Alana De La Garza explains Isobel’s major career decision on ‘FBI’ and what it means for Jubal

FBI star Alana De La Garza is shedding light on Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille’s big career choice, and how it will shape the team moving forward.

The December 1 episode of the CBS drama revealed whether Isobel accepted the high-level ADAC promotion, a move that would have taken her away from the New York field office.

Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly, De La Garza said the potential job change would have caused a ripple effect throughout the entire bureau.

“I think it will affect everyone from the JOC all the way to the field team,” the actress said, noting that Isobel’s departure would have left a significant gap in leadership.

Isobel initially pushed for ASAC Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto) to succeed her as SAC, but the bureau’s higher-ups disagreed.

Word quickly spread that Jubal had been passed over, though he insisted he was content staying focused on the work, even as the team handled a dangerous prison-based case involving an orchestrated explosion in Brooklyn.

It wasn’t until after surviving the prison riot that Jubal privately admitted he was disappointed, not just about the promotion, but about losing Isobel as a partner in the office.

That’s when she delivered the surprise twist: she turned the ADAC job down.

“You’re not going to have to,” she told him. “I decided to turn down the ADAC position. You are exactly where you need to be and so am I. What I need is this place. This team.”

De La Garza said Isobel’s decision became clear during the crisis inside the prison, when agents Scola and Ramos were trapped and the rest of the team fought their way to them.

“Seeing the whole team rally around Scola and Ramos reminded her that she isn’t willing to step away from something so good,” the actress said. “She knows she has something special in her team.”

Isobel has firsthand experience with her squad’s loyalty. In the season 7 finale, she was gravely injured during an explosion and briefly stopped breathing.

The season 8 premiere revealed she made a full recovery after stepping back from work, during which time Jubal filled in as acting SAC, fueling his desire for the role.

Now that Isobel is staying, De La Garza says their partnership will continue to deepen. “The season is truly just getting started,” she teased. “I’m excited to see what challenge comes next for Jubal and Isobel.”