Maggie and OA's partnership in FBI has remained a pillar of the series since it first debuted on CBS in 2018. With the procedural now in its seventh season, their bond only continues to grow with each installment. Season 7, episode 8, "Riptide," serves as FBI's fall finale and features several impactful moments between the duo. Maggie learns why OA feels indebted to Clay and chooses to remain by her partner's side, despite distrusting his former army buddy.

When speaking with ScreenRant, star Zeeko Zaki was asked if he could see the show switching up its character dynamics in later seasons by exploring a potential romance between Maggie and OA. While viewers have varying opinions on their relationship, Zaki shares that he would like the partners to remain friends throughout FBI's run. The actor believes it's important to show that intimate friendships between men and women can exist, emphasizing that there are still plenty of ways to develop their connection. Check out Zaki's full quote below:

ScreenRant: When you have a long-running procedural like FBI, it’s not unusual for character dynamics to change. Do you see that ever happening to Maggie and OA or do you think it’s important that their relationship does not go in a romantic direction?

Zeeko Zaki: No, I definitely think friendship is the best course just because, again, we have to show the world that incredibly intimate and strong friendships between men and women are possible, and it doesn't always have to go a romantic route. We got really lucky casting-wise, character-wise, and with the writing. It really gives us this space.

It's amazing to get to have each other's back and to be there for each other in such a platonic way that we would die for each other every day. There's so much to explore, especially with it being such a long-running procedural, there's still a lot to explore through the eyes of other relationships that each character might have and things like that. It's just such a blessing to be this far into a show and feel like we haven't run out of opportunities to show our relationship.

What Zaki's Comments Mean For FBI Season 7

Maggie And OA's Relationship Likely Won't Change Anytime Soon (If Ever)

FBI season 7 has shown no recent indications that Maggie and OA's relationship will enter romantic territory, and Zaki's response implies that it's not a part of the show's storyline. Although they are, arguably, the most important people in each other's lives, the nature of Maggie and OA's interactions suggests they are platonic soulmates above all else. However, given FBI's continued success and its multi-season renewal, it remains possible for the procedural to explore a romance down the line.

FBI has been renewed through season 9 on CBS.

Our Take On Maggie And OA's Dynamic In FBI

There Is Value In The Duo Remaining Friends

The most successful romances are often rooted in friendship, and Maggie and OA finding their life partner in their best friend wouldn't be a drawback. Regardless, given that television has a history of turning male and female partnerships into romances, there is value in showing an alternative route. Procedurals often lean into the fan-favorite will they/won't they trope, and in most cases, they will.

Because Maggie and OA don't display the typical signs of a slow burn, it wouldn't be misleading for their relationship to stay as is. As Zaki stated himself, there are numerous ways for FBI to build on their bond without adding an underlying element of sexual tension. No matter what the future holds for Maggie and OA, the unconditional trust and they've established must remain at the core of their relationship.

FBI season 7 returns to CBS on Tuesday, January 28 at 8 p.m. ET.