Emily Wickersham looks back on her NCIS exit three years later. In season 11, Wickersham joined the NCIS cast as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop, an NSA agent who took on a joint position with the titular agency in the wake of Ziva David’s departure. Bishop would prove to be a capable agent in her own right and was at the center of a number of dramatic storylines during her time on the show. She left the team in NCIS season 18 and hasn’t returned since.
Wickersham recently appeared on Off-Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast, which is hosted by former stars Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo. During the conversation (via CinemaBlend), the actor opened up about what it was like to leave NCIS when she did, explaining that it happened during a period of her life that would become more significant than she initially realized. Wickersham said:
It took a while. I left the show, I found out I was pregnant a month later… So it was a combo of decompressing and trying to really relax and figure out how things were going to be without work. Because as you guys know, it’s all consuming. Your life is all NCIS when you’re on that show. It’s all day, every day, and you’re not really left with much time to do many things outside of that. So that was a real adjustment for me.
When Emily Wickersham — known and loved as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop — walked away from NCIS in Season 18, fans were stunned. Her departure felt sudden, emotional, and packed with mystery. Three years later, the actress has finally opened up about that moment, calling the experience “a weird moment in time.”
So, what made it so strange? Why does her exit still spark discussions across social media? And what does this reveal about the world of long-running TV dramas? Let’s dig into it.
Who Is Ellie Bishop? A Character Fans Instantly Connected With
Ellie Bishop wasn’t just another agent on the NCIS team — she was the heart who bridged logic with compassion. Introduced in Season 11, Bishop quickly became a fan-favorite because of her relatable personality, impressive intelligence, and subtle humor.
Bishop’s Unique Role
She wasn’t written to replace Ziva; she brought her own energy:
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Analytical but empathetic
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Quirky but grounded
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Highly skilled but always learning
This made her one of the most refreshing additions to the show.
The Shocking Season 18 Twist That Changed Everything
Season 18 ended with a dramatic twist: Bishop framing herself for leaking classified files — all part of a covert mission. Fans wondered whether this storyline was building toward something bigger.
A Goodbye Without Closure
Her exit didn’t involve:
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A funeral
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A dramatic team fight
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A romantic conclusion
Instead, it was open-ended. That left fans with a bittersweet feeling — and a lot of questions.
Emily Wickersham Reflects — “A Weird Moment In Time”
So why did the actress describe her exit this way?
Stepping Away From a Long-Term Role
Leaving a character you’ve played for nearly a decade isn’t easy. Wickersham described the moment as surreal — almost like stepping out of a parallel universe she had lived in for years.
Balancing Personal And Professional Life
Behind the scenes, life was changing quickly. Her departure aligned with real-life transitions, making the experience feel even more unreal.
Emotional Complexity
It wasn’t a clean break — emotionally or professionally. She was stepping away from:
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A beloved character
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A stable job
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A TV family she had grown close to
No wonder she called it “weird.”
How Fans Reacted To Bishop’s Exit
The fandom didn’t take the news lightly.
Social Media Uproar
Twitter, Instagram, and fan forums exploded with:
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Shock
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Confusion
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Heartfelt goodbyes
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Demands for an explanation
Bishop and Torres: The Ship That Never Set Sail
One of the biggest heartbreaks? The unresolved tension between Bishop and Torres. Fans waited years for that romance to bloom, only to see it cut off abruptly.
Behind The Scenes — Why the Exit Felt So Sudden
While the show never fully explained every detail, insiders and cast comments over the years painted a clearer picture.
Creative Direction Shift
The series was entering a new chapter, shaking up its dynamics with character exits and new introductions.
The “Spy” Storyline Was Built As an Exit Ramp
The writers crafted a twist that gave Bishop:
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A meaningful send-off
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Room for a possible return
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A morally complex final mission
It wasn’t rushed — but it felt sudden because fans weren’t ready.
What Emily Wickersham Says About a Possible Return
Here’s the part fans want most: Is Bishop coming back?
The Door Isn’t Closed
Wickersham has never ruled out the idea. Her storyline was intentionally left open — no death, no betrayal, no irreparable conflict.
The NCIS Universe Loves Surprise Returns
Ziva’s unexpected comeback proved one thing:
No one is ever truly gone in NCIS.
So yes, Bishop could absolutely return.
How Bishop’s Departure Changed the Team
The team dynamic shifted dramatically after she left.
Torres’ Emotional Spiral
Her exit marked a turning point for Torres, who spiraled into darker territory without her stabilizing presence.
A Missing Puzzle Piece
Bishop’s balance of logic and empathy wasn’t easily replaced, leaving the team dynamic slightly off-kilter for a while.
Why Bishop’s Exit Still Feels Different From Other NCIS Departures
Over the years, many characters have come and gone — but Bishop’s departure hits differently.
Fans Saw Themselves In Bishop
She wasn’t superhuman or flawless; she was relatable — making her loss more personal.
Her Ending Was Mysterious
Not tragic, not triumphant — just uncertain. And uncertainty lingers.
What “A Weird Moment In Time” Truly Means
When you look deeper, her phrase captures three big things:
Career Transition
Leaving a major franchise alters an actor’s path instantly.
Emotional Crossroads
It’s the mix of nostalgia, excitement, loss, and relief.
Sudden Shift In Identity
For actors on long-running shows, their character becomes part of their identity. Walking away feels like leaving a piece of themselves behind.
The Legacy Bishop Leaves Behind
Even after three years, Bishop’s presence still shapes NCIS.
A Groundbreaking Female Character
She was intelligent, capable, and fully human — not a stereotype.
A Story Left Open
And open stories stay alive in the hearts of fans.
Conclusion — A Farewell That Still Matters
Emily Wickersham’s reflection reminds us that some exits aren’t clean or simple — they’re layered, emotional, and yes, “weird.” Her departure from NCIS remains one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history, not because of shock value, but because of the character’s impact.
Bishop wasn’t just another agent — she was the quiet force fans connected with deeply. And maybe that’s why her story still feels unfinished.
Whether she returns or not, her legacy is anchored in the hearts of millions of viewers who still miss her sharp mind, kind heart, and quiet strength.
