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:
Oh, that remains to be seen. Not only will I still watch the show; I’ll still be part of it. I’ve been asked to come back and direct next season, even though my character is dead. But we also have coined the term “ghost stars.” We have more characters who have been killed off who come back as apparitions and spirits. And we do flashbacks, where people have died long ago are very significant. So I wouldn’t be surprised [if] Vance might be more prevalent dead than he was when he was alive.
This definitely wouldn’t be the first time that NCIS has brought back dead characters. They've done it before with flashbacks, hallucinations, and even younger versions of a character. So, the actor returning on screen is by no means impossible.
Article continues belowIt is nice that Carroll is still part of the NCIS family and will be directing next season, but it would be even better if Vance were to make a return in some way. Aside from NCIS, a lot of shows have gone the flashback or hallucination route when it comes to bringing back dead characters, even if it’s just briefly. So, that's what I'd like to see them do with Vance.
If that does happen, how would Vance be brought back? The team is still trying to move forward, as is the organization. We have yet to meet the new director, but I'd guess that when that happens, we could get some flashbacks or hallucinations of Vance in his office. At the very least, Carroll isn’t counting out a return as Vance, which is enough to keep the hope alive.
Carroll was one of the longest-running actors on NCIS, having made his introduction in Season 5 when Vance replaced the last NCIS Director. He may no longer be on the show, but his presence will certainly still be felt. It won’t be easy to move on from him, and it’s possible that everyone’s grief, or at least everyone trying to get used to whoever replaces him, carries on into Season 24. So while he’s not physically there, his presence will still be very much there.
Overall, I think Vance needs to return somehow. His death was definitely one of the most heartbreaking on the show, and I’m still not over it. If anything, all seasons of NCIS are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription, so fans can always do a rewatch because there are 18 seasons with Rocky Carroll. Meanwhile, let's all keep hope alive that someday the actor can make a return on screen as his iconic character.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
