Abby Sciuto, the beloved forensic scientist on NCIS, left the show after being targeted in an assassination attempt during Season 15. While Abby survived the initial attack, the emotional toll of protecting her friend and colleague, Clayton Reeves, who ultimately died in the line of fire, spurred her decision to resign and honor his memory by starting a charity in his name, dedicated to helping women.
The Seeds of Departure: Unpacking the Episode
The two-part episode, “One Step Forward” and “Two Steps Back,” serves as Abby’s poignant swan song. The plot revolves around a mugging gone wrong that quickly escalates into something far more sinister when Abby and Reeves are targeted. It becomes clear that someone is trying to silence Abby, and the team races against time to uncover the motive and protect her.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Abby is attacked outside her lab, initially appearing unharmed. However, it’s revealed that she was poisoned with a powerful neurotoxin. Reeves manages to protect Abby and ultimately becomes the target, taking a bullet meant for her. Despite the team’s best efforts, Reeves succumbs to his injuries, leaving Abby devastated and questioning her role at NCIS.
A Decision Rooted in Grief and Purpose
Following Reeves’ death, Abby struggles to reconcile her passion for forensics with the inherent dangers of the job. The loss deeply affects her, forcing her to confront the reality that her work can have fatal consequences for those around her. She ultimately decides that she can no longer continue working at NCIS, not because she is afraid, but because she wants to dedicate her life to making a tangible difference in the world, a mission inspired by Reeves’ sacrifice.
Saying Goodbye: The Emotional Farewell
The episode dedicates significant time to Abby’s farewells. She shares heartfelt moments with each member of the team, reflecting on their shared experiences and expressing her gratitude for their unwavering support. These scenes are emotionally charged, highlighting the deep bonds forged over years of solving crimes together. The genuine affection between the characters and the actress, Pauley Perrette, shines through, making her departure particularly impactful for long-time viewers.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Abby’s NCIS Exit
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Abby Sciuto’s departure from NCIS:
1. Why did Abby Sciuto leave NCIS?
Abby left NCIS due to the cumulative trauma of the job, heightened by the death of Clayton Reeves. The events of the episode forced her to re-evaluate her life and prioritize making a difference in a way that felt more directly impactful and less exposed to the dangers of law enforcement. She also left in order to honor Reeves’ memory.
2. What episode did Abby leave NCIS in?
Abby’s last appearance was in the two-part Season 15 finale: “One Step Forward” (episode 21) and “Two Steps Back” (episode 22), which aired in May 2018.
3. What happened to Clayton Reeves?
Clayton Reeves was killed after taking a bullet intended for Abby Sciuto. He was protecting her from an assassin who had been targeting her due to her work on a specific case.
4. Did Abby and Reeves have a romantic relationship?
While there were hints of a deep connection and affection between Abby and Reeves, their relationship was never explicitly romanticized. It was portrayed as a strong, supportive friendship built on mutual respect and trust.
5. Did Pauley Perrette want to leave NCIS?
Pauley Perrette’s reasons for leaving NCIS were reportedly complex and included allegations of on-set issues. While she expressed gratitude for her time on the show, she also hinted at a difficult working environment that contributed to her decision to depart.
6. What is Abby doing after leaving NCIS?
Abby starts a charity in honor of Clayton Reeves, dedicated to helping women, specifically focusing on education and providing them with the resources to improve their lives. This reflects her desire to make a positive difference in the world and honor Reeves’ memory.
7. Will Abby Sciuto ever return to NCIS?
As of now, a return of Abby Sciuto seems unlikely. Pauley Perrette has publicly stated that she will not be returning to the show. However, in the world of television, anything is possible, although it remains highly improbable at this point.
8. How did the other NCIS team members react to Abby’s departure?
The team members were deeply saddened by Abby’s decision to leave. Gibbs, in particular, had a close and paternal bond with her. They all expressed their support for her new endeavor and promised to remain in contact. The farewell scenes were emotionally charged and showcased the strong bonds forged over years of working together.
9. What was the significance of Abby’s black gothic style on NCIS?
Abby’s unique style served as a symbol of her individuality and unwavering authenticity. Despite working in a conservative law enforcement environment, she remained true to herself, showcasing her personality through her clothing, tattoos, and overall demeanor. This resonated with viewers who appreciated her nonconformity and genuine spirit.
10. How did Abby’s character evolve throughout the series?
Initially portrayed as a quirky and enthusiastic forensic scientist, Abby’s character matured over the years, becoming more nuanced and demonstrating greater emotional depth. While she retained her trademark enthusiasm and dedication to her work, she also faced personal challenges and experienced loss, which shaped her into a more complex and relatable character.
11. What kind of forensic science did Abby specialize in?
Abby was a forensic scientist with a broad range of expertise, but she particularly excelled in trace evidence analysis, DNA analysis, and crime scene reconstruction. Her knowledge of chemistry, biology, and other scientific disciplines allowed her to analyze even the smallest pieces of evidence and provide crucial insights into criminal investigations.
12. Who replaced Abby on NCIS?
After Abby’s departure, Kasie Hines, played by Diona Reasonover, joined the NCIS team as a forensic scientist. Kasie brought her own unique skills and personality to the role, quickly becoming a valued member of the team.