Missy Peregrym, star of the CBS drama series FBI, recently shared her thoughts on one of the most dramatic episodes the show has ever produced. In an exclusive interview with TV Insider, she described the episode as intensely emotional, marking a significant turning point for her character, Special Agent Maggie Bell.
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In the episode aired on March 16, Peregrym’s character faces a harrowing ordeal as she attempts to locate her abducted sister, Erin, portrayed by Adrienne Rose Bengtsson. The plot takes a dark turn when Maggie discovers that her sister has been murdered by the kidnapper, Ray DiStefano, played by Matthew Rauch. This shocking revelation left both Maggie and Peregrym profoundly affected, with the actress admitting that it has changed her character irreversibly.
Peregrym expressed her apprehension regarding this pivotal storyline, stating, “I was so scared to go this far with my character.” The emotional weight of the episode led her to conclude, “I’ll never be the same to a certain degree. Never. I’ll never be the same.” She elaborated on the challenges of portraying such a devastating loss after playing the role for eight years, acknowledging how it alters both the character’s trajectory and her own experience as an actress.
Discussing the creative decisions behind the narrative, Peregrym clarified that she hadn’t engaged in any discussions with the writers about the direction the plot took. “What they wanted to do was to put Maggie in a position… and just made this huge explosion,” she explained. She acknowledged the powerful storytelling that emerges from Maggie’s dual vulnerabilities: her professional responsibilities and her love for her sister. The stakes are raised significantly when her family’s safety becomes entangled with her work as an agent, illustrating the complexity of both personal and professional lives.
The emotional toll of filming such poignant scenes was evident, with Peregrym revealing that she felt “wiped” after completing the last scene. “I had a serious, emotional come-down after shooting the last scene,” she admitted. The actress noted that while there can be a cathartic element to acting, the residual anxiety from portraying such difficult moments requires personal reflection and processing. “I have to tell my body that this isn’t real, because my body does not know the difference,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Peregrym indicated that Maggie’s journey will take a temporary pause as her character deals with the aftermath of her sister’s death. The upcoming episode will explore the funeral, allowing Maggie to grieve while also addressing the complex emotions attached to her loss. When the character returns, Peregrym hinted that work will be a critical part of her recovery process, echoing how Maggie has coped with past losses. “This is how she dealt with the death of her husband… It’s the only way she has known how to move forward,” she shared.
The narrative choices in FBI not only serve to deepen character development but also reflect the pressures and complications inherent in balancing personal life with career demands. Peregrym’s commitment to portraying Maggie’s evolving identity in light of such trauma showcases the depth of the writing and acting within the series.
New episodes of FBI continue to air on Monday nights on CBS and are readily available for streaming on Paramount+. As the series progresses, viewers can expect to see how Maggie navigates her new reality, weighed down by the tragic events she has faced but resolute in her role as an agent. The emotional rollercoaster of the recent episode promises to resonate with fans, leaving a lasting impression on both the characters and the audience.