If you’ve been a long-time NCIS fan, chances are you’ve shed more than a few tears and yelled at your screen more times than you’d like to admit. The show has given us iconic characters and unforgettable moments, but let’s be honest—it’s also broken our hearts by giving some characters endings they just didn’t deserve.
Let’s dive into the top 10 NCIS characters who truly deserved better, and explore what went wrong with each of them.
💔 Why This List Matters to NCIS Fans
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why this topic hits home. Characters on TV shows become like family. When a show like NCIS mishandles them—especially after years of development—it stings. Fans invest emotionally, and when a beloved character is written off poorly, it feels like betrayal.
Caitlin “Kate” Todd – Gone Too Soon
A Shocking Exit That Still Hurts
Kate was one of the OGs. Intelligent, strong, and witty—she brought balance to the team. Her sudden death in Season 2 by Ari Haswari shocked fans.
Why She Deserved Better
Her death felt rushed and unnecessary. She had so much more story to tell, especially her dynamic with Gibbs and Tony.
Ziva David – A Warrior’s Ending, Or Not?
From Mossad to NCIS Royalty
Ziva was more than just an agent—she was a survivor. Her story arc was one of strength and redemption.
The Fake Death Controversy
Ziva’s “death” off-screen felt like a slap in the face. Fans didn’t get closure, just rumors and confusion.
A Weak Return
When she finally returned, her storyline was rushed and underwhelming. She deserved a hero’s welcome, not a footnote.
Abby Sciuto – The Heart of NCIS
The Departure That Didn’t Fit
Abby was the quirky heartbeat of the team. Her exit after being nearly killed didn’t feel like the send-off she earned.
No Proper Goodbye
She left a note. That’s it. After 15 seasons, she didn’t even say goodbye to Gibbs in person? That’s criminal.
Director Jenny Shepard – A Strong Woman Undone
A Complex, Compelling Leader
Jenny brought a layer of intrigue and emotional depth to the show, especially with her history with Gibbs.
Death Over Development
She died in a random shootout in a diner. Really? That’s how we wrap up her arc?
Clayton Reeves – A Death That Felt Cheap
An Underrated Addition
Reeves brought charm, heart, and international flair to the team. He clicked with everyone—especially Abby.
Killed for Shock Value
His sudden death felt like a lazy way to write him off and build drama around Abby’s exit.
Ellie Bishop – A Slow Burn Letdown
The Quiet Genius
Bishop started off as a strong replacement for Ziva. Quirky, brilliant, and full of potential.
A Flat Exit
She quietly left to go undercover… and that’s it? No fireworks? No proper resolution?
Ned Dorneget – A Sad Sacrifice
Comic Relief Turned Hero
Dorneget started out as comic relief but evolved into a brave, determined agent.
Killed Off Too Soon
His death was noble, but he deserved to become a full-fledged member of the team, not a martyr.
Jackson Gibbs – A Father Forgotten
More Than Just Gibbs’ Dad
Jackson brought out Gibbs’ human side. Their scenes were touching and real.
An Off-Screen Goodbye
His death happened off-screen. We didn’t get the moment, the emotion, or the closure we needed.
Paula Cassidy – Sacrificed for Drama
A Short But Strong Run
Cassidy was smart, skilled, and held her own in a male-dominated cast.
A Noble End, But Unnecessary
She died in a suicide bombing to save others. Heroic, yes. But she had the potential to become a long-term regular.
Mike Franks – The Mentor Who Deserved Peace
A Father Figure to Gibbs
Mike was gritty, wise, and full of old-school charm.
Taken Out Brutally
He was killed by the Port-to-Port killer in a way that felt like overkill. He should’ve gone out on his terms, not in a violent scuffle.
Why NCIS Needs to Respect Its Legacy
Long-Running Shows Can Lose Focus
Over time, even the best shows can forget the weight of their own storytelling. Character exits should mean something.
It’s Time for Redemptive Arcs
Let’s hope the writers start crafting better exits—or returns—that truly honor the legacy of these characters.
What Fans Are Still Saying
NCIS fans aren’t quiet about how these characters were treated. Online petitions, Reddit threads, and fan fiction are still keeping their legacies alive.
Conclusion: They Deserved More Than Plot Convenience
There’s no doubt that NCIS has delivered some of the best characters in TV crime drama history. But it’s also true that the show has sometimes dropped the ball—ending stories abruptly, killing characters off for shock value, or sweeping beloved arcs under the rug.
These 10 characters weren’t just fictional—they were family to millions of viewers. And they deserved better.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs
1. Why did NCIS kill off so many beloved characters?
Many deaths were driven by behind-the-scenes changes, contract disputes, or creative choices meant to shock viewers and boost ratings.
2. Will Ziva David return to NCIS again?
It’s possible. She made a brief return in Season 17, but fans still hope for more closure or even a spin-off.
3. Was Abby’s departure due to drama with Mark Harmon?
Yes, reports suggest that tension between Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon contributed to her exit, though exact details remain private.
4. Could any of these characters come back?
Some could return via flashbacks, secret missions, or plot twists (looking at you, Ziva!). Others, sadly, are gone for good.
5. Which character’s exit upset fans the most?
Ziva David’s mysterious “death” and later return caused massive backlash. Fans felt misled and cheated out of a proper goodbye.
👋 Thank you for reading! If you’re a true NCIS fan, share this with someone who still isn’t over Ziva, Kate, or Abby. Let’s give these characters the love they deserved.
