Spoilers ahead for NCIS Season 23, Episode 4, “Gone Girls.”
After four years since Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) departure in Season 19, NCIS is hinting at a new direction for Forensic Scientist Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover). Kasie has been part of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) since Season 16, following Abby Sciuto’s (Pauley Perrette) exit in Season 15. While Abby set a high bar, Kasie has proven herself as a capable and versatile successor.
Kasie Wants to Step Out of the Lab
In “Gone Girls,” while investigating the disappearance of a Marine, Kasie expresses a desire to leave the lab and work more directly in the field. After a playful exchange with Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), Kasie asks,
“Why should Kasie Hines be confined to her lab? When can she get out in the field?”
Knight, initially joking, quickly acknowledges Kasie’s point, noting that her skills could be valuable at active crime scenes. This marks the first time in Season 23 that Kasie actively pushes for a more hands-on role alongside the agents, signaling a potential shift in her responsibilities.
NCIS Season 22 Set the Blueprint
Kasie isn’t new to unconventional fieldwork. In Season 22, Episode 16, “Ladies Night,” she proved she could think outside the lab during a pottery class experiment with Jessica Knight. By baking evidence in a kiln, Kasie and Knight generated results that advanced an investigation — a chaotic but effective demonstration of her ingenuity and adaptability.
Earlier, in Season 21, Episode 3, “Lifeline,” Kasie handled a critical dispatch call and helped solve a case involving a former NCIS agent. These episodes showcased her ability to contribute meaningfully outside the lab, laying the groundwork for her potential field role in Season 23.
What a Field Role Could Look Like
While Kasie isn’t aiming to become a full-fledged field agent like Torres or Knight, she clearly wants more involvement in investigations. This could mean joining the team on crime scene visits, collecting evidence firsthand, or assisting with onsite forensic analysis — all while maintaining her scientific expertise.
Though active fieldwork carries risks, integrating Kasie more closely with MCRT would add fresh dynamics to the show. It allows her character to grow without changing the core team or introducing new personnel, a smart move for a long-running series looking to evolve without disrupting its foundation.
Why It Matters
Giving Kasie a more active role enriches the NCIS storytelling. It highlights her skills, strengthens her connection to the team, and provides viewers with a fresh perspective on investigations. Fans may see her contribute in ways beyond lab work, bridging science and fieldwork in exciting new ways.
Kasie Hines stepping out of the lab could be the perfect twist for NCIS Season 23, balancing character development, team dynamics, and procedural drama — all without sacrificing the show’s tried-and-true formula.
