Emily Wickersham Breaks Silence on Bishop’s Explosive NCIS Return — And Teases a Darker Twist
After nearly five years away, Emily Wickersham is finally stepping back into the role of Ellie Bishop — and fans are not ready for what’s coming.
The last time viewers saw Bishop on NCIS, she shared a passionate goodbye kiss with Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) before vanishing on a secret CIA mission in 2021. Now, she’s officially back in the March 3 episode — but this reunion won’t be simple.
Speaking about her return, Wickersham admitted it all started with a simple invitation. Coming back felt natural, she said, because the set still feels like home. With so many unanswered questions surrounding Bishop’s exit, she was excited to revisit the character — even if not everything will be neatly explained.
But don’t expect the same Bishop.
In a shocking twist, Bishop is now wanted for cyberterrorism, and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) has been tasked with bringing her in. Preview photos even show Torres tied up — suggesting emotions and loyalties are about to collide.
Wickersham hinted that both she and Bishop have changed dramatically over the years. Now a mother, the actress says her own life experiences helped shape this new version of Bishop — one who carries more “baggage” and has seen things she never faced while at NCIS. Not darker, exactly… but definitely different.
And yes — the kiss with Torres will matter. The fallout from her sudden disappearance still lingers, especially with Torres, McGee, and Kasie.
One thing is certain: Bishop’s return is going to shake the team to its core.
NCIS returns Tuesday, March 4 at 8/7c on CBS.