Throughout NCIS’s 23-season run, the show has thrown some big curveballs to keep things fresh, and this includes writing off beloved characters. While a handful of fan-favorites were able to get beautiful send-offs that still continue their stories elsewhere, Rocky Carroll’s Director Leon Vance wasn’t so lucky. He was killed off in the 500th episode, which aired recently on the 2026 TV schedule. However, the actor already has an idea for how his character could return.
Vance’s death came as a surprise, but his sacrifice had to happen in order to save and restore NCIS. I’m still crying over his death, and it’s hard to imagine the show moving forward without him since he was on it for 18 seasons. However, Carroll revealed he remains part of the show in a different way, and even teased how Vance could return to The Hollywood Reporter:
