Fans of NCIS were thrilled when Emily Wickersham made a surprise return as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop in the Season 23 midseason premiere. Wickersham, who originally exited the series in the Season 18 finale, appeared again in the March 3 episode, sparking speculation about whether she might return for more episodes in the future.
Wickersham on Returning to NCIS
Speaking to TV Insider, Wickersham said the door is “open” for future appearances. “I love it there. I love working there. Getting to go back was just going back and seeing family that I’ve worked with and friends that I’ve worked with for so many years, so the environment was wonderful and they left it open,” she explained. She added that she would “never close the door” on returning, emphasizing how much she enjoyed revisiting the character and reconnecting with the cast.
Bishop’s Storyline
Ellie Bishop’s return comes with plenty of intrigue. Since leaving, Bishop has been wanted as a cyberterrorist, though the reasons remain unclear. In the fall finale, Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) was tasked with tracking Bishop as part of her first NCIS Elite assignment. Bishop was seen watching the team from a distance at a cemetery, hinting at deeper storylines to come.
Relationship With Torres
Another major draw for fans is Bishop’s dynamic with Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama). Wickersham admitted that revisiting their relationship was one of the highlights of her return. “A lot of why I was excited to go back also is this relationship between Bishop and Torres that I’ve missed playing so much. I love working with Wilmer, and we have such a fun time on set and off set,” she said. The chemistry between Bishop and Torres has long been a fan favorite, blending friendship, romance, and mutual support. Wickersham noted that Torres has always been a character Bishop could lean on, making their reunion especially meaningful.
What’s Next?
Executive producer Steven D. Binder previously confirmed that Wickersham’s midseason appearance was “it for now.” Still, with the actress herself leaving the door open, fans remain hopeful that Bishop could return again later in the season or beyond. For now, viewers can look forward to seeing how Bishop’s storyline unfolds in the midseason premiere and whether her ties to Torres and the NCIS Elite will lead to more surprises.
