The Scene That Shook NCIS Fans
Let’s rewind to NCIS Season 2, Episode 23, titled “Twilight.” If you’re a longtime fan, you probably still remember the gut-punch moment when Special Agent Kate Todd, played by Sasha Alexander, was shockingly killed by a sniper’s bullet. It was one of the show’s most heartbreaking—and pivotal—episodes.
But now, almost two decades later, Michael Weatherly, aka Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, has revealed a little behind-the-scenes nugget that’s turning this dark moment into an unexpectedly hilarious Easter egg.
Wait, There’s a Funny Side to Kate’s Death?!
Yep. Sounds crazy, right? But according to Michael Weatherly, there’s a tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it detail in that emotionally charged scene that fans may have overlooked—and once you spot it, you can’t unsee it.
What Exactly Did Michael Weatherly Say?
During a fan Q&A and a throwback moment he shared on social media, Weatherly pointed out a continuity Easter eggthat’s equal parts funny and bizarre. After Kate gets shot and collapses, her character is clearly lifeless… but you can see her blink.
Let that sink in. Yes, Kate blinks… after dying.
Weatherly couldn’t help but laugh about it himself, calling it one of those little things “you don’t notice in the moment but totally break the spell when you rewatch it.” He even joked that it was “Kate’s ghost saying goodbye.”
Fans Are Rushing to Rewatch the Scene
As soon as Weatherly pointed it out, social media lit up. Reddit threads, X (formerly Twitter) fan pages, and TikTok edits exploded with fans reacting:
-
“NO WAY. I just rewatched it and YES SHE TOTALLY BLINKS.”
-
“Michael Weatherly just gave me a reason to rewatch ‘Twilight’ for the 15th time.”
-
“I feel like my childhood has been slightly altered.”
The Impact of Kate’s Death on the Series
To be fair, that moment was no joke at the time. Kate’s death shifted the tone of NCIS permanently and marked the end of an era. It introduced long-time antagonist Ari Haswari and made way for the arrival of Ziva David, another fan-favorite who would redefine the team dynamic.
Still, Weatherly’s humor reminds us that even the most intense TV scenes are, at the end of the day, a mix of acting, camera angles, and a little bit of human error.
Was the Blink a Mistake or a Joke?
While it wasn’t intentional, this kind of thing isn’t unusual in TV land. Actors occasionally blink, breathe, or move slightly in scenes where they’re supposed to be still—especially in dramatic death scenes.
But what makes this one stand out is how serious the mment was, and the fact that Weatherly waited years to tell fans. You’ve got to appreciate the slow-burn reveal.
Other NCIS Easter Eggs You Might’ve Missed
Now that you’re in Easter egg mode, here are a few more hidden gems from NCIS that’ll make your next rewatch way more fun:
1. The Hidden Homage to Magnum P.I.
Gibbs’ boat is named after classic TV shows—and “Kelly” is a subtle nod to Tom Selleck’s character in Magnum P.I.
2. Tony’s Movie References
Michael Weatherly improvised many of DiNozzo’s movie lines. Look out for unscripted nods to The Godfather, Die Hard, and Jaws.
3. Gibbs’ Rules Changing
Some of Gibbs’ rules shift throughout the series. Rule #12, for instance, isn’t always the same—proving that even the writers like to keep us guessing.
Why Fans Love These Behind-the-Scenes Moments
There’s something special about learning that your favorite intense drama isn’t always so serious behind the camera. It humanizes the cast, adds a layer of charm to the rewatch, and turns a heartbreaking scene into something unexpectedly light-hearted.
Plus, it gives you a whole new reason to dive back into the NCIS archives.
Conclusion
Michael Weatherly’s hilarious observation about Kate’s infamous death scene is the kind of thing that sticks with you—because it’s such a human moment in an otherwise flawlessly intense TV show. And honestly? That blink might just be the best accidental Easter egg in NCIS history.
So if you haven’t already, pull up Season 2, Episode 23. Rewatch the scene. Look closely. Blink, and you might just miss Kate… blinking.
FAQs
1. Which episode does Kate Todd die in on NCIS?
Kate Todd dies in Season 2, Episode 23, titled “Twilight.”
2. What’s the Easter egg Michael Weatherly pointed out?
He noticed that during Kate’s death scene, you can see Sasha Alexander blink—despite her character being “dead.”
3. Was the blink edited out later?
Nope! As of now, it still appears in reruns and streaming versions of the episode.
4. How did fans react to Weatherly’s comment?
Fans loved it—many went back to rewatch the scene, and social media lit up with reactions and memes.
5. Why did Sasha Alexander leave NCIS?
She left for personal reasons, including the intense filming schedule. Her departure was amicable and led to the introduction of Ziva David.
Custom Message:
TV magic isn’t always perfect—and sometimes that’s exactly what makes it perfect. So keep watching, keep rewatching, and always look for the Easter eggs. You never know what you’ll spot the second (or tenth) time around.
