A recent shocking FBI casting announcement is part of a pattern that the Dick Wolf procedural needs to change. Like all the shows in the shared One Chicago universe, FBI has had its share of cast changes over the past seven years, though most of the main cast is still intact. Three other people have left FBI, mostly in the first or second season. However, one cast member will not be returning for FBI season 7.
FBI season 7 was announced this past March, with the series scoring a three-year renewal. At that time, no major cast changes had been announced. When the season finale aired, there was speculation about whether TIffany Wallace (Katherine Renee Kane) would return after she fatally shot the suspect who killed Agent Hobbs. However, until the surprise announcement that Kane would be leaving sometime early in the season, it seemed like she was planning on staying, as the actress discussed her hopes for her character’s future in interviews.
Tiffany Wallace Is The Second Black Character To Exit FBI
Kristen Chezal Left After Two Seasons
Tiffany Wallace is one of two Black characters who have left FBI. Kristen Chazal (Ebonee Noel) was an analyst during the first two seasons of the series but was written out ahead of season 3. Her exit was disappointing because it was done off-screen. After getting stabbed during season 2, it was mentioned in passing that Chazal had left FBI because she needed rehabilitation for her injuries. Thus, the series offered little closure, which is a bad habit all the FBI shows have gotten into when actors leave.
Tiffany is the only Black detective in the cast of FBI , so her absence moving forward makes the series less diverse.
FBI is a series that prides itself on its diverse casting and with good reason. O.A. (Zeeko Zaki) is the first Egyptian-born actor to play a lead character in a police procedural rather than playing a terrorist or other villain. However, Tiffany is the only Black detective in the cast of FBI, so her absence moving forward makes the series less diverse. It would add insult to injury if Tiffany were written out with only an after-the-fact explanation, especially given that she is the second Black character to leave the unit.
Why Katherine Renee Kane Is Leaving FBI As Wallace
Neither The Actress Nor The Show Has Given Any Reason For Her Departure
Since Kane has given no official reason for her departure, it is possible that it is story-related. Tiffany was in bad shape after shooting Hobbs’ killer at the end of FBI season 6. Although she was cleared of any wrongdoing before the episode ended, it was clear she was having a hard time dealing with what had happened, leading to speculation that she might not return for season 7. However, it’s not clear whether Kane left because her story came to an end or if Tiffany’s exit story was written because Kane was leaving FBI.FBI has added Lisette Olivera to its season 7 cast, though it’s unclear whether she is meant to be a replacement for Tiffany, as she is a behavioral analyst. FBI‘s loss of Katherine Renee Kane as Tiffany is significant because she was the only Black detective in the unit, but the series has an opportunity to correct this problem, at least in part. Unlike Ebonee Noel, Kane has already filmed one episode of the series, so if her exit plays out on screen, it will help soften the blow of losing her.
