NCIS showrunner Steven D. Binder explains season 23’s introduction to Parker’s sister, unpacking what their dynamic means for the show. The upcoming NCIS season 23 will be following up on the shocking death of Alden Parker’s father, Roman, who was found shot to death at home. The event will introduce his sister, Harriet, will be crucial to the story’s progression.
Speaking with TV Insider, Binder explained how Alden and Harriet’s interactions in NCIS season 23 will see them channeling a similar relationship to their younger years. The showrunner unpacked just how different the pair were from each other, with his sister being the family’s “good child.” He teases “sparks are going to fly” when the pair meet again as adults:
The dynamic between Parker and his sister as adults is going to revert to the dynamic between them when they were [younger]. Alden Parker is a competent former FBI, current NCIS agent who seems pretty squared away. His sister was the good child. He was causing a lot of problems for himself, for their family, for their father, which is a regret he has now. If you’re a family member, his actions have gotten dad killed. Take that dynamic from childhood and bring it to the present with a brother and sister, and sparks are going to fly.
What Binder’s Explanation Means For Parker In NCIS Season 23
At the end of NCIS season 22, Parker believes mob boss Carla Marino is responsible for his father’s death, citing their long-standing rivalry and his recent attempts to take her down. When season 23 rolls out, he’ll likely be using as many resources from the agency as possible to figure out the truth and bring justice to his father’s killer.
However, events may be complicated by his sister’s arrival, with Binder’s statement hinting at potential friction between them due to their upbringing. This will be further expanded upon in flashbacks to 1977, showcasing how little has really changed between them from when they were younger. Yet they may need to come together to get justice for their father.
Given the regret Binder says Parker has for causing family trouble when he was younger, the rift between him and Harriet might need time to repair. This will be even more difficult because of their father’s death, depending on what really happened. Her appearance on the cast of NCIS will help round out the storyline, though, delivering memorable moments regardless.
Our Take On Parker’s Sister Getting Introduced In NCIS Season 23
Parker’s sister can add an important family dynamic to his investigation, even if there’s tension between the siblings on the outset. Not only does it add to the team leader’s backstory, but it can also emphasize the tension of the tragedy. It elevates the importance of learning more about Roman’s death and delivering justice for what happened.
It could also alter the larger team dynamic on NCIS for its first episodes, since Harriet will first appear in the two-part premiere. Her interactions with Parker are likely to hit the ground running as a major attempt at discovering the truth unfolds. Though what path the siblings are led down remains to be seen.
NCIS season 23 premieres Tuesday, October 14 at 8/7c on CBS.
