FBI: Most Wanted fans are reeling from the news that Alexa Davalos will not be returning when the series returns for Season 5. Her Kristin Gaines has been a key figure on the show since debuting in Season 3, so the word of her exit is a surprise. It also leads to the question of just how the show will write her off.
In only four seasons, FBI: Most Wanted has endured a surprisingly high amount of cast turnover, each one of which has forced the writers to figure out ways to handle the exits. The first case was Nathaniel Arcand, who played Clinton Skye. The actor left mid-way through Season 2 as he had trouble traveling from his native Canada to the U.S. for filming. Skye was explained as being transferred to a special assignment.
The Season 3 premiere had Kenny Crosby shot and wounded in a big crossover. Kellan Lutz then revealed he was leaving the show to focus on his family. Crosby was explained as simply retiring from the FBI due to his injuries, with Davalos joining as Gaines.
The big turn was mid-way through Season 3 when Julian McMahon left the series. In a shocking moment, Jess LaCroix was shot and killed in the line of duty. Dylan McDermott joined as new agent Remy Scott.
The last big turnover was following Season 4 when Miguel Gomez was unexpectedly let go from the series. It was explained his character of Ivan Ortiz had transferred to L.A. to watch over his ailing father. He was replaced by Edwin Hodges as Ray Cannon.
So now the show has to make another change for Season 5.
How will Gaines leave FBI: Most Wanted?
It’s unsure if Davalos will appear in the Season 5 finale to close out Gaines’s journey. The character does have a dark past clashing with drug lords, and that may play into her exit, perhaps joining the DEA.
It seems more likely the character will be explained as transferring to another division, perhaps back to Miami. While there’s a chance for a dramatic exit of some sort, it sounds as if a quieter exit is best.
That obviously paves the way for a new cast member to join, but CBS has yet to make any announcements. Usually, the season would be filming by now, but the various strikes in Hollywood are holding Season 5 back until 2024.
So among the questions fans have for FBI: Most Wanted Season 5 is how Gaines gets an exit and how the team moves on from yet another big change.
FBI: Most Wanted is streaming on Paramount+.