dailyloe.com – Rocky Carroll, the actor behind NCIS Director Leon Vance, has publicly reacted to his character’s dramatic exit from the long-running CBS procedural. Carroll revealed he watched the pivotal episode, which aired on March 24, alongside an audience at a Screen Actors Guild screening. He expressed his primary concern was ensuring the episode remained compelling for viewers.
The departure marks a significant shift for the series, which premiered in 2003. Vance, a central authority figure, was killed off in the show’s landmark 500th episode. His death follows the earlier reduced role of original star Mark Harmon’s character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Carroll admitted he was initially surprised by the narrative decision. He learned of Vance’s fate after the 23rd season had already begun production. The actor ultimately found merit in the storyline, praising the writing of the episode titled ‘All Good Things’.
He emphasized the creative logic behind the major character death for such a milestone episode. Carroll suggested that if not done then, the opportunity might never have arisen again. His tenure on the series spanned 18 years, beginning in 2008.
Despite the finality of Vance’s on-screen death, Carroll hinted at a potential return. He suggested avenues like flashbacks or dream sequences could facilitate his comeback. This leaves the door open for future appearances within the NCIS universe.
The actor’s departure is part of the natural evolution for a series exceeding two decades. It follows other major cast changes, including Pauley Perrette’s exit years prior. The show continues to expand with new iterations like ‘NCIS: Sydney’.[]
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
