I’m not ready for the teased NCIS Season 22 finale death, especially if it’s one of these

Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books - Source: Getty
Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books (Image via Getty)

The NCIS Season 22 finale has been hyped as one of the most dramatic in the long-running show's history, with a key character's death confirmed by star Wilmer Valderrama. The death will not be part of the standard weekly case but will impact someone "very close" to the main team, according to Valderrama, who plays Special Agent Nick Torres.

He called it "earth-shattering" and "really heartbreaking," marking a big change for NCIS as it enters season 23. The character's identity has not been disclosed, but the actor made it clear that the death will upset the team and change the tone of things to come.

Fans are preparing for the blow, particularly because the series has a track record of emotionally charged goodbyes and life-or-death plotlines. With rumors circulating about which favorite character would be departing, the finale is set to provide a shocking and game-altering moment for NCIS.


The tease: What's Wilmer Valderrama saying?

Wilmer Valderrama broke the news on an appearance on CBS Mornings. He confirmed that the Season 22 finale will include the passing of a significant character, saying,

“Somebody does die, and it’s not the murder of the week. It’s somebody, unfortunately, very close to us, and it’s going to be very earth-shattering and really heartbreaking.”
Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books (Image via Getty)
Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books (Image via Getty)

Valderrama would not say who would be killed, even when questioned as to whether his character was in danger. He stated that death is supposed to "shake up the team" and set the story in a new direction for Season 23. By including such a sharp, dramatic twist, the decision was made to break the common dynamic and create new storylines for the subsequent season.


Who could be in danger?

The core cast of NCIS now consists of Gary Cole (Alden Parker), Katrina Law (Jessica Knight), Sean Murray (Tim McGee), Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), Dionna Reasonover (Kasie Hines), and Rocky Carroll (Leon Vance), among others. Valderrama's statement implies that the deceased is a central team member, rather than a fringe character or guest star.

Fans and media have speculated on several possibilities:

  • Special Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama): While Valderrama hinted at his demise, he neither confirmed nor denied whether Torres is the character to go.
  • Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll): Since he's the longest-running regular character, his exit would be a huge loss.
  • Deputy Director Gabriel Laroche (Seamus Dever): Though less central, his extended investigation plot might make him a possibility.

The producers of the show have maintained the identity of the character as a secret, building tension and worry among the audience.


Effect on NCIS and subsequent storylines

Valderrama noted that the death will have lasting effects on the NCIS team. He confirmed that it would "shake up the team" and most probably drive them to "go rogue" in Season 23, indicating a change in the team's style and dynamic. The finale is designed to disrupt the status quo and introduce new challenges and conflicts.

According to the episode logline, the team will be dealing with a dangerous cartel connection and a high-stakes plot involving stolen nuclear material, raising the stakes even further. The death of a major character will likely alter dynamics and motivations among the group, creating new storylines for old and possibly new cast members.


The NCIS Season 22 series finale will provide a dramatic turning point with the official death of a fan-favorite character. Wilmer Valderrama has referred to the event as "earth-shattering" and "heartbreaking," with far-reaching impacts on the team and the overall direction of the series.

The character's identity is a closely kept secret, generating speculations and fears among the fans. The finale not only wraps up existing storylines but also paves the way for a new era in Season 23, with a more intense and unforeseen NCIS team.

Read More: NCIS: Explaining Gibbs’ rule 45 and what it means

Edited by Anshika Jain