During an interview with TV Insider, De La Garza stated that her character definitely earned her promotion. Isobel spent years putting her blood, sweat, and tears into her career, and she is finally getting the appreciation that she deserved. And, after all the pain she endured last season, this transition will be good for her.

I think the ADIC role for her is a sign that all her hard work and dedication to the job over the years has paid off. Since the beginning of this season, Isobel has been mentally wrestling with what is next for her so being offered this role was a great way for her to assess her next steps at the bureau.

After the idea of Isobel potentially taking on a new position first came up in FBI season 8, ADIC Ropac (Clark Carmichael) told her that she would need to choose her own replacement. Initially, she considered Jubal (Jeremy Sisto), but that suggestion didn’t land well. Ropac said that Jubal taking over could cause a lot of problems. Although he covered for her during her recovery, management felt he was best suited to remain in his current role.

She is looking for someone who is strong and determined and who acts in the best interest of the bureau — no matter the circumstances.