SUMMARY
- Ellie Bishop could legally return to NCIS through a new role, potentially as part of a spinoff with Odette’s team.
- Working undercover in a partnership with Odette and NCIS would help avoid legal issues for Ellie’s return to the team.
- Another option for Ellie’s return could involve facing trial for leaking classified documents, potentially leading to a pardon.
The NCIS season 18 finale revealed the exit of actress Emily Wickersham, who played the beloved character Ellie Bishop, but ever since then, there have been hopes that she may reappear one day. NCIS has been known to bring back characters, especially as many NCIS main characters have left, so it would not be unprecedented to bring Ellie back. Officially, there are several ways that Ellie could come back to the show, despite the difficult circumstances around Ellie’s departure.
When it was revealed that Ellie released NSA documents years prior to her joining the NCIS team, it seemed as though there was no way that she would be able to stay on the show without being arrested for leaking classified information. However, with NCIS season 22 coming up, there is room to introduce new storylines that could legally bring Ellie back to the team. One idea is to reintroduce her through a new role, making her prospective return a tantalizing possibility.
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NCIS Could Liaison With Odette’s Team For An Undercover Mission
It Wouldn’t Be The First Time The Team Has Worked With Other Agencies
Ellie left NCIS as a burnt agent as part of her preparation for working for Odette, an ex-CIA instructor who recruited Ellie for espionage. While the exact work Ellie would be doing remains vague, it is likely the role has some connection to the CIA, given Odette’s background. As a result, Ellie could return to NCIS through an undercover partnership with the NCIS team and Odette. The partnership could also become an NCIS spinoff. The show has been known to bend the rules on occasion and an authorized undercover mission would allow just enough wiggle room for Ellie to return to her team.
Although not much is known about her, Odette was first introduced in the season 16 episode “She,” and later recruited Ellie to join her in the season 17 episode “The North Pole.”
Working undercover as part of Odette’s mission and in connection with the NCIS team would help avoid legal problems that working with NCIS directly would cause. It also wouldn’t be the first time that NCIS has partnered with other agencies, and it would allow for both teams to work together in their own roles. NCIS has previously worked with the FBI, CIA, and even the NSA, so a multi-agency partnership would not be uncalled for.
Ellie Could Face a Trial
The Justice System Would Be Her Best Shot
There is one more way that Ellie could return to NCIS legally. She could face the justice system for leaking classified documents. While unlikely, it does give Ellie a chance to return to her team. It also would not be the first time that an NCIS member has gone to jail, as the NCIS season 20 finale revealed Torres behind bars. Given Ellie’s years of work as both an NCIS agent and a government employee, she could be granted a pardon or leniency. While Ellie was written off the show, both of these avenues mean that there is still room for her legal return.
