This week’s episode of FBI: Most Wished, “Starman,” is a misstep, failing to reside as much as its eerie atmospheric opening that briefly felt like a correct horror flick. The chilling premise—Mennonite mechanic Jacob Miller (James Andrew O’Connor) turning vigilante—had potential, however uneven pacing and lackluster subplots concerning the Fugitive Job Pressure’s private lives saved it from totally launching. Let’s evaluate.
This a lot motion ought to set the stage for an attractive thriller. However the episode’s title, “Starman,” referring to Ford “Ace” Colvin (Timothy Adams)—a well-known astronaut and one in every of Miller’s victims—feels misplaced. Colvin is useless throughout the first act, leaving viewers questioning why he’s the title focus.>>
Maybe it’s because of the shock issue of Colvin’s dying the place his genitals have been eliminated and positioned in his mouth, which was grisly to the purpose of extra. Whereas surprising moments could be highly effective in storytelling, they want function past mere spectacle. Right here, it felt extra like an try to seize consideration fairly than deepen the narrative.
Miller’s spree reaches a brutal climax as Supervisory Particular Agent Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott) and Particular Brokers Ray Cannon (Edwin Hodge) and Nina Chase (Shantel VanSanten) observe him to a farm. Poor Nina is knocked out. Though Remy is outmatched, he finally manages to thrust a pitchfork into Miller’s intestine. A dramatic takedown, however one which does little to redeem the episode’s general lack of cohesion.
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| “Starman” – FBI: MOST WANTED, Pictured: Dylan McDermott as Supervisory Particular Agent Remy Scott. Picture: Mark Schafer/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
Miller’s motivation stems from discovering his teenage daughter, Leah (Olivia Reis), had been drawn right into a darkish world, manipulated by her drama instructor and dorm mom, Meghan (Arie Thompson). Meghan, entangled in her personal mess of exploitation, allowed Leah to work within the digital house known as Followers Allowed to repay an extortionist boyfriend. The story explores the troubling relationship between Leah and Meghan, however the execution fails to provide Leah an actual emotional arc.
Miller, spiraling upon studying the reality, hunts down Leah’s high-paying clients—together with Colvin and dentist Hank McCallahan (Trent Stone). Clearly, Leah’s followers have been NOT allowed. McCallahan barely escapes, fleeing in his tighty whities, resulting in a revelation about Miller’s spouse. She was strangled and stuffed in a freezer—a thriller raised however left frustratingly underdeveloped.
A pivotal scene exhibits Miller sobbing whereas tearing himself and his spouse from a household photograph, saving solely Leah’s picture. This second had potential to represent deep emotional battle, but the episode fails to completely unpack his turmoil. Had the present leaned into his psychological unraveling as an alternative of counting on gore, it might need carried extra weight.
A tighter edit, clearer character motivations, and a deeper exploration of the father-daughter dynamic may have given the story the emotional core it wanted. As an alternative, Leah stays unaffected, merely stating to Particular Brokers Sheryll Barnes (Roxy Sternberg) and Hana Gibson (Kiesha Citadel-Hughes), “I’m free,” dismissing any concern concerning the salacious digital footprints she’s abandoning.
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| “Starman” – FBI: MOST WANTED, Pictured: Shantel VanSanten as Particular Agent Nina Chase. Picture: Mark Schafer/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
The subplot that includes Remy and Abby Deaver (Susan Misner) bickering about bar renovations lacked affect. Likewise, Hana romantic and Sheryll’s profession crossroads ought to have been extra compelling. In a procedural drama, private tales want emotional stakes—whether or not by means of deep conflicts or significant connections. Right here, they felt stalled.
Sturdy procedurals thrive when balancing thrilling instances with advanced character arcs. Viewers need intrigue, pressure, and emotional funding. “Starman” delivered neither—wandering aimlessly with half-baked storylines that depart followers underwhelmed. Wolfe Leisure is aware of this. If the present’s not being renewed, the writers might have already checked out, which is unlucky for loyal viewers.
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“Starman” – |
What did you consider “Starman”? Have the writers misplaced steam? Let me know within the feedback!
General Score:
6:10