Reasons Behind Luke Kleintank’s Departure as Scott Forrester from FBI: International After Season 3

In a significant turn of events, Scott Forrester, portrayed by Luke Kleintank, departed from FBI: International after its third season. Forrester, the leader of the renowned Fly Team, was instrumental in investigating international crimes that either jeopardized U.S. citizens or violated their rights abroad. Despite the cast changes typical of shows in the One Chicago universe, Forrester’s role remained a steady influence until the end of season 3.

The transition to new leadership under Wes Mitchell formed a compelling storyline in season 4 of FBI: International. Mitchell, who arrived in Budapest during the premiere, sought the Fly Team’s assistance in capturing an international criminal responsible for his partner’s death at the LAPD. Following the resolution of this case, Vo encouraged him to take on the permanent leadership role. While the team has confidence in Mitchell, there remains some skepticism, particularly given Forrester’s abrupt exit, which stemmed from Kleintank’s decision not to renew his contract.

Luke Kleintank’s Decision: Family Comes First

Kleintank’s Exit Required Story Adjustments

Kleintank announced his departure from FBI: International shortly after the show secured a renewal for season 4. He expressed a desire to prioritize family time, while also reflecting positively on his past three years working on the series, as reported by Deadline. This exit forced the production team to creatively write Forrester out of the narrative with only a few episodes remaining in the season.

Kleintank became the second notable departure in season 3, following Heidi Reed’s exit. Forrester’s last appearance was on May 7, with only two episodes left in the season. Consequently, Forrester was characterized as “missing in action.” In his absence, Chicago Med’s Colin Donnell temporarily stepped in as an NSA agent to lead the team. By the finale, it was revealed that Forrester was hiding out in Russia with his fugitive mother, effectively closing the door on his chance of returning to the Fly Team.

The Connection Between Wes Mitchell and Scott Forrester

Mitchell: A New Leader with Ties to Vo

Wes Mitchell, portrayed by Jesse Lee Soffer, does not bring a direct connection to Scott Forrester. As an LAPD officer, Mitchell reached out to the Fly Team after tracking a killer responsible for his partner’s death, which led him to Budapest. Contrary to expectations, he was not specifically appointed to the role of permanent leader; instead, the circumstances brought him into the mix quite serendipitously.

While Forrester approached conflicts with a level-headed and diplomatic demeanor, Mitchell’s character has already displayed a more impulsive nature, willing to take risks in pursuit of justice.

The rapport between Vo and Mitchell aids this transition. Having trained Vo at one time, he garners her trust which helped ease his transition to leadership, suggesting that Soffer’s introduction as the leader could be smoother than anticipated. Notably, Mitchell’s energy contrasts sharply with Forrester’s more composed style, setting the stage for new dynamics within the team.

Is a Scott Forrester Return Possible?

An Open-Ended Exit with Challenges Ahead

Technically, Forrester’s character has not been written off the show entirely, leaving the door open for a potential return. However, his current status as a fugitive presents significant challenges. Having helped his mother escape to Alaska, his return could involve serious complications, including potential arrest and suspension from the FBI for aiding a wanted individual.

Should Forrester reappear in FBI: International, it might unfold dramatically with the Fly Team tasked to capture their former leader, creating plotlines rife with conflict and divided loyalties. However, his story arc would likely end in a manner that complicates any future leadership opportunities, with Mitchell seemingly poised to solidify his role as the team leader moving forward.

Noteworthy Departures Within the FBI Franchise

A Pattern of Departures and Returns

Kleintank’s exit is significant but certainly not the first within the FBI franchise, which includes the original series and its spinoffs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Over the years, various notable cast changes have occurred, affecting both significant and supporting roles.

FBI’s Notable Cast Exits
Actor	Character	Show
Julian McMahon	Jess LaCroix	FBI: Most Wanted
Heida Reed	Jamie Should	FBI: International
Sela Ward	Dana Mosier	FBI
Katherine Renee Kane	Tiffany Wallace	FBI

In addition to Kleintank, Heida Reed also exited her role as Jamie Kellett during the third season, marking another significant change. Reed’s character was said to return to the U.S. for work in the Washington, D.C. office. Also notable is Christiane Paul, who began as a regular cast member as Katrin Jaeger but transitioned to a guest role with her disappearance in subsequent seasons.

While the franchise has experienced considerable cast shifts, it has often retained core members, particularly in the original FBI series. FBI: Most Wanted has seen a higher turnover, with notable exits including Julian McMahon and Kellan Lutz. Despite the departures, there remains a glimmer of hope for returning characters, exemplified by Katherine Renee Kane’s arc in which she exited and subsequently returned to the series.

Source: Deadline

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