The Season 23 finale of NCIS left viewers with a major cliffhanger, as the team finds itself in a precarious situation. The episode ends with a gunshot, leaving the identity of the shooter unknown, and the fate of one of the team members uncertain. Showrunner Steven D. Binder offers some insight into the events that transpired, addressing the cliffhanger and the potential outcomes for the characters involved. He confirms that someone was indeed hit during the shooting, ruling out the possibility of a death. This decision was made to maintain the show's interest and avoid the predictability of a character's demise.
One of the key moments in the finale involves McGee's son, Mateo, who is caught in a web of suspicion. Torres becomes the focal point of Mateo's suspicion, and Binder explains that this decision was made to create a compelling narrative arc. He suggests that the reason for Torres' suspicion is not immediately clear, but it will become more apparent as the story progresses. The showrunner hints at the possibility of Torres being the one who fired the shot, but he remains tight-lipped, leaving viewers to speculate and anticipate the upcoming season.
The episode also marks a significant return, as Rocky Carroll reprises his role as Director Vance. Binder discusses the decision to bring back Vance, emphasizing the importance of keeping talented actors like Carroll involved in the show. He mentions that the story dictated the need to explore Vance's relationship with his daughter, Kayla, and the show's structure allowed for this exploration.
LaRoche, the thorn in everyone's side, returns with designs on the director's chair. Binder explains that the show has been intentionally vague about LaRoche's position, allowing the story to dictate his involvement. He suggests that LaRoche's story may be explored further in the upcoming season, but the focus will primarily be on addressing the cliffhanger and continuing the core stories of the team members.
The dynamics between Torres, Knight, and Palmer are also touched upon. Binder acknowledges the strong feelings of the audience regarding these characters, but he emphasizes the importance of not limiting the storytelling by imposing a couple dynamic. He suggests that the show will continue to explore these relationships, allowing the characters to navigate their emotions and experiences.
Looking ahead to Season 24, Binder hints at the potential for crossovers with the expanding NCIS universe, particularly with the upcoming NCIS: New York series. However, he acknowledges the challenges of logistics and the need to carefully consider the involvement of actors in such endeavors. The showrunner also teases the potential return of Mark Harmon as Gibbs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the character's larger-than-life status and finding worthy reasons for his comeback.
In conclusion, the Season 23 finale of NCIS sets the stage for an intriguing Season 24, with viewers eagerly awaiting the resolution of the cliffhanger and the continued exploration of the show's complex characters and relationships.
