Introduction: When Great Characters Get the Short End of the Stick
“NCIS” has been one of the most-watched shows on television for over two decades, blending crime-solving, military precision, and character-driven drama. But for every Leroy Jethro Gibbs or Abby Sciuto who got the spotlight, some characters got sidelined, written off poorly, or left hanging without closure.
Fans are passionate about their favorites—and for good reason. But when certain characters are treated unfairly, either with abrupt exits or questionable writing choices, viewers take notice. Let’s dive into 10 NCIS characters who deserved better—from botched exits to wasted potential, these are the ones the writers did dirty.
1. Caitlin “Kate” Todd – Deserved More Than a Shock Exit
Kate Todd, played by Sasha Alexander, was one of the original NCIS team members and brought intelligence, professionalism, and heart to the squad. Her sudden death by sniper in Season 2 was dramatic—but also frustrating.
She was growing into her role, and her chemistry with the team was just starting to bloom. Fans didn’t get closure, and her death felt more like a plot device than a meaningful send-off. Kate deserved a longer arc—and a less abrupt exit.
2. Ziva David – The Queen of Unfinished Business
Ziva’s arc is one of the most complex on the show. From Israeli Mossad assassin to NCIS family member, she evolved more than most. Yet her initial off-screen “death” in Season 13 left fans confused and angry.
When it was revealed that she was actually alive, her brief return in Season 17 felt rushed. Ziva deserved a more robust return, especially considering how iconic her dynamic with Tony DiNozzo was. We needed more closure, not crumbs.
3. Jenny Shepard – Reduced to a Flashback Tragedy
Director Jenny Shepard was a powerful, no-nonsense leader, and her past relationship with Gibbs added layers to her character. But her death in a diner shootout in Season 5 felt more like a plot cleanup than a tribute.
There was so much more to explore—her backstory, her leadership style, her regrets. Instead, she became another character sacrificed to move the plot forward.
4. Ned “Dorneget” Dorneget – Killed Off Too Soon
Dorneget brought fresh energy to the series with his quirky, tech-savvy personality. He was a rare blend of comic relief and growing competence. When he was killed in a terrorist bombing in Cairo, it shocked viewers.
But here’s the thing—his character was just getting started. He had depth, potential, and relatability. Killing him off felt like wasting a future fan-favorite.
5. Mike Franks – A Mentor Gone Too Soon
Mike Franks, the tough-as-nails mentor to Gibbs, brought old-school grit and hard-earned wisdom. His scenes were always memorable—gruff, wise, and emotionally grounded.
So when he was killed by the Port-to-Port killer, fans were left feeling hollow. Couldn’t Mike have lived on as a recurring sage instead of dying just to raise the stakes?
6. Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane – An Exit Without a Payoff
Jack Sloane was built up as a strong, intelligent psychologist with a dark past and emotional complexity. She had a growing bond with Gibbs that hinted at romantic tension and deeper connections.
But her exit in Season 18, Episode 8 (“True Believer”) felt underwhelming. She stayed behind in Afghanistan, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. No heartfelt goodbye with the full team. No emotional closure. Just a fade-out.
7. Eleanor Bishop – A Strong Arc Cut Short
Ellie Bishop’s growth from NSA analyst to skilled field agent made her one of the most compelling characters post-Ziva. She was multi-layered—brilliant, empathetic, and tenacious.
Her abrupt departure in Season 18 after a controversial espionage setup didn’t do her justice. Fans wanted to see her relationship with Torres blossom. Instead, she vanished into a poorly explained mission.
8. Clayton Reeves – A Waste of Great Potential
Clayton Reeves was a breath of fresh air—charming, competent, and filled with potential. His interactions with Abby and the team hinted at long-term integration.
Then he was killed in a random mugging to set up Abby’s departure. That’s it. No arc conclusion. No proper exploration of his backstory. He deserved better than to become collateral damage.
9. Abby Sciuto – A Silent, Off-Screen Goodbye
Abby was the heart and soul of NCIS for 15 seasons. Her quirky style, brilliant mind, and massive heart made her a fan favorite. But her exit in Season 15 was marred by behind-the-scenes tension and an awkward storyline.
