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In arguably one of the biggest plot twists in history, NCIS season 23 fall finale wraps up with a major character comeback that changes the future of MCRT. Having been on the air for over two decades, the CBS series has pulled off countless shockers in its run. They vary, from heartbreaking deaths to character revelations. However, the most exciting type of them all back familiar faces, especially those who have a special place in the NCIS franchise’s history.

The 2025-2026 TV cycle has been massive thus far for the CBS procedural. After a few years of sliding down in the ratings ranking, which wasn’t helped by its unfocused storytelling, NCIS has seemingly found its identity again in season 23. It has been mostly solid thus far, but as it turns out, it’s saving its biggest surprise for its fall finale, as the show drops a major bombshell that makes the back half of the season all the more exciting.

Who Is Ellie Bishop? Emily Wickersham’s NCIS Character History Explained

CBS

In the closing moments of NCIS season 23, episode 9, “Heaven & Nature,” Knight is finally awarded her very first ELITE mission, thrilling her. That’s until she finds out who their target is — Ellie Bishop, former MCRT member-turned-undercover agent. Before viewers can even come to terms with that, the camera pans to the first look at Emily Wickersham’s return as the character.

For the uninitiated, Bishop was introduced after Ziva left in NCIS season 11, effectively becoming MCRT’s third female agent. She was originally an NSA analyst who decided to transfer to NCIS and work Gibbs’ team. Bishop was smart and critical, but she didn’t have the field ability that was so important in her job. This made her arc so much more interesting, as she learned, not only from Mark Harmon’s legendary character, she was also teamed with DiNozzo and McGee.

Bishop left in NCIS season 18, in perhaps one of the most curious exits in the show. Apparently, she had been secretly training to be an undercover. Once she passed, she abruptly exited MCRT for a long-term undercover gig, leaving her co-workers flabbergasted, particularly Torres, with whom she’s had a romantic connection with. Wickersham maintains a good relationship with the people in the show, allowing her to return years later.

What Bishop’s Return Means For NCIS Season 23

NCIS season 23’s fall finale doesn’t give much away when it comes to what’s going on with Bishop. When Vance gives Knight the mission to track her down, he doesn’t divulge any specific details, but he cautions to keep the information on the down-low. It’s clear that he doesn’t want Torres, in particular, to know.

Bishop’s return comes at a tricky time personally, as NCIS has officially established a love triangle involving Palmer, Knight, and Torres. It’s no secret that for years, Torres refused to get back into the dating pool because of how badly things ended for him and Bishop. While the chances of her staying are slim, her comeback will undoubtedly stir up some old feelings for her ex-partner.

Aside from the personal repercussions of her resurgence, it’s curious what Bishop has gotten herself into that NCIS is sending an ELITE team to track her down. Unlike when Ziva returned, she doesn’t have any access to Gibbs, who could potentially help her deal with this issue. Bishop’s best bet is McGee, but even then, it would be difficult to hide from the rest of the MCRT. Regardless, NCIS has set up an incredibly interesting storyline that will play out fully in 2026.