NCIS executive producer Steven D Binder has hinted that there may be a way to bring back fan favorite Abby Sciuto in some capacity for future seasons.
Forensic expert Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) hasn’t been a part of the NCIS team since her abrupt departure from the hit CBS show in 2018. While the actress has stated that she has no plans to return anytime soon, the showrunner has stated that he intends to refer to Abby much more frequently in the future.
Abby may return to NCIS in the future, as showrunner Steven D Binder promises that fans will notice her presence more in the coming years.
The forensic genius bowed out in the season 15 episode Two Steps Back after being severely injured in a seemingly random mugging by a homeless former army specialist.
Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry), her companion and NCIS liaison, was k1lled instantly, while Abby endured a painful recovery in hospital.
When she awakens, she learns that Clayton d1ed while protecting her, and she decides to leave her forensic job to devote her life to charity.
Fans haven’t heard from her since she said her tearful goodbyes at the end of the episode.
However, Steven has stated that her name will be mentioned much more frequently in the future, much like former team leader Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) has been since his departure.
“We’re always thinking about ways to involve [Gibbs] in a way that doesn’t rip off the scab and ruins what I thought was the only fitting send-off for this guy,” he told TV Line.
After nearly two decades on the show, NCIS has already paid a number of tributes to the team’s long-running Special Agent in Charge.
The Leroy Jethro Gibbs College Scholarship Fund has been established, and NCIS Hawaii agent Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) has credited him with guiding her career.
Steven has been deliberating over the best way to honor Abby’s legacy for as long as she has been a part of the series.
“I want to start doing that with Abby’s character as well,” he confirmed.
“I’d like to become more aware of her [presence].” I thought we were a little slow in [doing that], but there are so many moving parts….
“But she’s still fighting the good fight and watching us, and she’s a part of us, and we’re a part of her.”
Abby started a new job with a charity that helps homeless women in season 15, so it’s safe to say her days of solving cr1mes are over.
Nonetheless, Steven has confirmed that she is still alive and well, fighting her own battles outside of the NCIS office.
If an upcoming NCIS case intersects with her charity work, this could be the ideal opportunity for a one-time guest appearance.
Furthermore, Pauley’s departure from the show was followed by reports of a feud with lead star Mark, with the actress claiming she was “terrified” of him on set.
Pauley may be open to making guest or even recurring appearances in future seasons now that Mark has retired from his NCIS duties.
Unfortunately, her final statement on the series appears to have made it clear that she will not be returning, tweeting in 2019: “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER!”
Thankfully, the series has more than enough old and new faces to keep NCIS on the air for many years to come.
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