FBI Review: Little Egypt (Season 2 Episode 1)
A restaurant bombing in the Muslim community strikes a nerve with OA on FBI Season 2 Episode 1, “Little Egypt.” The episode is a solid return for the drama now in its sophomore season.
The episode has a different flow than those from season one as the initial bombing is solved by Act 2, but the bombing leads to a suspenseful final third that ends in a Maggie and OA hug.
Remember FBI Season 1 Episode 14, “Exposed,” where all we wanted was for OA to put an arm around her? Things have certainly changed.
With a new season also comes new characters in the form of Special Agent In Charge Isobel Castille and Kristen’s new partner, Lt. Scola. Minus the initial lie, Scola is fine, but Castille is an unpleasant contrast to her predecessor. Where Dana Mosier operated on humility and respect, Castille seems more like a condescending dictator.
The new Mosier leaves something to be desired. Her worst moment comes when OA presents a legitimate concern, and she flippantly says that she didn’t know he is a “public relations expert.” Jubal may give a canned response, but at least he listens to the question.
Respecting authority is important, yes, but respect is also earned: How is OA supposed to answer to her when she blows him off like that? A good leader listens to his or her team, and she is unfortunately not off to a good start.
She also says she is results-driven, yet in the same sentence admonishes OA for a gamble that thankfully pays off. Make a decision, Castille — sometime before the bomb goes off would be great.
OA feels a variety of emotions throughout the hour, ranging from heartbreak to confusion. Ever heard someone say they can hear a GIF or a text? It is not hard to feel OA’s facial expression when he realizes that the initial bombing is perpetrated by a member of the Muslim community.
While we may not fully understand what he experiences throughout the hour, it’s easy to feel for him. Childhood memories occurred in that restaurant — presumably with his father, who we all know has since passed.
The dilemma he faces in working with the undercover agent and two revenge-bent teens is thought-provoking, too. Are the kids self-motivated to kill, or do OA and undercover agent Joseph push too hard? Arguments can be made for both, because Joseph continues to push despite the evident fear (that OA catches) in one of the teens’ faces.
Thank goodness OA has Maggie, otherwise he’d bear the emotional brunt of the case alone. The moment between them on her stoop is one that we’ve been dying for since Season 1.
Think about it: He feels this case so deeply that a voicemail or text is not enough. He needs his partner and is unafraid to express it; that’s a level of vulnerability that shows that these two did some quality bonding over the summer.
The episode does a great job of showcasing their friendship, and this is hopefully going to be a consistent theme throughout the new season.
Elsewhere, our girl Kristen is now a full-fledged FBI agent. Did anyone else pump their fist in the air and scream “YAS!” when Jubal reminded her to take her gun? Sorry not sorry.
She is still behind the computer for parts of the episode, but hopefully those scenes will become fewer and far between. New York is not ready for FBI Agent Kristen Chazal!
Kristen is likely going to have some bumps in the road, but watching her develop her inner Maggie is going to be fantastic. What is uncertain is whether she and Scola’s partnership will be equally as great. Scola is pretty “blah” throughout the episode, but with a potential terrorist attack looming, getting to know him is not that important. Maybe next week?
That said, I do question the initial lie about making up his brother having died on 9/11 (he lied about lying — so it’s actually true. Lie-ception?). He has his reasons, though, so it’s not a huge deal unless he keeps lying to Kristen. If that happens, he’ll need to watch his back. Nobody messes with the smartest character on the show.
Speaking of this potential terrorist attack, is there anything Maggie can’t do? Right when you think she can’t get any more badass, she disarms a bomb. And the fearlessness with which she does so — wow. She doesn’t even flinch at the timer speeding up. What a Queen!
The only thing the Season 2 premiere of FBI lacks is Jubal. Yes, he has to stay behind to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, but Castille is still somewhat of a stranger. More Jubal would help make the bullpen scenes easier to digest.
What did you think of this episode of FBI? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
FBI airs Tuesday at 9/8c on CBS.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.
One thought on “FBI Review: Little Egypt (Season 2 Episode 1)”
The new boss Castille, is gonna be a love it or hate it character. Picking door number two here. Withholding info about the restaurant attack for sake of public relations bullshit pretext, but going full GW Bush in the press conference after the park almost fiasco. Hmm…almost like she was hoping for some retaliation action.
Nevermind the entrapment actions of the other FBI undercover agent. He was not investigating radicals he was creating them.
Comments are closed.