‘NCIS’ Boss Explains Vance’s Shocking Death in Episode 500
“There have always been real stakes,” NCIS executive producer Steven D. Binder tells TV Insider of the jaw-dropping ending to the milestone 500th episode.
With the agency shut down, Director Vance (Rocky Carroll) refuses to back down from protecting it to the very end, including from a bomb set to destroy key evidence — but he doesn’t have all the facts at the time. What follows is one of the most shocking endings to an NCIS episode yet. And so we, of course, had to get some answers from Binder. Warning: Spoilers for NCIS Episode 500 (Season 23 Episode 13) ahead!
The bomb doesn’t go off, but what Vance doesn’t know is that the Army CID agent — NCIS was folded into that agency — with him is also part of the smuggling ring the disbanded team, reunited to help someone Gibbs (Mark Harmon) did back in the show’s second ever episode, “Hung Out to Dry”; Billy Fuentes’ (Austin Marques) is accused of murder, but, as they determine, she’s innocent and being framed by the ring, including the CID director. The CID agent shoots Vance, and while at first, it looks like he was wearing a vest, that wasn’t actually the case. Instead, the gunshot wounds prove to be fatal, and Vance dies, in an episode 18 seasons after Rocky Carroll joined the series.
Robert Voets/CBS
As Carroll told us as part of our video postmortem (watch here), it wasn’t his choice. So, why did NCIS kill off Vance?
“On the one hand, NCIS is a quirky character-based procedural. But on the other hand, there have always been real stakes, perhaps as best embodied by what happened to Agent Todd [Sasha Alexander] in the Season 2 finale,” executive producer Steven D. Binder tells us. “It is never easy to say goodbye to any of our characters, but we wanted to honor Rocky and his legacy on the show as best as we could — in this case, giving his life so his agency could live.”
Carroll recalled to us how Binder told him his idea for Episode 500, ending with, “In the process of saving the agency, he loses his life. It’s a great story. You want to hear more?” As the star told it, “It was basically presented to me that the studio and the network wanted to do something really spectacular, really big, and something that would really send shockwaves through the NCIS fan base and the community. … When they did tell me the whole plot line and the story, my first thought completely candidly was, it’s actually a terrific story. It’s going to be a great, shocking story.”
Guiding Vance along his journey and to make it a bit easier, standing in for the Angel of Death, was none other than Adam Campbell as young Ducky, first as a mystery man (Adhir Kalyan) before revealing his true face.
“You don’t need a special reason to bring back Adam Campbell. The man is a rock star. However, in this case, Ducky was actually not the first choice, simply because we lost David [McCallum] in real life and he was gone. It never crossed my mind that we could bring Ducky back,” Binder admits. “And there was a short list of candidates. But then I happened to catch one of the Young Ducky episodes on Paramount+, and the moment I saw Adam’s face, I realized what it needed to be.”
The episode ends with Ducky pointing out the legacy that Vance has left behind. After his murder, it’s revealed that the Army CID director fudged the numbers, and that’s why NCIS had been shut down. With that corrected, NCIS is back up and running, the team returns to work, and Parker (Gary Cole) un-retires.
Looking ahead, “The team will be grieving, of course,” Binder says. “But we felt it important that, at the end of the episode, the team is just as focused on Vance’s sacrifice as they are on their loss. Vance died to protect them all. And they are going to honor that by putting one foot in front of the other, and just continuing on their mission to protect and safeguard their country.”
What did you think of NCIS killing off Vance in the 500th episode? Let us know in the comments section below.
NCIS, Tuesdays, 8/7c, CBS
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G
I didn’t think that anything would crush me more than killing off Bobby Nash on 911
this takes the cake. I was shocked and saddened. Rocky Carroll was a super actor and the show will not be the same without him
55
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E
I don't think the show will be the same eitherI don't think this show will be the same either... Did he want to quit?
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N
That's my question exactly!
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J
The article quite clearly states that it was not the actor's choice to be killed off in the series.
