The NCIS franchise is a television empire. With over two decades of success, multiple spin-offs, and a fiercely loyal fanbase, it’s rare for a single character’s exit to rattle the foundation. But when Lucas Black’s Christopher LaSalle was killed off in NCIS: New Orleans, it wasn’t just the end of a storyline — it signaled the beginning of the end for the series itself.
Black’s LaSalle was more than just another NCIS agent. With his thick Southern drawl, rough-around-the-edges charm, and deep-rooted sense of loyalty, he became the emotional heart of NCIS: New Orleans. So, when LaSalle was tragically gunned down in Season 6, fans were shocked — and devastated.
Now, years later, we know the story behind his departure. And while Lucas Black made his decision for deeply personal reasons, his exit left a void the show never fully recovered from.
LaSalle: The Soul of NCIS: New Orleans
From the very first episode of NCIS: New Orleans, Christopher LaSalle was a constant — the ride-or-die partner to Scott Bakula’s Dwayne Pride. Known for his Alabama roots and big heart, LaSalle quickly became a fan-favorite. Like many NCIS agents, he had demons. But by Season 6, he seemed to have turned a corner — going to church, healing old wounds, and rediscovering his purpose.
But in true procedural fashion, peace often signals doom.
In the emotional episode “Matthew 5:9”, LaSalle is fatally shot while investigating his brother’s murder. Though rushed to the hospital, he succumbs to his injuries, surrounded by his team. The episode ended with a somber wake at Pride’s bar, and with it, the end of an era.
For many, NCIS: New Orleans was never the same.
Lucas Black Speaks Out: Why He Really Left
While fans begged for a twist to undo LaSalle’s death — perhaps a nightmare, perhaps a secret witness protection mission — Lucas Black’s decision to leave was rooted in reality.
“All throughout my career, I was concerned about how the entertainment industry could destroy families,” Black revealed in a 2021 interview with Express. “The way it’s run — the fast pace, the long hours — I saw how that could pull you away from your priorities.”
Black worked nearly 70-hour weeks during his time on the show. After years of relentless production schedules, the actor chose to step away from the limelight to spend more time with his wife and children.
For Black, family came first. But for the show, it was a turning point.
Aftermath: Could NCIS: New Orleans Survive?
LaSalle’s death boosted NCIS: New Orleans’ ratings temporarily. The emotional weight of the episode drew in over 7 million viewers — the season’s peak. But that spike was short-lived. The remainder of Season 6 hovered in the 5–6 million viewer range, and by Season 7, numbers had dropped significantly to around 4–5 million.
The show was officially canceled in 2021.
Though CBS cited shifting programming strategies and the rise of NCIS: Hawai’i as factors, many fans and critics alike believe LaSalle’s death was the beginning of the downward spiral. Reddit threads echoed the sentiment: LaSalle was the glue, and without him, the chemistry was lost.
Where’s Lucas Black Now?
Since leaving NCIS: New Orleans in 2019, Lucas Black has largely stepped back from acting. But true to his word, he’s spent time on personal projects and family-focused work.
In 2021, he reprised his popular role as Sean Boswell in F9: The Fast Saga, a callback to his days in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. He also appeared in faith-based films like Legacy Peak and Birthright Outlaw, produced for Pure Flix.
When he’s not acting, Black shares his love of the outdoors on YouTube, posting hunting and fishing adventures with his family — a far cry from the high-stakes world of NCIS.
The Franchise Moves On
Despite the end of NCIS: New Orleans, the larger NCIS universe continues to thrive. The newest spinoff, NCIS: Origins, dives into the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, with Austin Stowell stepping into the iconic role made famous by Mark Harmon. The prequel has been a hit with fans, and Season 2 promises to explore even more early stories from the NCIS archives.
And coming this fall is NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a much-hyped spinoff that reunites fan-favorites Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo. The new series follows the duo on a globe-trotting mission to protect their daughter from a shadowy conspiracy. The premiere is set for September 4 — and fans are counting down the days.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
LaSalle’s death may have been a fictional tragedy, but the real story is one of a man choosing what matters most. Lucas Black gave NCIS: New Orleans its heart — and when he left, it never quite beat the same.
Though the franchise rolls on, fans still remember the Southern agent who always had their back, and the actor who walked away not for fame, but for family.
