As Season 21 of NCIS nears its conclusion, one member of the team finds themselves standing at a crossroads. In the upcoming finale titled “Reef Madness,” Director Leon Vance offers Agent Jessica Knight a significant opportunity. Vance sees it not just as an offer for Knight to fill her late father’s role as the Special Agent-in-Charge of the NCIS Far East Field Office, but also as a chance for her to navigate personal and professional uncertainties.
Rocky Carroll, who portrays Director Vance, explains that Vance recognizes Knight’s need for a change of scenery, drawing from his own experiences. He believes a fresh start might help Knight clear her head, especially given her complex relationships, including her connection with fellow agent Jimmy. Carroll notes that while their relationship hasn’t interfered with work, it does factor into Knight’s hesitance about taking the new job.
The finale’s plot thickens when Agents Alden Parker and Knight discover three bodies aboard an old Navy ship scheduled to become an artificial reef. Their investigation takes a dangerous turn when they find themselves trapped by a mysterious figure, leading to a tense and complicated situation.
As the agency’s director, Vance must navigate the fallout from this incident, which Carroll describes as a “political football” involving environmental concerns and public scrutiny. Amid accusations and finger-pointing, Vance is tasked with handling the situation.
Carroll teases that the season finale will leave some loose ends to tie up, hinting at unresolved issues from a previously thought-to-be-solved case. He emphasizes the personal nature of this finale, as one of the main characters faces a pivotal decision in addition to the usual case-related drama.
Reflecting on Vance’s evolution since joining the show in Season 5, Carroll acknowledges the character’s transition from a field agent to a bureaucratic role. While he enjoys episodes where Vance’s investigative skills are showcased, he appreciates the character’s versatility. He also looks forward to exploring Vance’s family dynamics further, particularly his relationship with his children.
In anticipation of Season 22, Carroll expresses interest in delving deeper into Vance’s investigative abilities and family dynamics, hinting at potential storylines involving his children. Despite the challenges of an abbreviated season, he remains hopeful for opportunities to explore these aspects of Vance’s character in the future.
