What role does Daphne Zuniga play in NCIS? Guest appearance, explored 

NCIS
Daphne Zuniga with her NCIS co-star (Image via Instagram @daphnezuniga)

NCIS is one of the most popular long-running American TV crime dramas.

The show follows a group of special agents who investigate crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. What makes the story engaging to watch is how the agents deal with all kinds of crimes, including murders, espionage, and even terrorism.

The series is set in Washington, D.C., and it mainly revolves around a team of federal agents. The core leader (for most of the show) is Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a no-nonsense former Marine with a strict moral code and a famously silent stare.

However, it's not just Gibbs who plays the key role, as the leader is joined by quirky agents like Tony DiNozzo, Dr. Ducky Mallard, and more. One thing that makes NCIS feel alive even after so many years is the guest stars.

These are actors who appear for a few episodes, or just one, and leave a lasting impression on fans. Among such memorable actors is Daphne Zuniga, who made her first guest appearance on NCIS in Season 17, Episode 15.

The episode that came out in 2020 featured Zuniga as Navy Commander Stacy Gordon, who quickly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. The case in focus here is the shocking fate of Navy Captain Alan Wales, who was murdered with an arrow through his heart.

Keep reading to explore more about this guest appearance and the episode.


Exploring Daphne Zuniga's first guest appearance in NCIS

As mentioned above, guest appearances in the NCIS have become an important part of the TV show as they not only ignite excitement among fans but also boost popularity. Daphne Zuniga's first guest appearance in season 17 revolved around the murder of Navy Captain Alan Wales.

After the dead body was discovered, the investigation revealed that Wales had recently connected with Stacy through a Navy-exclusive dating app called Fleet Date. Soon, another victim who also happens to have dated Stacy steps into the picture.

As seen in the NCIS episode, Zuniga's Stacy Gordon is an intelligent and calm JAG officer with solid alibis. But things start to change when someone mentions her old married name. The moment that name comes up, Stacy's confidence begins to shake.

Then, it’s revealed that her husband, Mark Tucker, died five years ago. At the time, people thought he had just fallen down the stairs and died. However, signs suggesting that the real story is something else emerged, leading to a shift.

Also Read: NCIS finally brings back Gibbs in Season 22, but there’s a twist


Was Stacy responsible for her husband's death in NCIS?

As the case unfolds, more details about Stacy’s past come out, especially through Sheriff Mary Talbot, who has known Stacy since they were young. Mary informs that Stacy is a highly skilled archer and even ran a camp to teach kids how to use a bow and arrow.

This makes people more suspicious of her because the recent victims in the case were both killed using arrows. But eventually, the real story comes out, and it’s more heartbreaking than anyone expected.

Years ago, Stacy was enduring a violent marriage, and to save herself, she used a fireplace poker. Her husband was hurt, but he did not die. Things took a shocking turn when Detective Tom Logan, who secretly had feelings for Stacy, broke into her house and killed her husband to protect her.

Stacy was scared and took help from Sheriff Talbot. The two of them made up a story to cover everything and keep Stacy safe from both her husband's family and the law. In the end, it’s revealed that Detective Logan, not Stacy, is behind the two recent murders, and Stacy comes clean.


Also Read: Why did Pauley Perrette leave NCIS? Reasons behind the actor's exit from the show, explored

Continue exploring Soap Central for regular updates on TV series, films, and more!

Edited by Alisha Khan