As the NCIS director since season 5, Leon Vance has faced countless challenges, but NCIS season 22 may have just introduced his most delicate one yet. While Vance is typically not at the center of the show’s most intense storylines, the latest developments have made him a key player in what could be the most thrilling narrative of the season.
The NCIS cast has seen numerous changes over the years, and the introduction of Seamus Dever’s Gabriel LaRoche is just the latest. However, LaRoche isn’t here to join the team as a friendly addition—he’s a formidable threat. As the new deputy director of NCIS, LaRoche complicates Vance’s role and adds a layer of tension to the season’s drama.
LaRoche’s Secret Role Within NCIS
Gabriel LaRoche, who joined in season 22 as the deputy director, took the position over McGee, who was vying for the role. Previously a Department of Justice Inspector, LaRoche was pivotal in revealing that NCIS was under investigation by the DOJ. But his true role became clear when McGee and Parker discovered that LaRoche was the internal leak responsible for compromising the agency.
In NCIS season 22, episode 5 (“In From the Cold”), the puzzle pieces finally fall into place, explaining why McGee lost out on the promotion and unveiling LaRoche’s true nature as an insider mole.
The Stakes for Vance
With LaRoche now positioned directly under Vance, the director’s job has become even more complicated. LaRoche’s position as deputy director puts him in a prime position to influence NCIS operations—but it also means he’s in the perfect place to sabotage the team. As the mole, he could have access to sensitive information that could undermine the agency. Vance, who would normally rely on his deputy director to ease his workload, now faces a deep conflict of trust.
As Vance realizes the betrayal, his leadership will be put to the ultimate test. He must navigate the delicate balance of managing NCIS operations while dealing with an insider who is actively working against them. This high-stakes scenario promises to be one of the most gripping arcs of season 22, with Vance’s every decision now weighed with the potential for disaster.
