Movies

10 NCIS Characters Who Were Tragically Underrated and Deserved More!

BBG News

Over more than two decades on air, NCIS has been one of television’s longest-lasting and most popular series, boasting a rich tapestry of unique and captivating characters. The enduring appeal of this long-running network TV show lies in the bond viewers form with these characters and the camaraderie among the cast of NCIS.

In some instances, audiences appreciate well-crafted characters in a series like NCIS, whose backstories and development make them captivating, while for others, it’s the exciting narrative possibilities they present. However, no show that has run as long as NCIS, now concluding its 22nd season, is without flaws. There have been times when characters were not fully utilized or squandered their potential, which left a lasting negative impression on the audience. Regrettably, one common solution to this issue has been to write these characters out of the story, often leaving their arcs incomplete or unsatisfying.

10. Agent Michelle Lee

In the hit series NCIS, Agent Lee became a member of the team some time between seasons 3 and 4. However, it wasn’t until season 6 that she was unmasked as the mole within the agency, resulting in the deaths of two agents. It turned out that she had been coerced to work against her own team due to her sister’s kidnapping. In a surprising twist, Michelle chose to let Gibbs shoot her down to aid the group in apprehending Weatherman, ultimately giving up her life as a hero. Michelle’s character was both courageous and sinister, adding depth and intrigue to the show. Unfortunately, her departure from the series was regrettable, as she truly deserved a more satisfying conclusion.

9. Ned Dornegat

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts on the character of Ned “Dorney” Dornegat. In season 9, we were first introduced to him as a probationary officer, eventually ascending through the ranks to join NCIS Cyber Operations. His dynamic with DiNozzo was entertaining, while his relationship with his mother, Joanna Teague, was intricate.

In NCIS season 12, Dorney met a heroic end. He was instrumental in tracking down a terrorist cell that targeted children, only to lose his life during a terror attack in Cairo. He gave his life selflessly, saving countless lives during the attack. His death, unfortunately, came during an explosion.

Dorney was a valuable asset to the team, but his character had potential for deeper exploration that remained unfulfilled by his sudden departure from the series.

8. Emily Fornell

Emily’s journey on the TV series NCIS was filled with heartbreaking events that left many viewers upset about how her character was handled. At just 17 when she joined in season 4, Emily endured a multitude of hardships throughout the show. Her battles with addiction were extensively portrayed and delved into, especially as the seasons progressed. Emily’s father, Tobias Fornell, made tireless efforts to aid his daughter, but her death in season 18 of NCIS only intensified the tragic nature of her storyline. The character was due for a brighter future and joyous moments, yet those never came to pass.

7. Mike Franks

In the past, Mike Franks served as a Supervisory Special Agent and acted as a guide to Gibbs, sharing a deep bond with him. Recalled from retirement during season 3, Franks played an instrumental role in assisting Shepard and Gibbs in taking down the Reynosa cartel. However, the beloved character met his demise in the NCIS season 8 episode “Swan Song,” while pursuing the Port to Port Killer. Fortunately, a younger version of the character is featured in NCIS: Origins, delving into his past, but in NCIS, he was a figure who deserved more screen time.

6. Agent Brent Langer

Jonathan LaPaglia’s character, Agent Brent Langer, who had been mentored by Gibbs and joined his team under new NCIS director Leon Vance, was tragically killed in the NCIS season 6 premiere by mole Michelle Lee. It was a pity that Langer didn’t get more screen time, as he could have provided valuable insights into Gibbs’ character over several seasons and built a compelling relationship between the two.

5. Eli David

Eli David was a typical example of a character who made the wrong choices. His intense dedication to Israel’s protection led him to alienate his children, turning son Ari into an extremist and putting daughter Ziva in danger. Tragically, he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting by anti-peace activists. It would have been satisfying to see him accomplish his objectives and reconcile with his kids, but instead, his death on NCIS Season 10 served as a stark reminder of the perilous reality portrayed within the series.

4. Jackson Gibbs

In the TV show, Gibbs’ estranged father wasn’t on good terms with him initially, and they were first seen together in season 6. As time went by, they started healing their relationship, working on an old car to fulfill one of Gibbs’ dreams from his teenage years. Leroy even started addressing his father as “Dad” instead of “Jack.” However, when the two were finally starting to forgive and move past their past hurts, Gibbs was heartbroken upon learning that his father had passed away from a stroke in the season 11 finale. Unfortunately, actor Ralph Waite passed away just three months later, making it impossible for him to continue playing the role.

3. Director Jenny Shepard

Even though Lauren Holly’s character, Director Jenny Shepard, was a controversial figure on the NCIS team during her stint, she brought a powerful and captivating presence to the group. Unfortunately, her time on the show was cut short when past misdeeds found their way back to haunt her. After being implicated in the death of arms dealer La Grenouille, whom she mistakenly believed had killed her father, Shepard ultimately met her end in a fierce gunfight with an assassin dispatched by her long-time adversary, Svetlana Chernitskaya. Jenny’s influence on the show will be remembered for a long time to come, and it’s unfortunate that she didn’t get to stay longer.

2. Special Agent Paula Cassidy

Despite her limited screen time on the series, spanning six episodes over four seasons before her character’s demise, Paula’s death left an indelible and heartrending impact. In a moment of profound guilt for leading her squad into a deadly trap that cost two agents their lives, Paula chose selflessness above all, confronting suicide bomber Jamal Malik to avert further destruction. This poignant conclusion for a beloved character was undeniably emotional, and the playing of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” as the team grieved her loss only added to the tearful atmosphere. Yet, Paula deserved more and her budding relationship with Tony DiNozzo could have blossomed into a significant romantic pairing.

1. Special Agent Caitlin “Kate” Todd

Among the most poignant deaths in the series, it was Caitlin who became the initial main character to meet her end on the screen. This tragic event unfolded during the season 2 finale of NCIS, titled “Twilight.” The Secret Service agent met a sudden and brutal end at the hands of terrorist Ari Haswari, as she was assassinated in mid-sentence just seconds before the episode concluded. This heart-wrenching scene remains one of the most memorable moments in the entire show’s history. Caitlin’s character was written out following actress Sasha Alexander’s choice to part ways with NCIS due to the demanding workload of network television production.

The death of Kate, played by Sasha Alexander, remains one of the most poignant and influential moments in the series, with fans continuing to mourn her character today. One factor contributing to this impact was Alexander’s captivating portrayal, demonstrating her talent as an actor. Despite it being a positive development for Alexander to leave on her own accord from a narrative standpoint, it was still a heart-wrenching moment for both the characters in the show and its viewers. Caitlin Todd stands out as a prime example of NCIS characters who deserved more fulfilling ends, given her significance to the show and its audience.

đź“ş Love ScreenRant’s prime-time updates? Go ahead and subscribe to our weekly Network TV newsletter! You’ll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes insights directly from the cast and creators of your beloved shows. Don’t forget to select “Network TV” in your preferences during sign up.

Read More

2025-05-26 01:29

Previous post Solo Leveling Breaks New Record as Most Awarded Anime of 2025
Next post Unveiling the Vulcan Secrets of Star Trek’s Dr. M’Benga in Strange New Worlds!