Rocky Carroll may no longer appear weekly as Director Leon Vance, but his creative impact on NCIS continues in a major way. Shortly after departing the series in March 2026, Carroll stepped behind the camera once again to direct Season 23’s episode “S.O.S.”
The episode follows the team reopening a mysterious case involving a Navy lieutenant believed killed in a plane crash a year earlier. As investigators dig deeper, they begin to question whether the tragedy was truly accidental.
Carroll’s return as director highlights a lesser-known aspect of his long NCIS legacy. Over the years, he quietly built an impressive résumé behind the scenes, directing 29 episodes prior to this latest installment.
His continued involvement reflects both his deep connection to the show and the production’s confidence in his storytelling instincts. Even without Vance in the squad room, Carroll remains a guiding presence shaping the series’ future. 🎥