FBI Review: Know Thyself (Season 4 Episode 4)

On FBI Season 4 Episode 4, “Know Thyself,” not everything is what it seems. Secrets come out, relationships are tested, and Rina once again proves to be the worst character on this show.

The case of the week is pretty standard, other than the fact that Tiffany’s cousin seems to be involved, which sets us up for an entirely different set of emotions than we, and Tiffany, are used to. 

Tiffany’s cousin, a pastor who works at an outreach program, is in the process of figuring out his sexuality. Clearly, this is rocky ground for him because he’s a Baptist pastor. 

“Know Thyself” is, taken out of context, a fairly good episode. The case is solid, we learn more about Tiffany in an absolutely heartbreaking way, and Scola genuinely wants to better himself.

It is set on an incredibly weak foundation, however. 

Tiffany and Scola have been partners for an entire season now, and we’ve seen them have conversations, albeit short and not too deep, about things bothering them. To insinuate that they don’t speak is odd. 

What’s worse is the way the writers go about making this prominent. Tiffany’s dialogue is cold, even a tad harsh when speaking to Scola. Where Scola thought they knew each other fairly well, Tiffany is almost upset that they don’t. 

When Scola says “you never told me you worked that beat,” and Tiffany responds, “you never asked” it’s jarring. She could’ve said, “yes when I worked with…” and go from there, but instead, she responds with hostility. 

Tiffany and Scola have similar personalities in the sense that they’re both very protective of who they are and they’re very guarded because of it. But they’re not mean — sarcastic, sometimes; snarky, yes, but not mean. 

Later, Tiffany tells Scola that he doesn’t really know her, as a person. This is a completely fair thing to say, but it’s still quite harsh. The episode ends with the two agreeing to open up more and have those tough conversations, which should lead to great character development. 

I hope the writers know what they’re doing writing them like this. 

Elsewhere, Rina claims that because Terrence, Tiffany’s cousin, lied to the FBI he must go to prison. He lied to protect his identity, but Rina only cares that he lied about the fact that he was at a gay club. 

Several viewers on Twitter have pointed out that this is exactly how Black people are jailed at a rate nearly five times higher than their white counterparts; an organization, whether it be the FBI or local police, brings them up on flimsy charges and imprisons them. 

This is a clear problem within the FBI as well, considering two episodes ago on FBI Season 4 Episode 2, “Hacktivist,” Jubal not only disobeyed direct orders but also threatened a civilian, and he walked away without any consequences. 

Tiffany, however, receives a verbal warning. While it could be worse, given that she was spoken to at all by Isobel in a way that incites punishment is ridiculous. It shouldn’t have happened unless Jubal was also punished, and we then become aware of that. 

The series is clearly trying to establish firm partnerships, but this plotline feels like it came completely out of nowhere. 

What did you think of this episode of FBI? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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FBI airs Tuesday at 8/7c on CBS.

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