Eight years ago, NCIS set a precedent that it should avoid repeating, especially in light of the potential departure of Jessica Knight. Katrina Law’s character was set up for a significant change in the Season 21 finale, where Jess accepted a promotion to Chief REACT Training Officer at California’s Camp Pendleton. While her departure from NCIS is not yet confirmed, it’s wise to stay open to the possibility until an official announcement is made. If she does leave, it’s likely that the Major Case Response Team will welcome a new member when NCIS returns for Season 22 this fall.
Over its 21 seasons on CBS, NCIS has navigated numerous cast changes, with characters and actors frequently rotating in and out. Should the show need to replace Katrina Law’s character, it’s crucial that they handle the transition thoughtfully. The series must avoid repeating past mistakes that could negatively impact its reputation. While completely avoiding issues is challenging, CBS needs to be mindful of these considerations to ensure a smooth and successful transition in the upcoming season.