FBI Showrunner Reveals If Alana de la Garza Is Leaving the Series After Isobel’s Brain Surgery

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Mike Weiss, the showrunner for *FBI*, has shared more details about what happened to Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille (Alana De La Garza) after the dramatic ending of Season 7. As *FBI* returns for Season 8 on CBS, several storylines from the previous season will continue, and new ones will begin. Isobel’s fate is a central mystery, and fans are eager to find out if she survived her collapse at headquarters.

Season 7 of *FBI* showed us more of Isobel’s life outside of work, including her husband (played by Tom Cavanagh, known from the *Arrowverse*) and how she interacts with her colleagues. While Isobel faced some difficult situations this season, she was able to overcome them with help from her team. The season finale, however, presented a new and different challenge.

So Is Alana de la Garza Leaving FBI TV Show? Producer Confirms If She’ll Be Back to Work

The eighth season of *FBI* opened with Isobel still hospitalized, and Jubal Valentine, played by Jeremy Sisto, temporarily leading the team as Acting Special Agent in Charge. The season premiere revealed Isobel needed an emergency brain surgery after suffering a brain bleed caused by the attack from Forefront.

The team was deeply affected by the unexpected death of Dani (played by Emily Alabi, first appearing in *FBI* Season 7, Episode 17). However, the Season 8 premiere revealed that Isobel survived her ordeal.

Mike Weiss, the showrunner for *FBI*, recently told TV Insider that Alana De La Garza will be returning to the series after her brain surgery, which was featured in the season 8 premiere. He said they are “thrilled to welcome her back to work when she’s feeling better.”

Each season, the writers explore how the show’s relationships and energy are evolving, and what would happen if things changed. Isobel is a key figure who keeps everyone grounded. We’re huge fans of Alana and her character, so removing her from the show was never an option. But we were curious to see how the team would function without her presence, even for a short time – how they’d react to losing that stability, and who would take the lead. We’re very happy to have her returning to the BAU when she’s able.

The conclusion of the first episode of FBI Season 8 showed Isobel continuing her pattern of overcoming challenges, solidifying her role as the central figure who holds the team together.

Weiss hinted at how Isobel’s recovery will affect her relationship with Philip. Although he didn’t reveal many details about her personal life, the FBI director assured everyone that her close call won’t stop her from continuing to lead the FBI team and protect the people of New York.

Let me tell you, Isobel is the absolute backbone of the 26 Fed office. She’s clearly been through a lot – that near-death experience is always *there*, but it doesn’t stop her from being a fantastic leader and keeping New York City safe. It’s a really subtle strength, but everyone respects it. And speaking of fantastic, Tom Cavanagh is just brilliant as Philip, though I can’t give away any details about his role just yet – you’ll have to tune in to find out!

In the season 8 premiere, Tom Cavanagh unexpectedly returned as Philip, where he confided in Jubal about his concerns for Isobel’s safety at the FBI, particularly given the dangers she now faces. Jubal reassured Philip that Isobel is passionate about her work and encouraged him to stay positive and hopeful each time she recovers after her brain surgery.

Although Isobel was happily reunited with Jubal at the end of the episode, the team is still dealing with the aftermath of Dani’s death. When asked about Isobel’s return to work, Weiss playfully responded, “You’ll have to keep watching to find out!”

Okay, so as a big FBI fan, it’s looking like Isobel might be back before the midseason finale – but that could just be a tease for something *really* big happening when the show returns later this season. Basically, don’t count her out yet!

What Happened to Isobel on ‘FBI’?

The season finale of *FBI* left viewers on a cliffhanger after revealing that a terrorist group called Forefront had infiltrated the FBI building, putting everyone at risk, including Isobel. Although the team managed to defeat the spies within the bureau, Isobel unexpectedly collapsed while giving a speech celebrating their victory. Maggie discovered Isobel had no pulse when she went to check on her.

In May 2025, Alana De La Garza, who stars in the show *FBI*, didn’t reveal what would happen to her character, Isobel, simply telling viewers to “tune in to see.”

You really have to watch to find out what happens – it’s a total cliffhanger! It was incredibly exciting and a lot of fun to experience, completely different from anything I’ve played before.

The start of FBI Season 8 revealed that Isobel is alive, but the team is struggling after losing Dani and needs her experience and direction. Jubal is working hard to support his team through their grief while still managing urgent cases.

Honestly, it’s not a question of *if* Isobel will come back to work, but *when*. Weiss hinted it’ll be a while before she’s back at HQ, and that’s probably a good thing. She really needs the time to fully recover and get back to being the total rockstar we know she is – the one who kicks bad guy butt alongside her team. I’m glad they’re prioritizing her health.

Despite the bureau seemingly determined to remove her – as a discussion between Jubal and a superior officer showed – Isobel won’t go down without a fight, particularly after a terrorist attack disrupted their work and damaged team morale last season.

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2025-10-14 19:49