When FBI: International introduced Agent Amanda Tate in Season 4, fans were buzzing with excitement. This new addition to the Fly Team promised complexity, emotional depth, and a much-needed breath of fresh air. However, as the season unfolded, Tate’s storyline became an example of wasted potential, leaving many viewers frustrated and disappointed. What could have been a game-changing arc instead turned into a classic case of a compelling character being mishandled and dropped without resolution.

The Promising Introduction of Agent Tate

From the moment Agent Tate made her debut, it was clear she was more than just a typical addition to the team. She wasn’t just another agent with a badge—she was layered, gritty, and had a backstory filled with potential for deeper exploration. Her tension with team leader Scott Forrester and her morally grey decisions in the field made her stand out. The chemistry between them and her personal dilemmas immediately captured the attention of viewers, drawing comparisons to some of the best characters in the franchise. Fans on Reddit and Twitter couldn’t get enough, urging the show to give her more screen time and delve deeper into her past.

The Abrupt Shift: A Character Left Behind

Instead of continuing to develop Tate into a central figure, the showrunners took her in a completely different direction. One minute she was a smart, reliable agent; the next, she was involved in a forced and unconvincing romantic subplot. Her chemistry with a local contact went nowhere, and her sudden shift to a more passive role within the team left fans bewildered. Tate, who had the potential to become a standout character, was sidelined with no explanation or resolution to her storyline.

What’s even more frustrating is how her character was gradually erased from the plot. Instead of becoming a key player in the ongoing drama, Tate was relegated to background duties, appearing only briefly in surveillance scenes or as a passive presence. This sudden disappearance without closure made it feel like the character was abandoned, leaving viewers with nothing but unanswered questions.

The Betrayal of Fans’ Investment

Fans who had invested in Tate’s character were left feeling betrayed. When a show introduces a character with such potential, audiences expect them to be explored fully. Instead, Tate was reduced to a plot device—filling a role but never actually contributing anything meaningful to the larger story. Fans were hungry for more of Tate’s backstory, her moral struggles, and the tension between her and Forrester. But what they got was a character who was barely given any real agency in the narrative.

The issue with Tate’s treatment is not just about one character; it reflects a wider pattern within FBI: International. The show has often introduced intriguing characters, only to let them fizzle out with minimal development. This approach undermines the trust of viewers who have invested time and emotional energy into these characters, only to see them discarded without fulfilling their potential.

Where the Show Went Wrong

The writers had a golden opportunity to make Tate a fan-favorite—a character who could challenge the norms of the team and bring fresh perspectives to the show. Instead of diving into her mysterious background, possibly involving her time with another agency, or exploring her conflict with leadership, the show chose to sideline her. What could have been a gripping storyline about a character navigating the complexities of trust, duty, and personal demons turned into a flat and unsatisfying arc.

Moreover, the forced romantic subplot with a local contact seemed like a quick fix to generate drama without any real foundation. The lack of chemistry and the rushed nature of this storyline only highlighted how much Tate’s character was underutilized.

What FBI: International Needs Moving Forward

If FBI: International wants to win back the trust of its audience, it needs to embrace risk and depth in its character arcs. Tate, as introduced, could have been a game-changer for the show. Instead of pushing her aside, the writers should have leaned into her complexity. A focus on her backstory—perhaps involving her history with MI6 or Mossad—would have added layers to her character and made her a key part of the team’s dynamic.

Moreover, Tate’s chemistry with Forrester was ripe for exploration. A rivalry or mentorship dynamic could have added intrigue and depth, making her a crucial player in the team’s success.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Agent Tate’s journey in FBI: International is a perfect example of how a compelling character can be mishandled and ultimately discarded without reaching their full potential. Fans were promised a character with emotional depth, complexity, and a mysterious past—only to see her sidelined in favor of more predictable, less engaging plots. If the show truly wants to succeed, it needs to learn from its mistakes and stop shying away from risk. Give the characters, especially those with potential like Tate, the screen time and development they deserve. Otherwise, fans will continue to feel like they’ve been betrayed by the very show they once loved.