In the seventh episode of the fourth season of "FBI: International," titled "Keen as a Bean," the Fly Team is thrust into a high-stakes operation to apprehend Ed Haskins, a former police officer turned traitor who has found refuge in Russia. The episode unfolds in Budapest, where the team, led by Wes Mitchell, must navigate a complex web of deceit and personal turmoil to bring Haskins to justice.
The episode begins with a tense confrontation between Monica Dillon and Kelsey, Ed's conflicted ex-wife. Monica, a police sergeant with a personal stake in the case, presents Kelsey with incriminating evidence that links her to Haskins. The photos and text messages suggest a deeper involvement than Kelsey is willing to admit. Monica's background as a soccer coach and mother adds emotional weight to the situation, as she emphasizes the personal stakes involved in capturing Haskins. The pressure on Kelsey intensifies as Monica threatens that another victim's death will be on her conscience if she fails to cooperate.
As the operation unfolds, Agent Booth assures Kelsey of his support throughout the mission. Despite her doubts about convincing Ed to return to the U.S., Booth proposes Budapest as their meeting point, leveraging Kelsey's past relationship with Haskins. Flashbacks reveal the complexity of their relationship, highlighting the emotional risks involved in using Kelsey as a pawn in the operation.
In Budapest, Booth reconnects with an old friend, Charlotte's father, who shares his own struggles with life choices and parenting. Their conversation underscores the importance of personal relationships amidst the chaos of their line of work. Together, they strategize about how to lure Haskins back to America, emphasizing the need for careful planning and execution.
Booth briefs his team about Ed's history, detailing how he became a significant threat after seeking asylum in Russia. The team learns about Haskins' disinformation campaigns, which have damaged law enforcement and public trust. Kelsey's role as a crucial link in the operation is revealed, adding another layer of complexity to the mission.
Upon her arrival in Budapest, Kelsey immediately feels the weight of the operation and the pressure of her role. Despite reassurances from Booth's team, she expresses skepticism about her ability to follow through. Her mental state is fragile, and the team discusses the strategic implications of her participation. Team member Amanda highlights the necessity of maintaining communication security from Haskins, as they prepare for Kelsey's meeting with him.
As the operation progresses, the team learns about Haskins' manipulative tendencies and his history of using blackmail against colleagues. Kelsey's fears about Ed's reaction to her cooperation with the FBI are palpable, but Booth reassures her, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and committed to capturing Haskins.
The stakes heighten as Booth's confidence in Kelsey wavers, and they prepare for the meeting with Haskins. Kelsey risks revealing too much about her feelings for Ed, potentially jeopardizing the operation. The anticipation builds as they await Haskins' next move, aware of the emotional manipulation he wields. During the confrontation, Kelsey reconciles her feelings for Ed with the reality of his actions. The team monitors her phone and coordinates efforts to ensure her safety during the meeting. As Kelsey engages with Haskins, the atmosphere thickens with tension, and they await his next steps.
When Haskins finally makes his move, the team is ready, coordinating their efforts to apprehend him. Kelsey's bravery shines through as she stands up to Haskins, knowing the risks involved. Ultimately, Haskins is captured, and Kelsey is granted a chance for redemption. In the aftermath, the team celebrates their success, but Booth faces concerns about his daughter's safety due to Haskins' threats. Kelsey reflects on her traumatic experiences and the road to healing, while Booth's team reassures him that they will support him and his family moving forward.
The episode concludes with a sense of hope, as Kelsey is offered a chance to rebuild her life, and Booth contemplates his future. The operation becomes a turning point for Booth, hinting at a renewed sense of purpose in his career. "Keen as a Bean" showcases the resilience of those affected by Haskins' actions, leaving viewers with a profound understanding of the personal sacrifices and emotional turmoil involved in the pursuit of justice.