Like any show on the air for as long as NCIS has been, there have been some creative hurdles.
I’m going to be honest: The show has been background TV more than anything in my household over the last few years.
Without Gibbs, it felt more like a spinoff, and while there were some good episodes, I could never get fully back on board with it.
Gary Cole has been electric as Alden Parker, a character whose past has done the heavy lifting in recent seasons.
With NCIS Season 23 Episode 13 marking the long-in-the-tooth drama’s monumental 500th episode, I didn’t make the effort of watching live.
As I said, it hasn’t been appointment viewing for a while, and I expected to roll my eyes and wonder why I still cared.
When I finally watched it on Wednesday afternoon, I was hooked. It was emotional, engrossing, and felt like a series finale.
The future of NCIS was on the line, and Vance, who had saved the day so many times before, was the team’s knight in shining armor.
I’m conflicted about Vance having to die as opposed to retiring and taking a much-needed leave of absence.
NCIS Is Ready for Big Changes
With NCIS disbanded through no fault of the team, Vance stepped up in fighting form to help save the day.
Weirdly, it was a hero’s death, the kind of jolt NCIS needs to shake things up.
With NCIS Season 24 already ordered, the show has to set about crafting longer-lasting arcs that utilize the rest of the team.
After nearly losing everything and witnessing Vance’s sacrifice, the team should be ready for a bold new chapter.
The big question now is what the team looks like after Vance’s death.
Will a franchise alum take over, will someone step up, or will NCIS bring in an A-list name to lead its future?
If I had to guess, McGee will take on the role of director because he’s a natural fit after everything he’s gone through on the team.
I don’t know that he’ll wear that badge with honor, because, like everyone else, he’ll be processing for quite some time.
McGee has been there since NCIS Season 1 and endured constant turnover, so if anyone can weather this, it’s him.
Vance’s death will rock the team like never before, but I hope his demise doesn’t mean the end of Rocky Carroll yet.
Vance Could Return as a Ghost
NCIS has been known to feature ghosts from the past, and I don’t see that ending any time soon.
For now, I’m reinvested, and NCIS finally has a chance to win back fans like me.
That wasn’t on my bingo card, but episodes like this show that long-running series can still surprise us.
Vance’s death is a big risk.
He may not have been immersed in every episode, but he was a presence that will always be remembered for his oversight over the team.
Everything they did went through him, and he got them out of some of the stickiest of situations.
What are your thoughts on how Vance’s death has switched things up?
Do you think it was a necessary twist?
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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