10 NCIS Characters From Canceled Spinoffs That I Wish Would Return
When it comes to TV franchises that have captured the hearts of millions, NCIS easily springs to mind. With gripping storylines, intriguing mysteries, and beloved characters, the NCIS universe has expanded into spinoffs like NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and the newest installment, NCIS: Hawai’i. However, not all spinoffs have been successful enough to last long, and in the process, we’ve lost some truly amazing characters.
But just because those shows were canceled doesn’t mean those characters have to fade into oblivion, does it? Let’s dig into ten unforgettable NCIS characters from canceled spinoffs that I—and probably you—wish could make an epic return to this ever-expanding universe.
Why These Characters Deserve a Comeback
The charm of the NCIS franchise lies in its character-driven storytelling. These canceled spinoffs gave us some of the most dynamic and underappreciated characters we’ve ever met. Bringing them back could add depth to ongoing stories and rekindle the magic they brought to the screen.
1. Lara Macy
Lara Macy, played by Louise Lombard, appeared in NCIS as the team leader of a special investigations unit in the backdoor pilot for NCIS: Los Angeles. She was confident, resourceful, and had the kind of leadership skills that rivaled even Gibbs.
Why hasn’t Macy been brought back yet? She had an electric dynamic with other main characters and her no-nonsense attitude made her unforgettable. A comeback in the main NCIS show or another spinoff could provide overdue closure for fans.
2. Dominic Vail
Featured in the early episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles, Dominic “Dom” Vail (portrayed by Adam Jamal Craig) was an agent with the kind of raw potential and endearing awkwardness that makes you root for someone. His sudden exit from the series still feels unresolved.
Dom could easily be reintroduced as a spy who faked his death or as someone seeking redemption in the field. NCIS is known for its miraculous returns, so why not Dom?
3. Roy Haines
Remember NCIS: Red, the mobile team that operated across the nation but didn’t make it past pilot episodes? John Corbett portrayed Roy Haines—a seasoned agent with charm and a heart of gold. Roy’s natural charisma and mentoring qualities were wasted when NCIS: Red didn’t materialize.
If he returned to the franchise, not only could his storyline finally get the attention it deserved, but he’d also bring fresh perspective as a mentor to younger agents.
4. Paris Summerskill
Kim Raver’s portrayal of Paris Summerskill in NCIS: Red presented fans with a leader who was both tough and compassionate. Paris had the knack for balancing her professional responsibilities with personal empathy—a mix any good NCIS leader needs.
Can you imagine her stepping up in NCIS: Hawai’i or working side by side with Gibbs’ team? Yeah, I’d binge-watch that in a heartbeat!
5. Dave Flynn
Dave Flynn is another gem introduced in NCIS: Red. Scott Grimes played the character, and his tech expertise combined with his quick wit resonated with fans. Though he did later appear in NCIS: Los Angeles, there’s still so much potential left unexplored.
With the right storyline, Flynn could thrive as a tech consultant moving between teams in different spinoffs.
6. Claire Hanna
From NCIS: New Orleans’ unaired pilot, Claire Hanna stood out with her sharp instincts and relatable personality. Though her character didn’t get much screentime, there was enough to demonstrate her potential as a compelling addition to the franchise.
Reviving Claire and weaving her back into an existing series could be the fresh jolt the franchise needs to recapture some early magic.
7. Kai Holman
Kai Holman was introduced in NCIS: Red as a well-trained operative with a complex backstory. While the show itself didn’t succeed, the depth and layers of this character stuck with fans who’ve hoped for his return ever since.
A storyline centered on Kai adjusting to civilian life while aiding NCIS in critical missions would be intriguing to explore.
8. Special Agent Dorothy “Dot” Tucker
Dot Tucker served as a psychological profiler in NCIS: Red. Her analytical skills and sharp wit made her unique in a franchise dominated by field agents. She was more like a chess player, thinking five steps ahead.
Pair her with Abby Sciuto’s similar brilliance, and there’s potential for explosive storytelling.
9. Cade Lambert
Cade Lambert, the stoic yet highly skilled agent from NCIS: New Orleans’ early development, offered a certain coolness that could have balanced out the emotional weight of the other main cast.
Reintroducing Cade could help fill the void for fans who prefer calculated, calm characters who dive headfirst into action.
10. Jason King
Dean Cain introduced Jason King in NCIS: Red as an agent with a mysterious past and disarming humor. Although the character seemed like he had the potential to grow on audiences, that opportunity fizzled with the show’s cancellation.
Perhaps placing Jason at the forefront of a new NCIS storyline could inject the classic franchise with fresh energy and suspense.
How Their Return Could Shake Things Up
Bringing back these characters wouldn’t just please loyal fans—it could also breathe new life into existing narratives. Imagine the possibilities: crossovers, friendships rekindled, unresolved storylines finally getting closure. These characters would add layers, history, and complexity to the NCIS universe.
Conclusion
While the NCIS franchise has blessed us with phenomenal characters over the years, some gems were lost due to the untimely cancellation of spinoffs. But in a universe as expansive and creative as NCIS, a character’s story doesn’t have to end. Each of these ten characters has the potential to seamlessly reintegrate into ongoing series or future spinoffs.
So, will we ever see any of them return? Only time will tell. But as fans, we can only hope the writers unleash the potential of bringing back these familiar faces to remind us why we fell in love with this franchise in the first place.
FAQs
1. Which NCIS spinoff had the most canceled potential characters?
NCIS: Red had the highest number of characters that fans wished to see developed further, as its pilot never turned into a full series.
2. Could Lara Macy’s character still be brought back after her ending in NCIS?
Absolutely! NCIS has a history of finding creative ways to revive characters, whether through flashbacks, hidden survival stories, or alternate timelines.
3. Why was NCIS: Red canceled?
NCIS: Red struggled to connect with audiences during its backdoor pilot. Critics cited a lack of chemistry among the team and a deviation from the classic NCIS storytelling.
4. Has any character ever returned to NCIS after their show ended?
Yes, characters like Hetty Lange from NCIS: Los Angeles have made appearances in other NCIS shows, setting a precedent for crossovers and returns.
5. What would a new NCIS spinoff need to succeed?
A well-balanced team, strong chemistry among the cast, and a focus on intriguing, character-driven stories are key to ensuring a new NCIS spinoff captures the magic of the original series.
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