S07.E09: Descent

[Snazzy Daisy]

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The investigation into an assistant U.S. attorney’s death leads the team to a related airline whistleblower scandal and the chilling discovery that they don’t have much time to thwart terrorists from crashing numerous in-flight commercial airplanes.

Dealing with the memory of his brother, who was a 9/11 victim, the case pushes Scola hard to prevent another catastrophe.

Air Date: Jan 28, 2025

 

Edited January 14 by Snazzy Daisy

[Xeliou66]

One of FBIs most intense episodes, ever. Gripping from start to finish. 

I’m not sure how realistic it was that the one terrorist could be in charge of controlling the plane by himself, it would seem like more people would be in the terror cell - I know there were more people at first who helped stage the kidnapping and they were killed in the shootout at the warehouse where they found the woman but it seemed like it would take a lot more than just them to carry out such a large operation.

I also wondered why the NYPD was so quick to rule the lawyer’s death a suicide, I guess the perps covered their tracks really well but it seems like they would’ve taken a deeper look into it, and how did they get access to his apartment in the first place, some kind of ruse? It seems like it would’ve worked better if the FBI team had taken the lead from the start.

Good twist that the kidnapping was staged, although they were lucky the fiancé didn’t get the cops involved afterwards.

Bold move by Jubal to knock out the power grid, it was a desperate effort but it worked and I liked how they were able to identify the guy based on Ian’s info that he was likely in a car.

Nina crossing over was a nice touch, and I honestly think there was so much packed into this episode that it would’ve worked better as a 3 way crossover between the 3 FBI shows than just a one hour show, then they could’ve really delved into the plot and fleshed things out more.

So long to Scola’s new partner, very weird how she just left after a few episodes, she made zero impact on me whatsoever, hopefully the new agent will be a better addition whenever she comes on.

A lot jammed into this hour but it was very gripping and more intense than normal given the magnitude of the case, and I thought each character had a nice role. Nice to have the show back. 

[Dowel Jones]

I tend to drift a bit when watching this show, but in case I missed it, whose idea was it to develop a system that can totally control multiple airplanes by remote?

It's a good thing Jubal channeled Agent Johnson's (no, the other one) directive to shut down the grid, but he ought to promote that agent who figured out the possible workaround.

Scola, it wasn't really a good idea to yell at Nerdy McNerdface while he's trying to disarm the system.  I had to laugh at the interrogation back at FBI HQ.  "She is a former member of Colombian Special Forces, and along with her husband is currently the leader of the terrorist group".  "Wait, you're married?"  Trees, meet forest.

[shapeshifter]

10 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

Bold move by Jubal to knock out the power grid, it was a desperate effort but it worked and I liked how they were able to identify the guy based on Ian’s info that he was likely in a car.

That was the only bit that seemed far fetched to me. 
Maybe I missed a line?
The camera lets us see what Maggie sees, which is somehow obviously the exact dark-colored vehicle they are seeking, but…?

[threebluestars]

Yeah, Scola's screaming to hurry up would've slowed me down so badly.

[MarylandGirl]

Agreed that it was very intense and maybe could have been spread out over two or three eps. Scola's personal connection made it particularly affecting (credit to the actor).

it certainly did not help my already-present fear of flying!

 

 

[Snazzy Daisy]

This COTW reminds me of what happened to Boeing’s whistleblowers.

For the second half of this episode, it’s like watching a thriller.

I just watched Arienne Mandi on Netflix’s The Night Agent. She played an Iranian and now in FBI, she plays a Bolivian (Anna Fox). If Syd’s replacement doesn’t work out, Dick Wolf should consider hiring Arienne for FBI S08. She’s trained in martial arts.

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“Team, night has fallen. The cockroach should be about to scurry. Find him.”

I know Jubal isn’t trying to be funny but these lines make me chuckles. 🤭

Douglas’ remains have been positively identified. Scola can finally move on.

[MerBearHou]

13 hours ago, Snazzy Daisy said:

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“Team, night has fallen. The cockroach should be about to scurry. Find him.”

I know Jubal isn’t trying to be funny but these lines make me chuckles. 🤭

I listen closely for Jubal's little asides -- they are often witty references and he laughs at himself or has a momentary smirk if no one in the JOC reacts or gets them.  I love 'em.

[LisaM]

I thought this was a terrific episode - especially gripping during the final scenes. 

[Woodrose]

I thought this was a good episode, but.....then I thought about it a bit.

Why was Anna pretending to be a kidnap victim when the FBI busted in? Should not the charade have ended when they got the code from her boyfriend? She would have then been reunited with her terrorist friends and husband, and become an armed terrorist again.

When the FBI team enters the site where they believe she is being held, they shoot 2 people without waiting for them to shoot first. Then enter a room with Anna in loose restraints. Did she put them on herself when she heard the FBI bust in? Why would she let herself be captured by the FBI?

It was an excellent twist when they revealed her real name with the fiance present, it just didn't make a lot of sense upon examination.