FBI: International Season 4: Wes Mitchell's Rise and the Big Lie About Replacing Scott Forrester
FBI: International Season 4 – A New Era, But Did They Really Replace Scott Forrester Fairly?
FBI: International season 4 brings in a major change; that new team leader Wes Mitchell (Jesse Lee Soffer), following the abrupt departure of Scott Forrester (Luke Kleintank). And it didn’t just happen randomly. That change is the focus of our discussion; whether the events leading to Wes’s emergence really followed any sensible protocol. A very important question because, we later learn that the situation involving the leadership change, involving those in higher-up positions, could imply that things were quite messy.
Scott's disappearance at the end of season 3 was…lacking. No on-screen goodbye; the team seemingly moved on easily, even considering those established connections! That was a serious disservice to Scott's character, his standing among the team and it seriously shows a failure on the writer's part. To replace that incredibly capable leader needed considerable effort and care. Did they achieve this in any credible manner? We explore this throughout.
Wes Mitchell's Early Missteps: A Maverick's Approach to Leadership
Wes showed poor judgement in the premiere episode of season 4; that immediately displayed potential problematic issues, however this was highlighted in episode 2’s very eventful story arc which showcases a crucial failure; those poorly thought-out choices! In order to tend to his wounds, Wes decides to break into a house with a teenage girl in serious danger—a completely impulsive act that totally alerted the assassins endangering her! Although the team ultimately stops those attackers; those mistakes almost caused further complications, resulting in increased danger and highlighting serious failures in judgement; something we did not really anticipate. Wes lacked that thoughtful care of those in danger which might've been necessary in these tense moments that could result in the death of an innocent; the kind of experience a much more mature leader might never allow to ever happen, as his actions directly endangers others.
His total disregard for protocols, typical behavior for Damian Powell (an earlier impulsive agent that Scott reprimanded) highlighted that the biggest issue now becomes that the current leader; who makes terrible decisions, instead of showing experience or improved ability!
The Big Lie: How Wes Became the New Fly Team Leader
That sudden elevation of Wes to lead the team makes no sense! The Fly Team already got a new temporary leader after Scott’s departure—he mysteriously leaves to take a wine tour in Paris. Then, following a single case, Vo tells Wes: Want the job? Ask for it. And boom—he is now officially the new team lead! Completely unrealistic; especially because Scott’s departure already was poorly done!
There are critical concerns that highlight why these actions raise a huge red flag: It ignores all reasonable hiring protocols, including checks, showing that such a position would rarely ever become the type of instantaneous, completely unpredictable occurrence with extremely little screening, suggesting several critical issues involving competence, character, judgement and oversight— it’s a lie presented in such a seemingly obvious manner, that it undermines some critical plot points throughout and significantly affects the viewers’ reactions to these important elements within that specific timeframe, creating a surprisingly large disconnect between audience expectation, and how quickly those events in the show suddenly developed. The lack of any sensible explanation raises an obvious red flag. And those problems within such systems need highlighting. That seamless replacement was also an insult to Scott; especially after several episodes showcased how closely the entire team felt toward their prior leader and those trusting, familiar interactions they previously displayed toward each other were never explored enough; failing to highlight the importance of that pre-existing bond!
Wes's Learning Curve: A Shadow of Scott's Leadership
The show clearly intends to develop Wes throughout the season. His learning curve and numerous failures are obvious; a major focus to show just why Wes was totally wrong to assume his leadership and emphasize just how big of a problem and mistake this really is, and how greatly he will improve over this season.
Vo's warnings to not push around local authorities showcase just what is fundamentally missing– Wes lacks diplomacy, that understanding and skill displayed by Scott! This might imply that his abilities will develop but highlights that Scott’s abilities and importance as that indispensable, totally capable and level-headed leader got totally underrated; a key problem which affects how many viewed Scott’s departure from the show and how his position was suddenly filled and with someone lacking both expertise and temperament. The writers want us to see his growth. We'll see how this all goes!
Conclusion: A New Beginning that Undermines What Was Lost
Wes Mitchell's emergence feels forced— and frankly, unbelievably improbable; raising those concerns over those existing processes within those hierarchical structures involved in making important decisions such as leadership appointments and changes. It throws into relief just how significant Scott Forrester's presence truly was; highlighting that his departure and replacement might've created even more troubling dynamics which the show could possibly need to develop and further resolve throughout this season!
