As a long-time fan of both Chicago P.D. and FBI: International, I must admit that I’m a bit torn about Jesse Lee Soffer’s new character, Wesley Mitchell. On one hand, it’s exciting to see a familiar face take on a new role, especially when he’s as charismatic as Soffer. However, the striking similarities between Wes and his Chicago P.D. character Jay Halstead’s commanding officer, Hank Voight, are hard to ignore.
Contains spoilers for “FBI: International” Season 4, Episode 1 — “A Leader, Not a Tourist”
The Fly Team has welcomed a fresh leader, and opinions among the series’ followers vary regarding this new figure. Wesley “Wes” Mitchell (portrayed by Jesse Lee Soffer) quickly left an impact due to his unwavering loyalty towards his comrades, his relentless pursuit of completing tasks no matter the cost, and his complicated romantic entanglements. Initially joining the team solely for the purpose of seeking justice for his fallen partner, he eventually receives the opportunity to head the entire unit, filling the vacancy left by Scott Forrester (Luke Kleintank), who is currently on the run.
In this context, many people find Wes to be reminiscent of Jay Halstead’s commanding officer, Hank Voight (played by Jason Beghe), from the TV show “Chicago P.D.” However, it is not a compliment as they perceive him as playing a similar aggressive and rule-breaking character, albeit with a touch more charm. This observation has been made on Reddit’s FBI TV subreddit, and viewers commenting on TVLine’s article about Wes’ debut seem to share this sentiment, expressing their displeasure at the comparison.
Although some viewers may think the character resembles Voight, Soffer certainly doesn’t share that sentiment.
Even Jesse Lee Soffer doesn’t think Wes is a little like Hank Voight
In an interview with TVLine, actor Jesse Lee Soffer distinguishes Halstead’s actions similar to Voight and how Wes perceives them. He explains that Halstead had been subjected to intense pressure, was deeply introspective, and required some personal time for self-discovery. Working closely with Voight on Chicago P.D can lead one astray, he suggests. Contrarily, Wes is more laid-back and possesses a free spirit, which gives the character a unique vibe.
Soft’s intention undeniably is to appeal to the original series enthusiasts, and he’s certainly attempting to distinguish Wes from Jay. As the actor put it, “Wes was previously an LAPD officer, but later transitioned into an FBI agent. He tends to approach things unconventionally; he isn’t always strict about following rules or procedures.” Despite his methods, Soft may still evoke a hint of his “Chicago P.D.” background, despite the character’s casting seeming somewhat incongruous with the show’s interwoven history with “FBI: International.” Only time will reveal whether viewers will embrace Wes as warmly as they did Jay.
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2024-10-18 06:29