To satisfy Julian McMahon’s desire to quit the show, Jess LaCroix was killed off in Season 3 of FBI: Most Wanted. The result hasn’t been kind to the agents that he left behind. Immediately following the joyous news of her son’s birth, Jess received the devastating news that Barnes had passed away. Barnes was Jess’ right-hand lady. Fans shouldn’t be alarmed that Most Wanted is about to lose Barnes permanently so soon after losing Jess because the most recent episode ended with the announcement that Barnes is leaving the Task Force in a very solemn scene.
But first things first! Let’s examine the reasons Barnes made the decision to stop pursuing the nation’s most wanted offenders.
Why Barnes Is Stepping Back From FBI: Most Wanted
The case of the week in the most recent episode mostly focused on a mother and her attempts to protect her kid, which struck Barnes particularly hard in light of the fact that Tali had lost her second parent as a result of her friend’s passing. She was already having trouble leaving her young boy behind when she left for work! Barnes went to Isobel to ask for maternity leave after the case resulted in the death of the little girl’s father and the arrest of her mother for criminal activity.
Barnes claimed that despite not physically needing maternity leave, she wanted to take it now while Charlotte is still employed. Additionally, she didn’t take maternity leave after the birth of Anais. Barnes was entirely honest about her reasons for wanting to take a break, and Isobel assured her that she was entitled to the leave:
They were all quite understanding, but I kept my true motivation for needing this break to myself. Jess’ passing. I was terrified. And even if it was only for a few months, I don’t want to look back in twenty years and regret putting job before family. Life is brief. Your remaining time is always uncertain.
Barnes’ justifications for leaving the task force appear to still be valid when her vacation is complete, but that doesn’t mean she won’t return to FBI: Most Wanted after Dylan McDermott makes his acting debut as SSA Remy Scott to fill Jess’ stead.
Why Barnes Is Probably Coming Back
Since Roxy Sternberg, an actress, announced her exciting pregnancy news back in January, Barnes’ break has been all but inevitable. FBI: Most Wanted had already reached the point in the previous episode where Sternberg’s pregnancy was being concealed with large jackets and deft blocking. The actress responded to fan messages on Twitter after the Most Wanted episode that featured Barnes’ major decision to take maternity leave for her son, and she didn’t contradict any of them when they mentioned “maternity leave,” which seems to be a hint that Barnes will actually return after her break.
Her due date was already known, and she just released some gorgeous pictures that showed she was still clearly pregnant as recently as April 2. Look at this:
Went for duck for our ‘due date’ date! Let’s see how much longer this one wants cooking for… ? ? ? pic.twitter.com/3R9Hc7Xswv
All things considered, it appears that Roxy Sternberg will take a well-earned hiatus from FBI: Most Wanted to give birth and spend time with her newborn, but she does have plans to come back. She hasn’t voiced an opinion either way. Nevertheless, it worked out rather well for Most Wanted to be able to send Barnes on maternity leave in order to accommodate Sternberg’s maternity leave, and you can always go back and watch her early episodes of the programme with a Paramount+ subscription. Due to Missy Peregrym’s pregnancy leave, Maggie was assigned to the FBI and sent on an undercover mission away from the camera.
When Barnes will return to FBI: Most Wanted will only be known with time (opens in new tab). She might not return until the conclusion of Season 3, but Hana from the show already showed that it’s entirely feasible to bring someone back even after a protracted absence. Additionally, there is a lot for show lovers to anticipate. On Tuesday, April 12 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, FBI: Most Wanted will debut Law & Order: Organized Crime alum Dylan McDermott as the new main agent.
