NCIS has resumed filming after an unexpected delay, but one of the show’s key cast members will not be around for much longer.
Maria Bello has confirmed that she will leave NCIS after only eight episodes of the show’s new season on CBS. Wilmer Valderrama has opened up about how his co-stars’ departure could affect Nick Torres as the cast and crew gradually return to their regular schedule in the aftermath of the cor0na v1rus temporarily shutting down production.
In the most recent seasons of NCIS, Jaqueline ‘Jack’ Sloane (played by Maria Bello) has been through an emotional roller coaster.
Since her debut in season 15, the forensic psychologist has reconnected with her daughter, Faith Tolliver (Kate Hamilton), whom she had given up for adoption.
During her relationship with NCIS team leader Leroy Gibbs, Jack also revealed details about her troubled past (Mark Harmon).
Despite becoming an important member of her team during her brief tenure, it was announced over the summer that Maria Bello would be leaving the show midway through season 18.
Following the cor0na v1rus outbreak, production was reported to have resumed in September, so it won’t be long before NCIS is down one woman.
Bello’s departure will undoubtedly be a difficult loss for both the cast and the audience of the show.
However, fellow newcomer Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), who has formed a strong bond with his colleague Jack since joining the series in season 15, may be the most affected by the loss.
Torres star Wilmer Valderrama confirmed to TV Insider that he is still unsure about how Jack Sloane will leave the show.
“I don’t know much about that storyline, to be honest,” he admitted. I haven’t been involved in any discussions about that character’s departure.
“It’s a bit of a mystery to me.” We’re working out the details as we go.”
Although production on season 18 reportedly began in September, the extensive health and safety measures in place for the cast and crew’s safety may mean that NCIS will take longer than usual to return to screens.
When CBS confirmed that table reads for season 18 would be conducted via Zoom, fans saw how the pand3mic had affected production.
Despite the fact that the NCIS schedule is still in its early stages, Valderrama was able to use his own knowledge to predict how Bello’s departure would affect the series.
He made a joke. “I will tell you that if that event occurs, it will be interesting for Torres because he’s learned to rely on them for various things, and he’s learned a lot from them.”
When it comes to Nick Torres, most viewers are eager to see how the special agent develops his burgeoning relationship with his field partner, Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham).
Unfortunately, their budding romance may hit a snag as Torres deals with the d3ath or departure of his trusted mentor, Jack Sloane.
“I think you’re going to see a more vulnerable Torres, and he’s not going to like it, so he may have some triggers,” Valderrama added.
“When vulnerability sets in, he may become a little bit more dangerous and a little bit more irritable because he may be angry at himself for even going there.” That complication will undoubtedly play out.”
Although it’s unlikely that Nick Torres will play an antagonist in season 18, he could endanger himself and his teammates on the field if his emotions get the best of him.
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