Warning: This article contains references to death, murder, and substance abuse.
NCIShas had many characters leave over the years, but some character exits have been worse than others. Since premiering in 2003,NCIShas 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.
WhenGibbs left in season 19 after almost 20 yearsas theNCISteam 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 otherNCIScharacterscan say the same, as some were given a farewell far too soon.
8Ellie Bishop
Special Agent Bishop Left In Season 18
Emily Wickersham’s Ellie Bishopdeparture is one of the most controversialNCISexits simply because it was so unexpected.Bishop leftNCISafter it was revealed that she had leaked NSA documentsyears 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.
How Ellie Bishop Could Return to NCIS (Without Breaking The Law)
While Ellie Bishop, played by Emily Wickersham, has been written off of NCIS, there are two ways that she could legally be brought back.
Bishop’s exit essentially betrayed herNCISteam. 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. WhileBishop and Torres were able to share a final moment of closurebefore Ellie leftNCISfor good, the rest of her team was left without a goodbye.
7Kate Todd
Caitlin “Kate” Todd Left In Season 2
Kate Todd had one of the most shocking deaths inNCIS. 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 ofNCIS' 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 murdersin theNCISuniverse. 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.
6Ziva David
Special Agent David Left In Season 11
Despite replacing Kate, Ziva David’sNCISexit 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-likedNCISmembers. That is why her alleged death in season 13 was so unexpected. It completely disrespected Cote de Pablo’s contributions toNCIS.
NCIS: Tony & Zivawill make up for the couple’s lack of a happy ending inNCIS.
NCISsupposedly 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 & Zivawill pick up their relationship where they left off.
5Jackie 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, asshe 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 ofNCIS' 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 toNCIS.
4Diane 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 ofNCIS' best characters. AsDiane was the ex-wife of both Gibbs and Fornell, her character was as interesting as it was amusing.
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After 22 years, NCIS has effectively written out its final original cast member who debuted in “Yankee White” by introducing their replacement.
When Diane died inNCISseason 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.
3Clayton Reeves
Officer Reeves Left In Season 15
Clayton Reeves’NCISdeparturewas also controversial because of how random it was.Clayton died in season 15 after he tried to protect Abbyfrom 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 onNCIS. 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.
2Mike Franks
Special Agent Franks Left In Season 8
One of the most controversial character exits inNCISis 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 inNCISseason 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.
NCIS: 8 Essential Mike Franks Episodes To Better Understand Gibbs' Mentor
While Mike Franks did not appear often in NCIS, he had several key moments that helped explain his character and his close relationship with Gibbs.
While we get to see him in action a lot more inNCIS: Origins,Franks still had more stories to tell inNCIS. 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.
1Emily Fornell
Young Emily Left In Season 18
Emily Fornell’sNCISdeathwas controversial because it was so surprising. After first being introduced in season 4,Emily Fornell quickly became a popular recurring character inNCIS. The daughter of both Tobias Fornell and Diane Sterling, Emily had strong ties to theNCIScommunity 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 thatNCIScharacter exits are nothing if not tragic.
