Jesse Lee Soffer’s role inFBI Internationalevokes a young Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) fromChicago P.D.Soffer is a familiar face in theOne Chicagouniverse, as he played Jay Halstead inChicago P.D.for the first 10 seasons. Ironically, Halstead was the idealistic but pragmatic cop who often struggled with Voight’s decisions to bend the law in the name of justice, making him the opposite of Soffer’s character inFBI: International.
Soffer’s Wes Mitchell is a newcomer to the elite Fly Team, having first joined the cast of characters inFBI: Internationalseason 4. Mitchell is a former LAPD cop and FBI agent who first traveled to Budapest seeking vengeance after international criminals killed his partner, but soon took a leadership role. Mitchell leads the Fly Team differently than outgoing leader Scott Forrester (Luke Kleintank) and is first finding his footing shortly beforeFBI: Internationalwraps up permanently.
Jesse Lee Soffer’s Wes Mitchell In FBI: International Is Reminiscent Of Young Hank Voight
FBI: Internationalestablished Mitchell’s impulsive, hotheaded nature from his first scene, making it clear that he would not be the same type of leader that Forrester was. Forrester was level-headed and skilled at diplomacy — he often had to negotiate with local law enforcement agencies to get them to cooperate with his agents.Mitchell, however, brings Voight-like energyto his new role. He has no patience for local interference with cases and responds to conflicts by becoming aggressive. He also often decides on a course of action at the last minute and doesn’t always keep his team informed of his plans.
Mitchell’s Fly Team Romance May Have Come Out Of Nowhere, But I Believe Its His Best Ending
I believe Mitchell’s new romance is the best way to end his storyline in FBI: International, although the pairing felt like it came out of nowhere.
In short, Mitchell often acts the same way Voight does toward suspects to get results. Additionally, both men need a second-in-command who will rein them in if necessary. In Mitchell’s case, that’s Cameron Vo (Vinessa Vidotto). Vo warned Mitchell at the beginning that his strongarm tactics wouldn’t work in the world of international crime, butMitchell had to learn that the hard way after his attempts at intimidating a criminal led to Vo getting shot.
Unfortunately, FBI: International’s Cancelation Means That Soffer Cannot Fully Evolve The Role
There Are Only A Few Episodes Left Before The Procedural Ends For Good
CBS canceled several shows recently, includingFBI: International. This decision is especially unfortunate for Soffer, as he has only been part of the procedural during the final season. Thus,there is very little character development possible for Mitchell— he’s already toned down his impulsivity and aggression slightly, and it is likely his arc will end there.
Of course,Mitchell may be sent to work with the New York Field Officewithin the broaderFBIuniverse or another network will pick upFBI: International. However, since no such announcements have yet been made, it appears that Mitchell’s story will end on August 12, 2025, whenFBI: Internationalairs its series finale.
Mitchell could have completely changed course after Vo’s shooting, but did not, instead going rogue to get revenge.
This is unfortunate, as Mitchell’s character and personality offer so many potential directions for a character-driven story. Mitchell could have completely changed course after Vo’s shooting, but did not, instead going rogue to get revenge. That decision almost came back to bite him when an agent was sent to spy on him and find evidence of wrongdoing, but she quickly switched sides and then left. If there were more time,FBI: Internationalcould explore this or other fallout from Mitchell’s behavior more thoroughly, sparking genuine character growth.
Can Soffer Return In Chicago PD After FBI: International’s Cancelation?
It’s Possible, But Would Be Awkward
Jay Halstead’s disappointing exit fromChicago PDled to widespread interest in Soffer reprising the role to give the audience closure. Now thatFBI: Internationalhas been canceled,there is no logistical reason Halstead couldn’t return either temporarily or permanently, assuming Soffer is interested in doing so. However, the fact that Soffer played two roles within the same universe without an explanation of why they looked similar might be awkward. While this behind-the-scenes issue shouldn’t be a reason not to go ahead with a Halstead return, it should be addressed.
Soffer is the second actor to play two different characters within theOne Chicagouniverse, as Dylan McDermott joinedFBI: Most Wantedas Remy Scott shortly after wrapping his run as mob boss Richard Wheatley inLaw & Order: Organized Crime.
FBI: Internationalignored Soffer’s previous role, soChicago P.D.could do the same thing if Soffer were to choose to return. However, theFBIfranchise is set in the same universe asOne Chicago, and Halstead’s ex-wife, Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) once came to New York to help Jubal with a case. Thus, it could be distracting to that part of the audience that watches both shows to have Soffer jump back and forth between them without acknowledging or explaining the physical similarities between the roles, andChicago PDwould need to explain it to maintain in-universe continuity.
FBI: International
Cast
FBI: International follows the elite agents of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they travel globally to protect Americans. The series focuses on their complex missions, navigating international law, and challenges posed by various jurisdictions, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of their work.
Chicago P.D.
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
