NCIS star teases challenging "leadership changes" ahead of season 22 finale

NCIS is staying strong. It was one of the rare procedural dramas that was granted an early renewal by CBS, amidst the network's flurry of cancelations. An early renewal not only gives the fans a chance to relax, knowing there's more to come, but it gives the showrunners and writers a chance to take risks come the season finale.

This is the kind of approach that is being taken with NCIS' upcoming season finale. Diona Reasonover, the actress who plays forensics scientist Kasie Hines, told TV Insider that the finale is going to make some notable changes with regard to leadership and the overall dynamics between characters.

NCIS will focus more on "long term" stories

“Empty Nest” – NCIS searches for a missing undercover agent in the midst of an active hostage situation, on the 22nd season premiere of the CBS Original series NCIS, Monday, Oct. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance, Sean Murray as Special Agent

"Team dynamics are going to be challenged because we may not have the leadership that we’re used to," Hines asserted. The decisions made in the season 22 finale will not be reset at the top of the next season, either. The actress assured fans that whatever happens will be felt in the future, and all of the repercussions that would play out in the real world will play out on screen.

The decision to follow storylines through for longer periods of time is a change that Hines actually credits to NCIS fans. "I know the fans have really been kind of craving a little bit more long-form storytelling. You’re going to get it," the actress explained. "This season ends with some of those longer story arcs that you have been hoping for, so we’re going to satisfy a lot of people, I think."

NCIS' finale will feature an "uneasy alliance"

Baker's Man — “Baker’s Man” – After NCIS learns that the owner of Parker’s favorite bakery (guest star Melina Kanakaredes) is being blackmailed, they hatch a plan to save her from the perpetrators. Also, tensions heighten when Torres’ secret romance is discovered, on the CBS Original series NCIS, Monday, Jan. 27 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the

Hines' comments about different leadership aligns with the synopsis that CBS has given for the NCIS finale. The synopsis notes that Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) will be "forced into an uneasy alliance that could determine the fate of the operation – and his own future." Parker's nemesis, Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay), will return, drawing the agent and the rest of the NCIS team into a dangerous case involving "stolen nuclear material."

NCIS will serve as the culmination of all three franchise titles in terms of scheduling. NCIS: Sydney will wrap up on Monday, April 25, followed by NCIS: Origins on Monday, April 28. Fans get the finale for the flagship show on May 5. The 2025-26 season will no only mark the return of these shows, but also the premiere of another NCIS title, Tony & Ziva.