Nearly eight years before Vanessa Lachey took on the role of Special Agent in Charge on NCIS: Hawai’i, the NCIS franchise nearly introduced its first female team lead. Over the years, NCIS has showcased numerous strong female characters in its main cast, such as Special Agents Caitlin Todd (Sasha Alexander) and Eleanor Bishop (Emily Wickersham). Recently, the franchise has increasingly highlighted women as central team leaders.
While Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon for nearly two decades, was the most iconic team lead until his retirement in NCIS season 19, other influential leaders have included Dwayne Cassius Pride (Scott Bakula) from NCIS: New Orleans and G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) from NCIS: Los Angeles. These characters have left their mark, but the prospect of strong female characters taking the helm is an exciting development.
One notable mention is Special Agent in Charge Paris Summerskill, who was on the brink of becoming NCIS’s first female lead. Her potential role represents a significant moment in the franchise’s evolution toward gender diversity in leadership roles.
