It’s been three years since Emily Wickersham’s character, Ellie Bishop, made her surprising exit from NCIS. In a storyline twist that left fans reeling, Bishop took on an undercover role with the CIA, ultimately betraying her team’s trust by leaving without a word and leaking NSA files, which led to her being “burned” in the intelligence community. The sudden departure left unresolved feelings, both within the team and among viewers, who saw her actions as uncharacteristic and hoped for an eventual redemption.
Recently, Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Nick Torres, shared that his character is finally ready to start dating again. This signals the show’s shift away from lingering memories of Bishop, hinting that her story arc may be closed for good. Yet, many fans still hope Bishop will get some form of redemption, even if it’s unlikely she’ll return onscreen. Wickersham’s departure from the role was motivated by her own desire to pursue new opportunities, making a return to the show improbable.
Still, a narrative redemption for Bishop could be satisfying for both fans and the team on the show. Even a passing mention in dialogue, acknowledging her sacrifices or intentions, could provide some closure and allow the character to be remembered with the respect she initially earned on NCIS.
