- The long-running police procedural NCIS killed off its tenured character, Director Leon Vance, in its 500th episode, delivering a shock to viewers.
- In the latest instalment, Vance was fatally shot by a corrupt agent after successfully clearing a petty officer's name, following the agency's temporary shutdown.
- The character's demise left fans stunned and saddened, with many expressing their shock and comparing it to previous significant character exits.
- Actor Rocky Carroll, who portrayed Vance for 18 years, revealed he had known about his character's death since November.
- Carroll confirmed he intends to continue his work directing episodes for the series despite his character's exit from the show.
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