CBS’ FBI is heading into the final episodes of Season 7 this spring, and Maggie Bell’s storyline in “Startup” delivered enough drama to feel like a series finale moment. From splitting with Joel after a seemingly stable relationship to surviving a life-threatening explosion, Maggie’s arc had fans on edge in ways few episodes have before.
Near-Death Shock: Maggie in the Crossfire
In “Startup,” Maggie finds herself in the middle of a high-stakes scenario when a drone explosion leaves her unconscious and seemingly lifeless. While fans might normally expect the lead to survive, recent TV trends have made near-deaths feel genuinely perilous. Shows like ABC’s 9-1-1 shocked audiences when series regular Bobby Nash, played by Peter Krause, was killed weeks before the Season 8 finale. That precedent left viewers like me bracing for the worst, even on a very different network and series.
While logically we know that events on ABC don’t dictate CBS storylines, emotionally, Maggie’s near-death moment carried heightened stakes. The combination of the explosive scenario and high tension surrounding Dick Wolf’s TV universe — which has recently cut regulars from Chicago Fire and Law & Order: SVU — made the threat feel plausible.
The Rescue and Emotional Payoff
Fortunately for fans, FBI didn’t follow 9-1-1’s tragic path. OA’s timely CPR saved Maggie, and she survived with only minor injuries. Unlike a shocking, unprepared death, the near-death moment was thoughtfully paid off with a character-driven scene emphasizing care and camaraderie. OA made sure Maggie had comfort, blankets, and painkillers before Scola and newcomer Dani Rhodes arrived with wine, burgers, and company.
This scene highlighted one of the show’s strengths: balancing high-stakes cases with meaningful character moments. Maggie’s ordeal was tense and dramatic, but the resolution gave her survival weight and emotional depth rather than feeling like a cliffhanger gimmick.
What’s Next for Maggie and the Team
Promo material suggests the next episode will shift focus to Isobel, while Maggie recovers and prepares to return to action. Viewers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Maggie’s journey isn’t over — she’ll be back in the field, contributing to the team’s cases and storylines.
Season 7 will wrap up with the penultimate episode “Devoted” leading into the finale next week. As CBS prepares for Season 8, the franchise will undergo some changes. FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted won’t return this fall, but the original series is coming back, potentially in a new timeslot. Additionally, a new spinoff, FBI: CIA, is in development, expanding the franchise’s scope while keeping Maggie and the core team at the center.
The Takeaway
Maggie’s near-death experience in “Startup” was both thrilling and emotionally satisfying. While the explosion initially raised concerns, her survival and the thoughtful follow-up scenes ensured that fans felt the stakes without losing their lead character. With Season 7 heading toward its finale, Maggie’s resilience and the team’s dedication promise more high-stakes drama in the weeks ahead.
CBS viewers can continue tuning in on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET to follow Maggie, OA, and the rest of the team as they navigate cases that blend life-or-death tension with compelling character moments.