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M
My hope is that Di Nozzo decides to come back and take the job. I can’t see Mc Gee in the role yet.
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M
Very emotional and shocking. Carroll was also emotional...real tears...sad to see him leave.
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A
I was so surprised that he was actually dead. Not too many programs effect me, but I cried at the end. Well done!
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R
Not well done a BS move if you ask me they're killing off all the players of the original NCIS and it's just not the same anymore. They've lost this fan now for good I'm done
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G
Ditto
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P
Oh, NCIS. I'm crying like a baby, like I do at the end of so many NCIS episodes. Most often because of how much the characters care about one another, like a family. Vance was the rock that held everyone together He kept them grounded. He was stern but you knew that he loved each and every one of his team. I feel his loss already.
36
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R
Shocked!!! Rocky Carroll has been on the show for a least 18 years and you kill him off, what it that. We love you Rocky and we are so sorry they did this.
35
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M
I was brought to tears over Vance's death on the last episode. Young Ducky explained his legacy will live on. What a wonderful and superb ending to episode 500. Can't wait to see who the new director will be.
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N
Wow Vance has been here since season 6 I can't believe he was killed off but protecting his agency and his agents he went out like a hero you will be forever missed Leon vance
29
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L
NOT HAPPY AT ALL! The character of Director Vance was perfect for the entire show! I don't think I'll be tuning into NCIS any longer!
28
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M
I am livid! Killing off Vance will ruin the show. That was a stupid move and it isn't a good way to keep long time fans.
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E
Shocking and heartbreaking. Vance was the backbone of NCIS. The show will not be the same. 😢
11
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N
Just because you wanted "something big" for the show? A beloved actor is given the boot? Not a good plan for the show, it will change the whole thing.. It's been going downhill lately. Maybe you should have saved money by dropping the boring "Sydney" instead. Vance will be missed by all.
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A
I was a few seconds behind and sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting, thinking surly this is going to be a dream like in another dream like crazy NCIS: New Orleans type of episode Boy did they have some of the most off the wall crap. Then it ended, and Vance is really dead. Heartbroken. 😭💔 The first thing I did was run to my brothers bedroom to tell him he had to watch it NOW, he's usually watching something else, he wasn't. The second thing was to jump on the internet to see one, the reasoning. and two what everyone else's reaction is.
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R
I'm with you it's just so sad they've changed the show so much they've lost this regular 500 show will be my last. I'm tired of them killing off everybody and replacing people.
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P
Will not be same show without Vance..All the good ones have left except McGee. He leaves and I will quit watching.
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R
Terrible idea. Beginning of the end for the show. Losing lot of fans
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J
I did guess the truth after Vance realized he didn't know who he was talking to (not CID, etc.). I did think that the "clear" shouts would finally work and Vance would be pulled out.... but apparently not. I did think the "fake Ducky" thing was cheesy and unnecessary.
As for the actual storyline of the episode... it wasn't too bad but was a little too disjointed for my liking.
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T
I have watched NCIS since the beginning. Always believable but I didn’t care for ducky coming back and telling Vance he took one for the team.
Is this the beginning to the end? I really hope not. There are several ways NCIS can stay sharp and years of stories to come. Just keep it real and no more ghost stories please.
From a loyal fan.
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T
If the producers wanted to have some big deal for the 500th episode I believe that is a ruse. Who counts the number of episodes for a program running 18 years? Nobody. What's the real reason? At first I thought he wanted out, but it sounds as if he was blindsided. Who is in line to replace him? Producers seem to forget viewers sometimes grow up or age with an actor. I'm disappointed he is gone.
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K
I was so sad then thought he had the vest on....
.Still crying
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C
I think this was the worst episode of NCIS ever. That was before they killed off Vance. Just terrible writing and a totally silly, stupid and shark jumping.
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M
One powerful show. Vance’s death hit me like punch to the gut. However, the last few minutes were well done. And yes, I did tear up. How about promoting McGee to director?
