Abby Sciuto, the beloved forensic scientist on NCIS, bid farewell to viewers in Season 15, Episode 22, titled “Two Steps Back.” This marked Pauley Perrette’s last appearance on the show after 15 remarkable seasons, leaving a void in the hearts of fans worldwide.
The Final Farewell: Abby’s Last Episode Explained
Pauley Perrette’s decision to leave NCIS after such a long and successful run sent shockwaves through the fanbase. The episode “Two Steps Back” served as a poignant and emotional goodbye, carefully crafted to honor Abby’s character and contribution to the team. The episode’s narrative revolved around Abby being targeted after saving a young boy, leading to a life-altering decision to prioritize her own safety and well-being. Her departure wasn’t a simple goodbye; it was a conscious choice to protect herself and honor the memory of a fallen colleague.
The episode beautifully showcased Abby’s unique personality: her unwavering loyalty, her commitment to justice, and her quirky, endearing charm. It allowed viewers to say goodbye in a way that felt both respectful and true to the character they had grown to love. While the departure was undoubtedly sad, it also acknowledged the importance of personal growth and change, even for characters deeply embedded in a long-running series. The writers ensured Abby’s exit felt organic and earned, emphasizing the character’s intrinsic goodness and unwavering moral compass.
FAQs About Abby Sciuto’s Departure from NCIS
H3 When exactly did Abby Sciuto leave NCIS?
Abby Sciuto’s last episode aired on May 8, 2018, as part of NCIS Season 15. This date marks the official end of Pauley Perrette’s run as a series regular.
H3 Why did Pauley Perrette leave NCIS?
While initial reports cited various reasons, including burnout and a desire to pursue other projects, it later surfaced that Pauley Perrette had experienced alleged mistreatment on set. In a series of tweets, she alluded to multiple physical assaults and a “machine” suppressing the truth. These allegations, primarily directed at Mark Harmon, are believed to be a significant factor in her departure. CBS, the network behind NCIS, released a statement acknowledging Perrette’s concerns and pledging to work towards a safer workplace.
H3 What happened to Abby in her last episode?
In “Two Steps Back,” Abby and Gibbs (Mark Harmon) are targeted after Abby saves a young boy during a mugging. Abby is critically injured, but ultimately recovers. This near-death experience prompts her to re-evaluate her life and make a significant decision.
H3 Where did Abby go after leaving NCIS?
Following the events of her last episode, Abby decides to leave NCIS and move to London to start a charity in honor of Clayton Reeves, a former MI6 agent and friend who died protecting her. She dedicates herself to carrying on his dream of helping homeless women.
H3 Did Abby Sciuto die on NCIS?
No, Abby Sciuto did not die on NCIS. While she was seriously injured, she survived and chose to leave NCIS to pursue a different path. The writers intentionally avoided killing off her character, leaving the door open for a potential future return, albeit unlikely.
H3 Will Abby Sciuto ever return to NCIS?
Pauley Perrette has stated publicly that she will not return to NCIS. Given the alleged issues she faced on set, a reconciliation with the show seems improbable. While fans have expressed hope for a cameo or guest appearance, Perrette’s stance remains firm.
H3 Who replaced Abby on NCIS?
Following Abby’s departure, Diona Reasonover joined the cast as Kasie Hines, a forensic scientist who had previously assisted Abby in a freelance capacity. Kasie quickly became a valued member of the NCIS team, bringing her own unique skills and personality to the lab.
H3 What is Pauley Perrette doing now?
After leaving NCIS, Pauley Perrette starred in the CBS sitcom Broke, which was unfortunately canceled after one season. She has since largely stepped away from acting, focusing on her activism and animal rescue efforts.
H3 How did fans react to Abby’s departure?
The reaction to Abby Sciuto’s departure was overwhelmingly emotional. Fans expressed sadness, disappointment, and even anger. Many felt that NCIS wouldn’t be the same without her. Social media was flooded with messages of support for Pauley Perrette and expressions of gratitude for her portrayal of Abby.
H3 Did other cast members address Pauley Perrette’s departure?
While many cast members offered well wishes and expressed their sadness at her leaving, the specifics of the alleged on-set issues remained largely unaddressed publicly by the core cast, presumably due to legal or professional considerations. CBS did acknowledge her concerns and pledged to address them.
H3 Was there a special send-off for Pauley Perrette and her character?
The episode itself served as the send-off. While there wasn’t a separate tribute show or special event, “Two Steps Back” was specifically designed to honor Abby’s character and give her a fitting farewell. The episode highlighted her importance to the team and celebrated her unique contributions to NCIS. The focus was on providing a respectful and meaningful conclusion to her storyline.
H3 What impact did Abby Sciuto have on the portrayal of women in STEM on television?
Abby Sciuto was a groundbreaking character. She shattered stereotypes about women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by portraying a highly intelligent and skilled forensic scientist who was also quirky, fashionable, and deeply compassionate. She inspired countless young women to pursue careers in science and technology, proving that intelligence and femininity are not mutually exclusive. Her unique style and personality made her a relatable and aspirational figure, demonstrating that one can be both brilliant and authentic. Her impact on representation is undeniable and continues to resonate today.