After five seasons away, Emily Wickersham is returning to NCIS as Ellie Bishop, but fans can expect a very different version of the character.
Wickersham revealed that Bishop has gone through major changes since leaving the team in 2021. While details remain limited, she hinted that Bishop has experienced darker, more intense situations during her time away, giving her a new layer of emotional “baggage.”
In her return episode, Bishop is being pursued as a suspected cybert3rror1st, putting her at odds with NCIS. The situation becomes even more complicated as Jessica Knight, now part of NCIS Elite, is assigned to track her down while working closely with Nick Torres.
Bishop’s history with Torres remains a key part of the story. The two shared a strong bond and a romantic moment before her departure, and Wickersham confirmed that their connection hasn’t disappeared. She teased that their chemistry will still be present, even after years apart.
At the same time, Bishop is aware of Torres’ partnership with Knight. While she may feel some underlying jealousy, Wickersham suggested that Bishop ultimately wants what’s best for him.
Bishop’s new role places her in morally complex situations, operating in a gray area that may make others question her intentions. This adds tension with Knight, who is likely to be cautious and unsure about trusting her.
With a more layered and unpredictable version of Bishop returning, her reappearance is set to bring both emotional and dramatic twists to the current season of NCIS.