Millie Bobby Brown Played One Of NCIS’ Darkest Characters Before Stranger Things
Before she became the psychic powerhouse Eleven in Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown was already leaving chills down viewers’ spines—but not in the Upside Down. At just 9 years old, she landed a deeply unsettling role in NCIS, America’s long-running naval crime procedural. It was a short appearance—but boy, was it unforgettable.
Let’s dive into the surprising, eerie, and completely captivating performance that many NCIS fans forgot—or didn’t even realize—came from the future Netflix superstar.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Forgotten NCIS Appearance
Millie didn’t just have a cameo in NCIS. She played a child with serious darkness beneath the surface. Her role as Rachel Barnes in Season 12, Episode 6 (“Parental Guidance Suggested”) offered audiences a glimpse into just how powerful she could be on screen—even at a young age.
The Plot That Stunned NCIS Viewers
In this episode, the NCIS team investigates the murder of a Navy commander. Suspicion eventually turns toward the victim’s daughter—played by Brown. But what starts off as a routine investigation soon spirals into something way more disturbing.
Millie’s character is creepy. Cold. Almost emotionally detached. She gives calculated responses to questions and shows manipulative behavior far beyond her years. It’s one of those rare child performances that makes your skin crawl.
How Millie Bobby Brown Nailed the Role
Let’s be real—most kids in procedurals come across as background noise. But Millie didn’t just show up. She owned every second of her screen time. Her eyes were vacant yet intelligent, her tone disarming, and her calmness under pressure made the hair on your arms stand straight up.
At one point, she looks Gibbs (Mark Harmon) in the eye and says something so unnerving, it sends shockwaves through the entire scene. She wasn’t just acting—she was embodying a character with layers of psychological trauma and suspicion.
A Glimpse of Eleven Before the Upside Down
Watch that NCIS episode now, and you’ll see the foreshadowing. Millie Bobby Brown’s role in NCIS was eerily similar in intensity to her later breakout role as Eleven. The emotionless stare. The tension. The bottled-up rage.
The NCIS version was more grounded in realism, sure. But if you didn’t know better, you might think young Rachel Barnes had a secret laboratory past of her own.
The Episode’s Deeper Psychological Themes
The brilliance of the episode didn’t just lie in the murder mystery. It delved into the psyche of a child under extreme emotional duress. Millie’s performance gave weight to issues like childhood trauma, grief, and sociopathy—all within a 42-minute runtime.
Audience Reactions: Then vs. Now
When the episode aired, Millie wasn’t a household name. She was “that kid actress who creeped everyone out.” But in hindsight, fans who revisit the episode are now connecting the dots.
Reddit threads and fan forums have popped up in recent years, with viewers saying things like, “No way that was Eleven!” or “She was terrifying in that episode.”
It’s safe to say the performance has aged like fine wine.
Why This Role Was So Important in Her Career
For Millie, NCIS was more than a job—it was a major stepping stone. It showed casting directors what she was capable of. It revealed that she could tap into dark emotions and play characters far more complex than most child actors ever attempt.
And just a year or two later, Stranger Things came knocking.
Casting Directors Took Notice
After her appearance in NCIS, Millie continued to land small roles, including in shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Modern Family. But there was a clear shift—directors were seeing her as more than just a sweet child.
They were seeing her as intense. Versatile. Dramatic.
And that’s what got her the audition for Eleven.
What Sets Millie Apart as a Performer
Not every child actor can play darkness well. It’s not just about looking sad or angry—it’s about nuance. Millie’s eyes say more than her words. Her posture, the pace of her lines, the way she holds silence like a weapon—all of it builds suspense.
Even at nine years old, she had those instincts.
Did NCIS Inspire Her Acting Style?
It’s possible. Working on a procedural like NCIS means working fast. You’ve got to hit emotional beats in just a few takes. There’s no time for fluff.
That kind of training ground gave Millie a crash course in emotional economy—delivering maximum impact with minimal dialogue. Sound familiar? It’s exactly what made her performance in Stranger Things so compelling.
Millie’s Role Compared to Other Child Characters on NCIS
Over the years, NCIS has featured plenty of young characters—witnesses, victims, suspects. But none quite like Rachel Barnes.
Most are there to tug on heartstrings. Rachel? She unsettled you. She forced viewers to consider uncomfortable questions: Can a child be evil? Can trauma create something monstrous?
Millie walked that tightrope effortlessly.
The Legacy of That Single Episode
Though she only appeared once, that episode continues to get rediscovered by fans. It’s frequently shared in “Before They Were Famous” compilations and NCIS best-of lists.
Her performance has even sparked think-pieces and fan theories. Some believe her character was based on real-life child psychopath cases. Others see it as an early experiment in Millie channeling her inner Eleven.
How Stranger Things Took It Even Further
Once Stranger Things hit Netflix, Millie’s career exploded. But it wasn’t just the writing or the 1980s nostalgia that made her a breakout star—it was her uncanny ability to make quiet moments feel thunderous.
And in many ways, she’d already rehearsed that on the NCIS set.
Is There a Future for Rachel Barnes in the NCIS Universe?
Could Millie return to the role of Rachel Barnes in a flash-forward episode? It’s highly unlikely—but not impossible. Shows like NCIS love a callback, and fans would eat up a “Where Are They Now?” storyline, especially if it ties to a now-famous actress.
It would be fascinating to see how that darkness evolved.
What This Means for Young Actors in Procedurals
Millie Bobby Brown’s NCIS performance proves something important: You don’t need a starring role to make a lasting impression. One episode. A few scenes. That’s all it took.
For aspiring young actors, her story is a reminder that every moment on camera counts.
Conclusion: A Role That Deserves a Rewatch
Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of Rachel Barnes on NCIS wasn’t just a stepping stone—it was a sign of what was to come. Before the world knew Eleven, she was already mastering the art of eerie silence and emotional complexity.
If you haven’t seen the episode yet, do yourself a favor and queue up Season 12, Episode 6. You’ll see a star in the making—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll sleep with one eye open.
FAQs
1. What episode of NCIS did Millie Bobby Brown appear in?
She appeared in NCIS Season 12, Episode 6 titled “Parental Guidance Suggested.”
2. What was her character’s name in NCIS?
Millie played Rachel Barnes, a young girl connected to a murder investigation.
3. Was her role on NCIS significant?
Yes, despite limited screen time, her eerie and mature performance left a strong impression on viewers and casting directors alike.
4. Did this role help her land Stranger Things?
While not directly confirmed, her NCIS performance likely contributed to her reputation as a young actor capable of intense and dramatic roles.
5. Can I stream her NCIS episode anywhere?
You can find it on platforms like Paramount+, Amazon Prime, or CBS streaming services. Just look for Season 12, Episode 6.
