Could we see another return of Ellie Bishop to NCIS? Emily Wickersham has spoken on the chances!
Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for NCIS season 23, episode 10
After five years, NCIS brought back Ellie Bishop, although not in an easy way. Jessica (Katrina Law) was assigned to hunt for Bishop, who was accused of cyberterrorism, stealing files, and killing some of her teammates.
That led to a unique hunt as Bishop reunited with Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), confirming the pair had hooked up in the past. It was complicated by Torres learning Bishop was married and her husband was held hostage by the true killer/terrorist. Thankfully, the team saved the day with the revelation Bishop’s “marriage” was all part of her cover.
The episode ended with Bishop going back on assignment, and she and Torres sharing a farewell. Speaking to TV Line with Valderrama, Wickersham was asked about the chances of her returning as Bishop and gave a hopeful update.
“I think it depends on if they want me back! But yeah, totally. I mean, I think it depends on what the writers have in mind for the character. But the door is definitely not closed.”
NCIS does have a habit of bringing back past characters and it would fit for Bishop to pop back in somehow down the road. That’s especially true given the way she and Torres left things off.
The episode confirmed that Torres and Bisho had been in a relationship before she left. He backed her up in proving her innocence, despite the rest of the team worried he was blinded by his feelings for her.
The final scene had Bishop offering Torres a spot on her team, but he turned it down to stay with NCIS, which Bishop understood. Wickersham told TV Line how Nick may have considered joining her, but in the end, had to stay with his NCIS family.
“Yeah, I think that's always considered. I think the two of them have such a rapport, and they really have, like, a soul connection. But I think there's also such a mutual understanding of what they're doing in this moment in time. Bishop has such a great respect and understanding for where he's at right now in his life. I don't know. It was an interesting moment. Because I thought about it. I was like, "Is she upset?" I think it's more of a knowing that everything just works out as it will. They found each other, and they'll find each other again.”
Valderrama added how "no matter how romantic it could be about giving the audience exactly what they expect and how they wanted to end, what I love about NCIS is that they keep it pretty grounded and pretty realistic. Like, how realistic is it? I'm gonna jump on this plane with you right now and leave my team?”
That does make sense as, if nothing else, Torres being with Bishop would jeopardize her marriage cover. It would also be a bit sudden for the pair to reunite after so long, as both have changed a lot in the last five years. Torres is a bit harder, and Bishop clearly went through a lot in her time undercover. They’re not the same people anymore, and Nick’s bond with NCIS has become even deeper. So them riding off in the sunset together wouldn't fit either character.
Still, it seems like the door is open for Bishop to return down the line and fans are hoping it can happen to spark NCIS back up.
NCIS season 23 airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.