NCIS has had many characters leave over the years, but some character exits have been worse than others. Since premiering in 2003, NCIS has seen a rotating Major Case Response Team, with character exits and arrivals being announced every few years. The changing team means that the police procedural always remains exciting and fresh, but it also means that some characters receive a controversial departure.
When Gibbs left in season 19 after almost 20 years as the NCIS team leader, it was one of the more shocking departures, but at least it was understandable. Gibbs had been a major team player for so long, and it was not only his time to leave, but it was also his choice. Unfortunately, not many other NCIS characters can say the same, as some were given a farewell far too soon.
Ellie Bishop
Special Agent Bishop Left In Season 18
Emily Wickersham’s Ellie Bishop departure is one of the most controversial NCIS exits simply because it was so unexpected. Bishop left NCIS after it was revealed that she had leaked NSA documents years prior. To avoid legal consequences and protect her team, she instead went to work on an undercover mission with former CIA instructor Odette, who was introduced shortly prior to Bishop’s departure.
Bishop’s exit essentially betrayed her NCIS team. She could have told them about her past herself, but she chose not to. She also left without saying goodbye, and given her relationship with Torres, her decision to leave added another level of heartbreak for the potential couple. While Bishop and Torres were able to share a final moment of closure before Ellie left NCIS for good, the rest of her team was left without a goodbye.
Kate Todd
Caitlin “Kate” Todd Left In Season 2
Kate Todd had one of the most shocking deaths in NCIS. After being a beloved character throughout seasons 1 and 2, Kate was ultimately the victim of a feud between Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Ari Haswari, one of NCIS’ most terrifying villains. Her death was particularly tragic because it had nothing to do with her. As she was killed in the final moments of the season 2 finale, her death also had an element of surprise.
Kate’s death set the precedent for tragic murders in the NCIS universe. She was the first major death in the series, and she was the first MCRT member to be killed as well. Her departure also introduced the way for Ziva to join the team, showing that although Kate’s death was shocking and tragic, it did lead to fascinating storylines.
Ziva David
Special Agent David Left In Season 11
Despite replacing Kate, Ziva David’s NCIS exit was also one of the worst on the show. After joining the MCRT in season 3 and having her own intense storyline with Ari, Ziva became an established member of the team. Her chemistry with her partners, as well as Tony, cemented her as one of the most well-liked NCIS members. That is why her alleged death in season 13 was so unexpected. It completely disrespected Cote de Pablo’s contributions to NCIS.
NCIS supposedly killing off Ziva in season 13, only to announce that she was alive in season 16 also meant that there was no payoff for her and Tony’s relationship. They never received an on-screen happy ending. When it turned out that Ziva was alive, she and Tony could finally reunite, but it took longer than necessary to get there. Fortunately, NCIS: Tony & Ziva will pick up their relationship where they left off.
Jackie Vance
Vance’s Wife, Jackie, Left In Season 10
Jackie Vance’s death is another one that stands out because it was so surprising. Jackie occasionally appeared as a guest star throughout seasons 6 through 10, as she was director Leon Vance’s wife. She unfortunately died in season 10 after she was accidentally shot by someone aiming to kill Eli David, Mossad’s director at the time. Jackie was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, which makes her death so much more tragic.
Jackie’s death is another example of NCIS’ mistreatment of its female characters, as well. Jackie was a great character and an important person to Leon and their children. She could have left the show quietly and remained a background character to be mentioned from time to time. Instead, Jackie’s death meant that she could never return to NCIS.
Diane Sterling
Diane Tragically Left In Season 12
Diane Sterling had appeared sporadically since her introduction in season 4, but her appearances were always interesting as they helped reveal some personal information from some of NCIS’ best characters. As Diane was the ex-wife of both Gibbs and Fornell, her character was as interesting as it was amusing.
When Diane died in NCIS season 12, it was heartbreaking. Her death mirrored Kate’s untimely demise back in season 2, as Diane was also killed as a result of a conflict that she wasn’t technically involved in. The circumstances surrounding her departure were made worse because, once again, her death had nothing to do with her, and she was just the victim of unfair circumstances.
Clayton Reeves
Officer Reeves Left In Season 15
Clayton Reeves’ NCIS departure was also controversial because of how random it was. Clayton died in season 15 after he tried to protect Abby from a mugging that went wrong. However, as more information was revealed, the team found out that the mugging was not random but that Abby was the target all along. This not only made Clayton’s death so much more painful, but it also highlighted his good-natured personality and willingness to help others, even at a huge personal cost.
Clayton’s death was also used as a catalyst for Abby’s departure, which added another sting to his death since it was partially overshadowed by Abby’s decision to leave.
Clayton deserved more on NCIS. He was only on the show for less than three seasons, meaning that we never really got to see him flourish as a character. Clayton’s death was also used as a catalyst for Abby’s departure, which added another sting to his death since it was partially overshadowed by Abby’s decision to leave.
Mike Franks
Special Agent Franks Left In Season 8
One of the most controversial character exits in NCIS is Mike Franks’ heartbreaking death. Franks was instrumental in shaping Gibbs into the agent he becomes, which is why his death was so heartbreaking. Franks died in NCIS season 8 as a result of Jonas Cobbs’ series of murders. What makes it sadder is that Franks knew Cobbs was after him, so he was practically waiting for his death.
While we get to see him in action a lot more in NCIS: Origins, Franks still had more stories to tell in NCIS. He was one of Gibbs’ best friends and seeing the ultimate mentor get mentored always made for a good episode. His death also meant that another one of Gibbs’ loved ones was killed as a means to try and get to Gibbs, which made it so much worse.
Emily Fornell
Young Emily Left In Season 18
Emily Fornell’s NCIS death was controversial because it was so surprising. After first being introduced in season 4, Emily Fornell quickly became a popular recurring character in NCIS. The daughter of both Tobias Fornell and Diane Sterling, Emily had strong ties to the NCIS community and was loved by the whole team, especially Gibbs.
Emily’s connection to the team is what made her death particularly heartbreaking. After struggling with substance abuse and addiction for several years, Emily relapsed in season 15, which unfortunately led to her untimely death. Emily’s passing was felt by the whole team but was most noticeable in Tobias’ demeanor, as he leaned on Gibbs for support while grieving. Emily’s death was extremely realistic but once again proved that NCIS character exits are nothing if not tragic.
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