Jesse Lee Soffer has really rocked the boat. The actor left Chicago PD in season 10, and has now confirmed that he will be joining the cast of FBI: International in season 4. Both shows take place in the same continuity, but Soffer will be playing two different characters.
While the notion of Soffer’s new FBI character making reference to his PD character, Jay Halstead, may sound absurd, it’s not too far removed from the relationship both shows have had over the years. FBI and Chicago PD have had crossed over the former started, which is what makes the decision to ignore continuity so surprising.
Tracy Spiridakos appeared on FBI in 2020
Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) is the first, and to date, the only PD cast member to appear on FBI. She guested during the show’s second season. The character worked alongside the titular team, serving as a brief replacement for Agent Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym).
Upton also put in work on the FBI‘s interactive training program. Her time with the team did not go particularly smoothly, as her investigation style clashed with the main cast, but they were able to set their differences aside and get the job done. While it was not originally the plan, the Upon episode, titled “Emotional Rescue,” wound up being the season finale due to the 2020 pandemic.
Spiridakos told Cinemablend that she had a great time making the episode. She praised the cast, and pointed out that the change of pace, from Chicago to New York, was invigorating:
“I was thrilled to get to go to New York and work with everyone over there. They’re such a great group, and then knowing that I get to come back shortly after was very exciting.”
Spiridakos has no plans to join the FBI cast
Spiridakos’ decision to leave Chicago PD in season 11, and her character’s decision to look up FBI listings, made it seem as though another FBI crossover was in her future. The actress made it clear that there are no such plans in place, however.
“For me, I did not fill in the blank,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “Where I left it was that she is feeling happy about this decision for herself, and she’s taking her life in a different direction.” The twist nobody saw coming was that it would be Spiridakos’ onscreen ex, and offscreen boyfriend, Soffer, who made the jump to FBI.
A future crossover between FBI: International and Chicago PD would be fascinating.
