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NCIS Deaths and Rocky Carroll's Exit as Leon Vance | Citadel Season 2 Skyrockets on Streaming: Is the Spy Thriller Worth Watching? | Jack Ryan: Ghost War Returns: Prime Video's Best 'Reacher' Alternative | Citadel Season 2: Is the Action Thriller Worth Watching? | 'The Price Is Right' Contestant Breaks Record With $240,000 Win | '9-1-1' Finale: Buck's Decision, Athena's Detective Fate, and Season 10 | Maria Zhang Joins 'The Interrogator' & Jenna Elfman's New Role | The Hunting Party Season 2 Finale: Xander Wax's Terrifying Poison | Will Athena Survive The 9-1-1 Season Finale? | NCIS Deaths and Rocky Carroll's Exit as Leon Vance | Citadel Season 2 Skyrockets on Streaming: Is the Spy Thriller Worth Watching? | Jack Ryan: Ghost War Returns: Prime Video's Best 'Reacher' Alternative | Citadel Season 2: Is the Action Thriller Worth Watching? | 'The Price Is Right' Contestant Breaks Record With $240,000 Win | '9-1-1' Finale: Buck's Decision, Athena's Detective Fate, and Season 10 | Maria Zhang Joins 'The Interrogator' & Jenna Elfman's New Role | The Hunting Party Season 2 Finale: Xander Wax's Terrifying Poison | Will Athena Survive The 9-1-1 Season Finale?

TV / TV Shows

NCIS Deaths and Rocky Carroll's Exit as Leon Vance

A look back at the most heartbreaking deaths in NCIS history and the surprising exit of Rocky Carroll as Director Leon Vance.

'NCIS' has dealt TV heartbreak before. Six deaths that still shock.
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NCIS Deaths and Rocky Carroll's Exit as Leon Vance Image via USA Today

Key Insights

  • The death of Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) in the 500th episode shocked viewers after 18 seasons.
  • Special Agent Caitlin Todd's death in Season 2 remains one of the most shocking moments in the series.
  • Other notable deaths include Mike Franks, Jackie Vance, Eli David, Diane Sterling, and Director Jennifer Shepard.
  • Rocky Carroll did not initiate his departure; writers decided Vance's death was a fitting story arc.
  • Carroll reflects on his 18 years on NCIS as a significant accomplishment in Hollywood.

In-Depth Analysis

NCIS has a long history of surprising and emotional character deaths, with the death of Special Agent Caitlin “Kate” Todd (Sasha Alexander) in the season 2 finale setting a precedent for unexpected losses. Other significant deaths include Gibbs’ mentor Mike Franks (Muse Watson), Jackie Vance (Paula Newsome), and Ziva’s dad (Michael Nouri). The death of NCIS Director Jennifer Shepard (Lauren Holly) in Season 5 further proved that no character was safe. The recent death of Director Leon Vance marks a major turning point for the series.

Rocky Carroll's departure as Director Vance was a creative decision by the showrunners. Carroll noted that Vance’s death served the story, allowing him to save the agency in a dramatic fashion. Despite the initial shock, Carroll expressed pride in his character’s impactful exit after playing Vance for 18 seasons, starting in season 5 as an assistant director before being promoted to director in season 6. He also mentioned the possibility of returning to direct future episodes, even as a "ghost star."

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FAQ

Why did Rocky Carroll leave NCIS?

The decision was made by the showrunners to further the storyline, with Vance sacrificing himself to save the agency.

How long did Rocky Carroll play Leon Vance?

Rocky Carroll played Leon Vance for 18 seasons, joining in season 5 and becoming director in season 6.

Will Rocky Carroll return to NCIS?

Carroll has been asked to return to direct and mentioned the possibility of appearing in flashbacks or as a "ghost star."

Takeaways

  • Character deaths are a significant element of NCIS, contributing to the show's emotional impact.
  • Rocky Carroll's departure as Director Vance marks a major shift in the series.
  • Despite his character's death, Carroll may still be involved in NCIS through directing or potential guest appearances.

Discussion

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Disclaimer

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