There was no final group farewell, no reunion with Gibbs (due to real-life drama), and no satisfying send-off. For someone who gave so much to the series, Abby’s goodbye felt hollow.
10. Timothy McGee – Still Getting the Short End
Let’s be real—McGee has been around since Season 1, yet he’s still treated like background filler. Despite his intelligence, loyalty, and growth from rookie to senior agent, the writers rarely give him leading stories.
It’s frustrating. He’s evolved so much—gotten married, had kids, and yet still gets sidelined. McGee doesn’t need to be the next Gibbs, but he deserves center stage more often.
What Makes a Character Exit Truly Satisfying?
Fans don’t mind when characters leave. What they mind is when there’s no emotional payoff. Whether it’s an unexpected death or an abrupt retirement, audiences want stories to feel earned, not forced.
We invest in these characters. We watch them grow. When they get booted unceremoniously or written off lazily, it’s not just bad writing—it’s disrespectful storytelling.
How NCIS Can Do Better Moving Forward
With shows like “NCIS: Hawai’i” and “NCIS: Origins” expanding the franchise, there’s room to correct past mistakes. Bring back characters. Give them depth. Let them exit on their own terms.
There’s no harm in revisiting beloved characters and giving them the closure they deserve. NCIS is built on loyalty and justice—it should apply those values to its own cast.
Why Do So Many Characters Get Written Off Poorly?
Some exits are due to contract disputes, personal choices, or creative shifts. But too often, writers rely on cheap tricks: surprise deaths, random assignments, or vague missions.
These shortcuts may raise eyebrows in the moment, but they rarely hold emotional weight. Fans remember how characters leave, not just why they left.
Missed Opportunities for Character Development
What about Gibbs’ relationship with Sloane? Or deeper exploration of Reeves’ background? Or letting Bishop and Torres actually develop romantically?
These missed opportunities aren’t just disappointing—they hurt the integrity of the story. Great characters deserve great storytelling.
The Power of Redemption Arcs
Sometimes, a character’s best moment comes after a fall. Redemption arcs, like Tony’s evolution or Ziva’s transformation, are satisfying because they show growth.
But when characters are denied those chances—when they’re just cut off—it feels like we’re robbed of watching them rise.
Fan Favorites Deserve Fan Farewells
Whether it’s a grand goodbye party, a heartfelt monologue, or just a proper on-screen exit, fans want closure. Shows like “Friends” and “The Office” got this right. NCIS has sometimes fumbled it.
Let characters say goodbye in ways that respect their journeys. Let fans mourn, celebrate, and move on.
What NCIS Can Learn From Its Own Legacy
NCIS thrives because of its rich character dynamics. The show should remember what made it great—not just the mysteries, but the people.
Give us more of that. More slow burns. More emotional weight. More earned exits.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Respect the Characters Who Built the Show
For all its success, NCIS has sometimes dropped the ball when it comes to character treatment. Some were written off too early, others vanished without a trace, and a few never got the spotlight they earned.
As the franchise expands and evolves, there’s still time to honor the legacy of these characters—and treat current ones with the care they deserve.
Let’s hope NCIS learns from the past and gives future characters the endings—and beginnings—they deserve.
FAQs
1. Why was Caitlin Todd killed off NCIS so early?
Sasha Alexander left due to the demanding schedule, but many fans feel her character deserved a more meaningful exit and proper closure.
2. Did Ziva and Tony ever reunite on NCIS?
Not on-screen. Though it’s implied they’re together off-screen, fans still crave a reunion scene between the two.
3. What happened to Abby after she left NCIS?
Abby left for London, but her departure lacked a proper team farewell, disappointing fans who wanted a bigger send-off.
4. Why was Clayton Reeves killed so suddenly?
His death was used to set up Abby’s departure, but fans felt it was abrupt and didn’t honor his character’s potential.
5. Will NCIS ever bring back characters like Bishop or Jack Sloane?
There’s always potential in spinoffs or flashbacks, but so far, there’s no official confirmation of returns for either character.
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