With more than two decades on air, NCIS has mastered the art of reinvention. Characters come and go, storylines evolve, and the franchise continues to expand with new spinoffs and timelines.
Now in Season 23, the long-running CBS procedural appears to be embracing its past more than ever. That shift has opened the door for one of the show’s most intriguing unresolved exits: Ellie Bishop.
Introduction to the Character Comeback Discussion
Ellie Bishop, played by Emily Wickersham, joined NCIS in Season 11 and remained a core member of the team until her abrupt exit in Season 18. Unlike many departures in the franchise, Bishop’s storyline ended with secrecy, unanswered questions, and emotional fallout.
As the show approaches a major milestone of nearly 500 episodes, revisiting Bishop’s fate feels less like fan service and more like necessary storytelling.
“Long-running shows thrive when they honor their own history,” said a television franchise analyst. “Bishop’s story was never finished — it was paused.”
Overview: Ellie Bishop’s Role and Legacy on NCIS
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First Appearance | Season 11 |
| Background | NSA Intelligence Analyst |
| Personality | Analytical, unconventional, empathetic |
| Years on Show | 7 Seasons |
| Exit Episode | Season 18 Finale |
| Current Status | Missing / undercover |
Bishop stood out immediately for her intellect and unorthodox approach, offering a contrast to more traditional field agents.
What Makes a Bishop Return Plausible?
Not every former NCIS character is positioned for a realistic return. Bishop, however, meets several key narratives that make her comeback believable within the show’s logic.
- She was not killed off
- Her exit was tied to a covert mission
- Her reputation was intentionally destroyed
- Her whereabouts remain unknown
These factors give writers flexibility to reintroduce her at any time.
“From a story perspective, Bishop is the cleanest unresolved exit the show has,” noted a procedural drama critic.
Benefits of Bringing Ellie Bishop Back
A Bishop return would offer multiple benefits for NCIS Season 23 and beyond. It would not only satisfy longtime viewers but also strengthen current character arcs.
Key benefits include:
- Resolving a four-year mystery
- Deepening Nick Torres’ emotional journey
- Reinforcing continuity across seasons
- Creating high-stakes internal conflict
“Viewers invest in characters, not just cases,” said a TV storytelling expert. “Bishop’s return would instantly raise emotional stakes.”
How a Return Could Unfold On-Screen?
In narrative terms, Bishop’s return would likely be handled through an investigation or manhunt rather than a quiet reunion. Season 23 has already hinted at this direction.
Possible Story Execution Paths
| Scenario | Story Impact |
|---|---|
| NCIS Manhunt | Forces team to confront betrayal and loyalty |
| Covert Extraction | Reveals Bishop’s true mission with Odette |
| Rogue Operative Arc | Tests whether Bishop crossed legal lines |
| Redemption Mission | Clears her name publicly |
Such an approach aligns with the show’s procedural format while allowing for character-driven drama.
Comparison: Ellie Bishop vs Other Major NCIS Returns
| Character | Exit Type | Return Method |
|---|---|---|
| Gibbs | Voluntary retirement | Explored via NCIS: Origins |
| Tony DiNozzo | Left to raise daughter | Full spinoff |
| Ziva David | Presumed dead | Multi-episode arc |
| Ellie Bishop | Disgraced disappearance | Still unresolved |
Unlike others, Bishop’s fate has never been revisited on-screen, making her absence increasingly noticeable.
Recent Updates Fueling Return Speculation
Several recent developments suggest NCIS is laying the groundwork for a surprise comeback.
- Sean Murray teased that a familiar face “not seen in a very long time” could return
- A Season 23 synopsis references tracking a former team member
- Episodes have heavily revisited legacy characters and past arcs
- Emily Wickersham has been spotted visiting the Paramount lot
“These hints aren’t accidental,” said an industry insider. “They’re how shows prepare audiences.”
Why This Matters for Season 23’s Larger Story?
Season 23 has leaned into reflection, revisiting past relationships, earlier identities, and unresolved emotional threads. Bishop’s return fits naturally into this theme.
Her reappearance would test the team’s growth, particularly Nick Torres, whose relationship with Bishop ended without closure.
“If NCIS wants to explore how its characters have evolved, Bishop is the missing piece,” said a long-time viewer commentator.
Impact Analysis: What a Bishop Comeback Would Change?
| Character | Impact of Bishop’s Return |
|---|---|
| Nick Torres | Emotional reckoning and unfinished romance |
| Timothy McGee | Trust and loyalty tested again |
| Jessica Knight | Leadership challenge during a sensitive mission |
| Alden Parker | Ethical dilemma balancing law and loyalty |
| NCIS Team | Unity strained by past secrets |
This kind of impact-driven storytelling is exactly what keeps NCIS relevant after 20+ years.
Why Now Is the Perfect Moment?
With spinoffs revisiting Tony, Ziva, Gibbs, and even a younger Ducky, NCIS is clearly embracing its legacy. Ignoring Bishop at this stage would feel like a glaring omission.
Her return wouldn’t just be nostalgic, it would complete a narrative arc that has been waiting four years for resolution.
“The best returns are the ones that feel inevitable,” a TV critic explained. “Bishop’s does.”
FAQs
She exited in the Season 18 finale.
She sacrificed her reputation to go undercover on a covert mission.
No, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Yes, multiple hints and story setups suggest the possibility.
She has remained connected to the franchise and has shown interest in revisiting the role.
