Emily Bishop’s journey on NCIS concluded in Season 18, Episode 16, titled “Rule 91.” The episode aired on May 25, 2021, marking the end of actress Emily Wickersham’s eight-season run as a key member of the NCIS team.
Bishop’s Departure: Decoding “Rule 91”
“Rule 91” is more than just Bishop’s last appearance; it’s a carefully constructed exit strategy that aims to provide closure while leaving room for potential future appearances. The episode revolves around a leaked NSA document and Bishop’s surprising connection to it. Viewers witness her acting increasingly erratic, ultimately culminating in her being seemingly disgraced and dismissed from NCIS.
However, a twist reveals that this was all an elaborate ruse. Bishop was secretly working with Odette Malone, a former CIA operative and a recurring character, on an undercover mission. She leaked the classified document to draw out a dangerous terrorist group and infiltrate their ranks. This operation required her to burn all bridges, including her relationship with Nick Torres, creating a dramatic and heartbreaking finale for her storyline. Bishop leaves NCIS to pursue this undercover assignment indefinitely, ultimately working in deep cover.
FAQs: Understanding Bishop’s Exit from NCIS
This section answers common questions about Emily Bishop’s departure, providing a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind her exit and the implications for the NCIS universe.
H3 Why did Emily Wickersham leave NCIS?
Emily Wickersham announced her departure from NCIS via an Instagram post following the airing of “Rule 91.” While she didn’t explicitly state her reasons, many speculated it was due to a combination of factors, including a desire to pursue other acting opportunities and potentially start a family. Burnout from a demanding role on a long-running series is also a common reason for actors to move on. It is also worth noting that contracts on network television shows often run for several years, and actors may simply choose not to renew them.
H3 Was Emily Wickersham fired from NCIS?
No, Emily Wickersham was not fired. Her departure was a mutually agreed-upon decision between the actress and the show’s producers. This is evident in the way her exit was written into the script, allowing for the possibility of a future return. The narrative of her leaving on a secret mission suggests a thoughtful and collaborative approach to her character’s ending.
H3 What is “Rule 91” in NCIS Lore?
“Rule 91” is one of Gibbs’ Rules, the often cryptic guidelines he lives by and occasionally shares with his team. While its complete meaning is never fully revealed, it’s generally understood to mean “When you decide to walk away, don’t look back.” This rule is particularly poignant in Bishop’s final episode, as she chooses to leave everything behind to commit to her undercover mission. It signifies a complete break from her previous life at NCIS.
H3 What happened to Bishop and Torres?
Bishop and Torres developed a complex and evolving romantic relationship throughout the series. Their connection deepened in the seasons leading up to her departure. However, Bishop’s undercover operation forced her to betray Torres’ trust, leading to a heartbreaking separation. Torres was visibly devastated by her apparent betrayal, adding a layer of emotional complexity to her exit. Their relationship remains unresolved, leaving fans wondering if they will ever reconcile.
H3 Will Emily Wickersham ever return to NCIS?
While there are no concrete plans for Emily Wickersham’s return to NCIS, the writers intentionally left the door open for a potential future appearance. The fact that Bishop is alive and working undercover suggests that she could reappear in a storyline involving national security or international intrigue. The possibility remains a constant topic of discussion among fans and media outlets, fueled by the show’s history of bringing back former cast members.
H3 What was the reaction to Bishop’s departure from NCIS?
The reaction to Bishop’s departure was mixed. Some fans were disappointed to see her go, especially given her established relationship with Torres. Others appreciated the dramatic and unexpected nature of her exit, arguing that it was a fitting end for her character arc. Many viewers expressed hope for her eventual return.
H3 Who replaced Bishop on NCIS?
Following Bishop’s departure, NCIS introduced several new characters to fill the void. Jessica Knight, played by Katrina Law, was promoted to a series regular and became a permanent member of the team. Knight’s addition brought a new dynamic to the group, introducing different skills and perspectives to the NCIS investigations.
H3 What was Bishop’s undercover mission?
Bishop’s undercover mission involved infiltrating a dangerous terrorist organization led by Benjamin Said, a known enemy of the United States. The organization was involved in various illegal activities, including arms trafficking and planning attacks against American interests. Bishop’s role was to gain the trust of Said and his associates, gather intelligence on their operations, and ultimately help bring them to justice.
H3 How did Bishop learn her spy skills?
Bishop learned many of her undercover and spy skills through her clandestine training with Odette Malone. Odette, a former CIA operative with extensive experience in espionage, served as Bishop’s mentor, teaching her the techniques and strategies necessary to survive and succeed in the dangerous world of covert operations. Odette’s training added layers to Bishop’s character and provided a plausible explanation for her transformation into a skilled operative.
H3 What other shows has Emily Wickersham been in?
Prior to NCIS, Emily Wickersham had roles in several other television shows and films. She appeared in “The Sopranos,” “Gossip Girl,” “I Am Number Four,” and “Gone.” These experiences helped prepare her for the demanding role of Ellie Bishop on NCIS.
H3 How did Gibbs react to Bishop leaving?
Gibbs, while not explicitly present for Bishop’s final goodbye, likely understood and implicitly approved of her actions. His emphasis on protecting national security and his willingness to bend the rules when necessary align with Bishop’s decision to embark on the undercover mission. While Gibbs had already departed the show himself before Bishop’s final episode, his principles and philosophies profoundly influenced her character development. He would likely recognize that her actions, however drastic, were in service to a greater good.
H3 What specific rule did Bishop break to leave?
While Bishop didn’t explicitly violate any specific numbered rule from Gibbs’ list, her actions certainly flew in the face of trust and transparency within the team. Her deliberate misleading of Torres, and the appearance of being corrupt, broke the unspoken code of loyalty and honesty that Gibbs deeply valued. This ambiguity reinforces the complex moral landscape Bishop navigated in her final episode. Her “rule breaking” served a higher purpose, aligning with a more profound, unwritten rule of protecting national security, even at personal cost.