The seventh season of CBS’s FBI has, so far, followed a familiar rhythm: crime, investigation, resolution, repeat. “Monumental,” however, throws a decidedly contemporary wrench into the gears. When a park ranger turns up dead on Governors Island, the team initially suspects a standard-issue homicide. But as OA and Maggie dig deeper, they uncover a series of connected crimes and a rabbit hole of online conspiracy theories that threatens to derail the entire investigation.
Turns out, the seemingly simple murder is anything but. The victim was connected to a group steeped in internet conspiracies, and the team quickly realizes they’re not just tracking a killer; they’re up against a community actively working to obscure the truth. This isn’t just about forensic evidence and witness testimony; it’s about separating fact from fiction in an increasingly fractured information landscape. Can the team effectively investigate when every lead seems to vanish into a digital fog of misinformation?
This episode’s title, “Monumental,” seems fitting, suggesting a weighty challenge for the FBI’s New York field office. It suggests this case won’t be solved with a single brilliant deduction or a conveniently placed clue. Instead, it looks to force the team to confront the insidious ways misinformation can hinder justice. This isn’t just a case; it’s a reflection of the times.
While FBI has frequently touched on contemporary issues, “Monumental” appears to be taking a deeper dive into the murky waters of online radicalization.
FBI airs Tuesdays at 8 PM on CBS.
