FBI Review: Scorched Earth (Season 1 Episode 15)
FBI Season 1 Episode 15, “Scorched Earth,” explores the extremes of toxic masculinity in a rather surprising hour. The spotlight is less on OA and Maggie and more on Mosier and her new pal, Spencer Gibbs.
Gender equality is the theme of the night when a female Wall Street CEO receives a bomb disguised as a gift. The bomb detonating is noteworthy for two reasons: one being the striking visual itself, and the other being that it is one of very few moments of action throughout the night.
The episode contains a plethora of moments that make every woman watching shake their heads and say, “same.” Maggie’s story about someone assuming she was dropping off her husband at Quantico is cringe-worthy, but the awkwardness is thankfully somewhat alleviated by OA’s expression of simultaneous surprise and disgust.
Maggie later correcting suspect Nick Frost about her job title is way too relatable. Been there, done that, girl. That acronym behind my name is not just there for decoration. Oh, the stories I could tell.
The theme of the night is further personified by Gibbs’ arrival. Gibbs, a profiler brought in to assist on the case, may be played by the wonderful Paulo Costanzo (Roadtrip, Royal Pains), but don’t be fooled — the character is a mansplaining jackass who spends the whole night making Mosier absolutely miserable.
This brings us to the other thing the episode lacks: allies. Jubal is a silent bystander as Gibbs impedes the investigation. Mosier fights her own battle and fights it well, but it never hurts to have a little help.
Going back to OA, the understanding in his face in response to Maggie’s stories of sexism are nice, but that’s all they are: facial expressions. Their later conversation regarding Gibbs’ placement is more of a “bless your heart” moment. At least he’s trying.
With that said, Mosier putting Gibbs in his place is the highlight of the night. She comes armed with a batch of one-liners that most of us would only be willing to subtweet on social media. The best piece of dialogue is her closing remark of “the next time you meet a female special agent in charge, shake her damn hand!”
Mosier gets that handshake, but let’s be real, it’s completely worthless. Gibbs is her equal, yet he only recognizes her as such after she proves herself. Mosier’s title should be proof enough, so I am hopeful that we will not see him again so as not to waste everyone’s precious time.
The case turns following the murder of a young barista. Turns out the old adage of “don’t mess with the people who make your food” applies to the people who make your coffee, too.
The part-time barista also managed the part-time Wall Street blog responsible for the employee’s downfall, providing a scary reminder of the times we live in in that one click of a mouse can unravel even the most storied careers.
Not only does the ex-employee’s son act out in response to his father’s takedown, but he does so by stashing a bomb inside an “all-male private club.” Bomb aside, it’s inside of an ALL-MALE PRIVATE CLUB. The fact that still exists in 2019 makes me want to bang my head against the wall.
The other thing that makes me want to bash my head against a hard surface is that Maggie has to physically say the words, “don’t you dare say no women allowed.”
This woman is here to save your life along with the lives of your customers and colleagues; are you going to really going to ignore the giant FBI designation on her chest because of her gender?
Hopefully, Maggie sticking around to lock the bomb in what appears to be a meat locker is not fueled by a desire to stick it to the [door]man, but even if it wasn’t, I can’t help but wonder why OA didn’t try to talk some sense into her. If Mosier can fight her own battles, Maggie can, too, but there is a line between standing up and pushing too far.
Maggie and OA are the definition of professionalism, but they’re starting to teeter on TOO professional. An inkling, a smoke signal, even a message disguised in Morse code that there is a friendship beneath those bulletproof vests would be great.
This episode tells a captivating, entertaining story, however, it suffers from the lack of action. Because the plot is so intricate, the hour moves at a slow pace and only quickens when either a bomb goes off, or OA and Maggie run after something. There are unfortunately only about three scenes total where these things happen.
Greater focus on Jubal, Mosier and Kristen is nice as these characters are vital to the team’s success, but I am hopeful that these scenes will not come at the cost of action and pacing in the future.
What did you think of this episode of FBI? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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FBI airs Tuesday at 9/8c on NBC.
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Gina Zippilli
Gina is the co-host of Meet Us At Molly’s, the first-ever Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. podcast. Outside of One Chicago, she has never met an ensemble-driven cop show, post-apocalyptic drama or true crime whodunit she has not liked.
2 comments
Excellent episode, exciting if you like intricate procedural detective work over running and gunning, a bit spoiled by the overt sexism (which seems to have obsessed your reviewer to the exclusion of all else) which was extremely well-handled by the FBI agents – who indicated how unacceptible it was without becoming shrill or discourteous.
OMG, Karen !
Your feminist whining is too much!
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