Before turning into a household name as Eleven in Netflix's Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown demonstrated her acting range in NCIS in a different role. The young actress appeared in the long-running CBS drama and portrayed a character that couldn't be more different from her popular Stranger Things persona.
While many viewers know her for her telekinetic potential and shaved head in the science fiction shows, her primitive television work revealed an intense side to her talent. This appearance in NCIS came before her breakthrough role and gave viewers a glimpse of the range that would later define her art. The role was brief but unforgettable, leaving a strong impression on audiences who watched the episode years before Stranger Things premiered a few years ago.
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A Chilling performance of Millie Bobby Brown in NCIS before stardom
Millie Bobby Brown appeared in NCIS during season 12, in the episode called Parental Guidance Suggested. She was just 10 years of age at the time of filming, but her acting displayed maturity and depth.
The actress portrayed Rachel Barnes, a seemingly naive elementary school student who initially appears as a victim. Rachel wore pigtails and spoke enthusiastically about wearing a Harry Potter costume for several Halloweens. She seemed like the most admirable child, which made the episode's eventual twist all the more shocking.
The story starts when Rachel comes home from school and finds out her mother is dead from a gunshot wound. viewers naturally sympathize with the terrified kid. Her father is a Navy commander who is on a terrorist hit list, adding a layer of threat to the situation.
Special Agent Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, takes Rachel under his wing. He pushes from a hiding spot with hot chocolate and popcorn. And later helps her build a blanket fort to make her feel protected.
The Shocking twist for Millie Bobby Brown in NCIS
The revelation that Rachel is actually the killer changes everything. Millie Bobby Brown in NCIS delivered a strong performance that disturbed viewers who were supporting her initially.
Rachel had shot her own mother in the back, motivated by a dire need for her father's attention. Her dad's frequent absence due to military responsibility had created a void in her life. Before her demise, Rachel's mother had been in touch with a serial killer for advice on managing her daughter's intense impulses.
What made the performance particularly unsettling was Rachel's whole lack of remorse. When confronted by Gibbs about her crime, she casually asked for another box of juice. The character displayed no emotional response to the gravity of her actions. This cold-blooded behavior from such a young character made the episode stand out in NCIS history.
Drawing inspiration from classic cinema while appearing as Millie Bobby Brown in NCIS
The episode drew inspiration from the movie called The Bad Seed, which featured a pigtailed girl called Rhoda who becomes a killer after her father leaves for military service. This episode expanded on this premise by exploring how parental absence affects kids.
Rachel's relationship with her frequently absent father became the source of her deadly behavior. The narrative served as a dark commentary on the sacrifices military families make.
An unforgettable villain while showing Millie Bobby Brown in NCIS
Fans know Millie Bobby Brown in NCIS as one of the show's creepiest antagonists. This recognition is significant considering NCIS has aired nearly 500 episodes since its release. The blend of Brown's effortless acting and the inherently disturbing nature of a young killer child storyline created something thrilling.
The early role displayed the range that would serve Brown well throughout her profession. While Stranger Things made the actress popular, her appearance in NCIS proved that she could handle complex, challenging material at a young age. Millie Bobby Brown's appearance in NCIS remains a fascinating piece of television history, showcasing her early talent and range as a performer.
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