When Pauley Perrette, who played the beloved Abby Sciuto on NCIS, left the show in 2018, fans were left heartbroken. Abby had been one of the most iconic characters on the long-running series, known for her quirky personality, dark sense of humor, and unique style. But when Diona Reasonover was cast as Kasie Hines, a forensic scientist who replaced Abby in the team, there was hope that the character would bring a fresh dynamic while respecting Abby’s legacy.
Since joining the NCIS family in season 16, Diona Reasonover has quickly made her mark. Her portrayal of Kasie is different from Abby, but she has brought a unique, infectious energy to the role, earning her a devoted fanbase. What makes Reasonover’s take on Kasie so special is not just the character’s development, but also how Diona herself has embraced and made the role her own.
Let’s take a closer look at Diona Reasonover’s journey on NCIS, what she says about “owning” the role of Kasie, and why fans are so excited about her portrayal.
The Transition From Pauley Perrette to Diona Reasonover
A Big Shoes to Fill
When Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto exited NCIS, it wasn’t just the character that fans missed—it was the entire energy Abby brought to the show. Her quirky charm and deep connection with the rest of the team were undeniable. For Diona Reasonover, stepping into a role that was once defined by Perrette’s larger-than-life personality was no easy task. The fan expectations were sky-high, and Kasie Hines had to not only respect Abby’s legacy but carve out her own space within the team.
Reasonover had the challenge of bringing something fresh to the table while still making the transition feel seamless for viewers. She acknowledges that her role was one of the most challenging in terms of stepping into a well-loved character’s shoes but was also an opportunity to showcase her own interpretation of the forensic scientist.
Kasie Hines: A New But Familiar Face on NCIS
Who Is Kasie Hines?
Kasie Hines, introduced in season 16, was an instant hit with NCIS fans, thanks to her bubbly personality, deep intelligence, and knack for solving complex forensic puzzles. She’s the forensic scientist who follows in Abby’s footsteps, but with her own distinct style. Where Abby was known for her goth-inspired fashion and loud, expressive personality, Kasie brought in a more modern, relatable energy to the team—yet still maintained that passion for science and solving mysteries.
Kasie’s background is unique in that she wasn’t just a replacement for Abby, but an evolution in the type of forensic scientist the show had. She’s more tech-savvy, with an intuitive understanding of modern science and a geeky charm that immediately endears her to the rest of the team.
Diona Reasonover on Owning the Role of Kasie
Making Kasie Her Own
In an interview, Diona Reasonover spoke about what it means to “own” the role of Kasie. She acknowledges that, when she first joined NCIS, she was stepping into a role that had been beloved for years by fans. But instead of trying to replicate what came before, Diona embraced the idea of making Kasie her own.
“I’ve always wanted to make sure I’m true to the character, but I also don’t want to try to copy what has already been done,” Reasonover shared. “Kasie is a very different person than Abby, but they both bring something special to the team. My goal has always been to inject my personality into Kasie while respecting the history of the show.”
Reasonover’s approach to the character is refreshing because she doesn’t shy away from Kasie’s quirks. In fact, she embraces them. Kasie is funny, a bit awkward, but incredibly skilled, and Diona brings those traits to life in a way that feels authentic and genuine.
Why Fans Are Loving Diona’s Kasie
The Energy She Brings to NCIS
What stands out most about Diona Reasonover’s portrayal of Kasie is her infectious energy. From the very first time Kasie appeared on screen, viewers were immediately drawn to her charm. She brought a level of lightness and relatability to the show that helped balance the darker moments often featured in NCIS cases.
Fans have pointed out that Kasie’s personality is different from Abby’s, but in a way that feels refreshing. Kasie’s awkwardness and enthusiasm make her relatable to younger audiences, while her analytical skills make her an invaluable asset to the team. Viewers have warmed to the character’s mix of intelligence and vulnerability.
Kasie’s relationship with the rest of the team has also been a highlight for fans. Her interactions with Gibbs (Mark Harmon), McGee (Sean Murray), and the rest of the team are filled with genuine affection, and it’s clear that she’s found a place within the NCIS family.
What Diona’s Fans Appreciate About Kasie
Relatable, Real, and Fun
Diona’s portrayal of Kasie has also resonated with fans because of how relatable the character is. Kasie, like Diona herself, doesn’t pretend to be perfect. She is often the “sweet, nerdy girl” in the group, but she also has a sharp mind that brings valuable insights into the investigations. Kasie represents someone who can be both brilliant and a bit socially awkward, making her character feel authentic in a way that many viewers appreciate.
Kasie’s transformation over the seasons has been a beautiful one to watch, and many fans admire how she has grown from a quirky, somewhat unsure scientist to someone who’s become integral to the NCIS team. This growth shows that Diona has not only owned the role but has also made it her own by giving Kasie the room to develop and evolve over time.
The Evolution of Kasie in NCIS
More Than Just a Forensic Scientist
While Kasie initially appeared to be the “new Abby,” over the course of her tenure, she’s proven to be much more. Kasie’s character has been given a significant amount of depth as the show progresses. Fans have seen her struggle with professional dilemmas, personal relationships, and even moments of self-doubt. This complexity allows Diona to portray Kasie as more than just a forensic scientist; she is a multi-dimensional character with her own fears, strengths, and aspirations.
Kasie’s continued development throughout the seasons reflects Diona Reasonover’s ability to take on more nuanced material and show a wide range of emotions, which has only made her performance stand out even more.
What Diona Thinks of Her Fans
Grateful for the Support
Diona Reasonover has expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she’s received from NCIS fans. The love and admiration from the fanbase have helped her feel like she truly belongs on the show. “I feel so lucky to be a part of something that means so much to so many people,” Diona said in a recent interview. “The fans are incredibly supportive, and it’s amazing to see how they’ve embraced Kasie.”
She also pointed out that the fan support has encouraged her to continue growing with the character. Knowing that people care about Kasie as much as they do has helped Diona invest even more in the role.
Conclusion: Diona Reasonover’s Impact on NCIS
In the years since Diona Reasonover joined NCIS as Kasie Hines, she has proven herself to be a unique and indispensable part of the team. By making the character her own, Diona has breathed new life into the show, balancing quirky humor with emotional depth. What makes her portrayal of Kasie truly special is how she has managed to take over a beloved role without simply mimicking what came before. Instead, Diona Reasonover has created a new character that feels fresh, relatable, and incredibly endearing.
Kasie has become a fan favorite in her own right, and Diona Reasonover’s commitment to the role continues to make a significant impact on the series. As NCIS moves forward, it’s clear that Kasie will remain an integral part of the team, thanks in no small part to Diona’s unique take on the character.
FAQs
1. What was Diona Reasonover’s approach to taking over the role of Kasie on NCIS?
Diona embraced the idea of making Kasie her own by staying true to the character but also infusing her own personality into the role, without trying to copy Abby Sciuto.
2. How is Kasie Hines different from Abby Sciuto?
Kasie is more modern and tech-savvy, with a relatable, nerdy charm, whereas Abby had a more gothic style and was known for her quirky, larger-than-life personality.
3. What do fans love about Diona Reasonover’s portrayal of Kasie?
Fans appreciate Kasie’s relatability, her vulnerability, and her infectious energy. They also admire Diona’s ability to balance humor and emotional depth in her performance.
4. How has Kasie’s character evolved on NCIS?
Kasie has grown from a quirky forensic
