The fall finale of NCIS, which aired on December 16, delivered a major twist that left fans stunned. The episode revealed that the mysterious organization NCIS: Elite has set its sights on a new target: Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop, portrayed by Emily Wickersham. Bishop, who hasn’t been seen since the Season 18 finale, appears in the closing moments of the episode watching the team from a cemetery. The shock deepens when Jessica Knight (played by Katrina Law) realizes that Bishop is the person she’s been assigned to track.
Meanwhile, Alden Parker (played by Gary Cole) uncovers the long-hidden truth about his mother’s death. He learns she was killed by an abusive police officer while trying to protect the officer’s daughter, Lily. Years later, Parker meets Lily as an adult and finally finds closure by giving his mother the proper burial she never had.
Executive producer Steven D. Binder explained that Bishop’s return became possible once Wickersham signaled she was open to coming back. The timing allowed the writers to revisit unfinished storylines, particularly Bishop’s abrupt departure and her unresolved relationship with Nick Torres, played by Wilmer Valderrama.
For now, Binder confirmed Bishop appears in just one episode—but her story is far from finished. After years working in dangerous covert operations, Bishop has changed. She now operates in a shadowy world where loyalties are uncertain and the line between ally and enemy isn’t always clear.
Her return also stirs deep emotions for Torres, who never got closure when she left. It further complicates the growing connection between Torres and Knight. Initially, Knight is the only one aware that Bishop is being targeted, but that secret won’t stay hidden for long. Bishop herself will soon force the truth into the open, creating tension within the team—and possibly even setting up a complicated “love quadrangle.”
Binder also teased big moments still to come in NCIS. The upcoming 500th episode will feature returning characters, hidden Easter eggs, and tributes to the show’s long history. In addition, another familiar face from the past will appear later in the season during a special two-part storyline.
According to Binder, the biggest surprises are still ahead—including Bishop’s deeper return to the story, life-changing developments for Timothy McGee, and a milestone episode that could change the future of the series.