Why Is OA Missing In FBI Season 7, Episode 12? Zeeko Zaki's Absence Explained
Warning! SPOILERS ahead for FBI season 7, episode 12, "Manhunt."
This article contains references to the sexual trafficking of minors.
There is a reason that Zeeko Zaki's OA is missing from FBIseason 7, episode 12, titled "Manhunt." OA's absence is particularly noticeable because the case centers on Maggie's (Missy Peregrym) quest to find a trafficked girl, Analis, before it's too late. "Manhunt" is one of FBI season 7's most intense cases thus far, especially for Maggie. When she is unable to rescue Analis, who is last seen in the company of a violent, armed trafficker, Maggie struggles with fear and guilt over the victim's potential death.
Normally, Maggie would turn to OA for support, but he is conspicuously absent. OA's disappearance is especially problematic when Maggie and her team find the dead body of the victim's younger sister, Sophia. This devastating loss deeply affects Maggie. She incorrectly believes Analis has also been killed, adding to her trauma. Rather than OA and Maggie's relationship in FBItaking any steps forward after the tragic discovery of Sophia's body, she must turn to others because her partner is not there.
OA's Absence In FBI Season 7, Episode 12 Explained
"Manhunt" Pairs Maggie With Scola Without Explaining Why OA Is Not There
"Manhunt" doesn't give any explanation for OA's absence. Oddly, there is not even a throwaway line explaining that he's off duty for some reason. Instead, Maggie is partnered with Scola throughout the search for Analis and the other trafficked girls. Maggie also gets help from a 911 dispatcher who keeps calling back after Analis' call drops to find out if she has any new info. This dispatcher ultimately guides Maggie through an emergency medical procedure after Analis is found.
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Although there is no official explanation for OA's absence, Maggie chose to work with Scola instead of him in FBI season 7, episode 11 because OA lost his temper with a suspect. Thus, it's implied that Maggie is still angry at OA and working with Scola instead. However, this is never made clear during "Manhunt," so it's equally possible that OA was on special assignment or training recruits at an event elsewhere. In any case, considering what happened with Clay, he needs some time off.
Where OA Might Be During His FBI Season 7 Absence
OA will be back in FBI season 7, episode 13. Considering that Isobel warned OA that allowing his personal feelings to cloud his objectivity would harm his career, the most logical explanation for his absence would be that he took some time off for mental health reasons or to get additional training ordered by Isobel. However, FBI has not yet indicated what the storyline reason might be (assuming there is one), so there could be several possible explanations. Additionally, FBI might ignore OA's absence altogether and have him return to work without explaining where he's been.
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The simplest way to explain OA's absence is that he is on vacation during the episode. If that is the case, FBI season 7, episode 13 might use a throwaway line to explain his whereabouts. A simple catching-up should do the trick for this. Maggie's reaction to OA's reappearance should be interesting regardless of the reason, however, since she was angry at him the last time they interacted and has gone through a traumatic experience during his absence. OA's previous behavior might lead to a change in the dynamic between him and Maggie, which will make for a compelling storyline.
Maggie's Potential Romance With OA May Have Been Halted In Zaki's Absence
She Meets a Potential New Love Interest
Maggie develops a relationship with Joel, the 911 dispatcher who connects Analis and Maggie when Analis calls for help in "Manhunt." Joel is mostly a voice on the phone throughout the episode, making him seem like a minor character. Initially, his intentions aren't clear. However, after Analis is rescued, he comes to the hospital to check on her status and Maggie recognizes his voice. Thus, the two meet in person and bond over the traumatic situation they've just been through. Joel offers to buy Maggie coffee, making it clear this is potentially the start of a new relationship for her.
If Maggie starts a relationship with Joel, that creates an additional roadblock, especially if Maggie and OA drag their feet about admitting they have feelings for each other.
This development could be bad news for any potential relationship between Maggie and OA, unfortunately. OA is already dating Gemma, which has to be resolved before he and Maggie can get together. If Maggie starts her own relationship, that creates an additional roadblock, especially if she and her longtime partner drag their feet about admitting they have feelings for each other. The longer Maggie remains in a relationship with Joel, the harder it will be for her to break up with him so she can be with OA. Ironically, this issue would never have come up had OA been there.
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Isobel's lie in FBI season 7, episode 11 suggests a potential Maggie/OA storyline if and when the pair takes their relationship beyond friendship.
Even though Joel had helped with Analis' rescue, if OA had been part of the story he and Maggie likely would have thanked the 911 dispatcher together, and left it there. This would have eliminated the possibility that Joel asked Maggie out on a quasi-date. Additionally, Maggie would not have had to rely on Joel for emotional support. OA is her main support system, so he would have helped her with this painful notification. Thus, if OA had been present, Joel likely would have remained a minor character rather than becoming a potential love interest for Maggie.
Why Zeeko Zaki Is Missing From FBI Season 7, Episode 12
It's Most Likely Because The Procedural Is Rotating Cast Members To Save Money
The most likely reason that OA does not appear in "Manhunt" is that FBI's cast rotation policy required Zeeko Zaki to take time off during this episode. The proceduralhas been writing characters out of one or two episodes at a time, often without explanation, so that the series does not use the entire FBI season 7 cast in every episode. This policy is a cost-cutting measure for longer-running shows. In some cases, actors disappear temporarily when they are filming a movie or other project, but it doesn't seem to be the case here.
OA's absence could lead to a significant obstacle to any potential relationship between him and Maggie.
Zaki has not done any projects other than the FBI franchise since he voiced a character in 2022's Night at The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again. Thus, his absence can only be attributed to the cast rotation policy. That said, FBI makes the most of OA's non-participation in this story. The episode's ending implies that Maggie might develop a relationship with Joel, the 911 dispatcher she works with to save Analis. Thus, OA's absence could lead to a significant obstacle to any potential relationship between him and Maggie.
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