugh from The Flash. Cavanaugh’s performance as Phillip justifies a completely random plot point. Having Isobel marry someone totally off-screen felt like a detail thrown in haphazardly, but the actor brings his typical effortless charm to the role. Isobel and Phillip don’t yet have fully developed chemistry that makes them feel like a married couple, yet since this is Cavanaugh’s first appearance, that’s forgiveable.

What is particularly impressive is that the scenes between the two are handled maturely. Isobel contemplates retirement, having reached her 20-year anniversary with the Bureau. The idea of catching her proverbial “white whale” in Jack Grippo and then riding off into the sunset has some appeal. But Phillip is written as an incredibly supportive spouse. He gives her his opinion as someone who has already retired, but then he also respects her autonomy. One of his last lines says volumes about his character and their relationship.

Phillip (to Isobel): You decide when your part in the work is finished.

It’s fantastic to see a relationship where the work-life balance discussion isn’t depicted as just an argument, with the spouse feeling neglected. Those arguments have been done to death. Cavanaugh is a familiar face whom audiences can easily attach to, and hopefully his presence is a sign that de la Garza will also have more to do in the remainder of FBI Season 7. If nothing else, this episode will give fans a renewed appreciation for what she brings to the show every week.

One Major FBI Member Is Missing in Action – Again

Missy Peregrym Is Completely Absent From Season 7, Episode 17

Maggie steps out of a van wearing a brown jacket and beanie in the TV show FBI

Another red flag with FBI Season 7, Episode 17 is the total absence of series star Missy Peregrym, as her character Maggie Bell does not appear. This isn’t even the first time Peregrym has missed an episode this season, but it’s always obvious when she hasn’t been around, because she’s the co-lead of the show. In-universe, one can chalk this up to Maggie needing a break after being nearly burned alive in the prior episode, yet from a viewership standpoint it’s still disappointing. In her stead, viewers are treated to more scenes for new addition Dani Rhodes, who continues to integrate herself into the team. Emily Alabi is off to a good start — but more Maggie (and more Maggie who’s not being hurt or threatened or otherwise traumatized) is a must in the remainder of Season 7.

FBI Season 7, Episode 17 accomplishes its underlying goal of showing viewers more of Isobel Castille and letting Alana de la Garza spread her wings. It’s just not a very well-written episode in terms of the actual procedural content, as viewers will be scratching their heads at some points and smarter than the characters at others. But that doesn’t keep it from being worth the watch, since de la Garza delivers great work, Cavanaugh adds some charm to the mix and the rest of the cast is as reliable as ever.