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J
I hated it when Gibbs left and Ducky died. Now Vance is gone, too. I'm hating it but already haven't been watching as much the last couple of seasons. This doesn't help any.
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L
It was great that he and Parker resolved their differences in the previous episode. Vance didn't die with any unresolved stories. Although it would be great to see him for many more years, how his death impacts the team will make compelling storytelling. Now a new director will be introduced and all of the growing pains that came with Vance and Shephard when they assumed that role can be explored again.
I look forward to seeing Rocky Carroll in new roles playing new characters.
4
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M
I did not care for this episode. Who came up with this contrived and absurd storyline? The entire episode was tedious. From one episode ending with the shocker that NCIS was being dismantled to the next with everybody gone was done with zero transition. If they wanted to kill off Vance, ok. Claiming to have completely dismantled a government agency and then suddenly bringing it back is just silly stupid. What drugs were the writers on to think this was in any way believable? Just stupid.
4
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K
Loved the Vance character😢 gonna miss him! I don’t get it. McGee only one left. Thinking the show may be ending soon sadly
4
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M
Already renewed for next season.
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R
In my opinion they need to end it just like they did some of the other NCIS shows they started and then quit like Hawaii and New Orleans.
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F
Vance was a hard ass director, not happy he’s gone. Just like Gibbs
4
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J
Hate hate that rocky is out
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C
I think this is sad why one of the only black characters had to die? He has been on the show for a long time,kill off some of the other people that are not worth saving.
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S
Not happy Vance is gone
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S
I think it was horrible! I was not expecting it, I have had several family losses since October, and this hit me like a another family member. It took a long time to get used to Gibbs not being there, but at least Vance was. It will never be the same, and I cried terribly.
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N
I think it sucks and took away one of the last staples of the NCIS series. I guess they kill off McGee next for the dramatic effect it might have. You do remember you don't have Gibbs to hold it together anymore so I'm afraid the series days are numbered.
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R
This is the stupidest most ridiculous ending I've ever seen, what do they think this is, an episode of the Twilight Zone?
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J
Hate it
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H
A good show. Very sorry to see Vance leave the show, though. Just don't make Parker the new director.
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J
I am very saddened that Rocky Carrol will no longer be on the show. I loved his character and he is a great actor. He will be missed. I hope there is a funeral scene and Leroy Jethro Gibbs leaves Alaska to attend the funeral.
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L
I hate it NCIS has lost to many great people and losing Director Vance is heartbreaking. I can’t stop crying. Now what? Are they ending NCIS? Are they bring back Gibbs?
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L
Don't think it was a good idea killing Vance, I've been watching NCIS since day one, at first I didn't like Vance but he grew on me & became a good director. The next director may be a hard ass. Some times I scream at the screen cause I want to kick the writers asses.
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5
Shocked/Sad. I don't like Vance dying,
he was great on show! Will miss him!
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S
tired of them killing off people you never said why you decided to eliminate the character
2
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L
I think it sucks when you miss with and kill off main characters of a great show. No one has really been able to fill Mark's spot but it did continue - but still not the same - characters come in but the show does suffer some each time. Should have left Vance live - just my opinion. But I would have you bring back Mark if he wanted to come back - he was the show
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J
I literally cried. So unexpected. What an amazing episode, wondering how NCIS moves on from this. Great writers!
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G
A great surprise, but it sucks. Bad decision.
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G
I was shocked, and I sat here sobbing. That being said, the episode was well written and performed as always.
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D
Didn't see that coming. Another beloved character gone. Grew to love Vance, and his integrity and fire. Rocky Carroll created a fine character with Leon. Damn I'm going to miss him.
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S
I think it’s part of the Paramount eliminating the DEI from their platforms! Watch Torres will be next!
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P
Yikes that was a riiiiide
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D
I hated it!
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P
It’s a show I get it. Rocky is ok but, with all the crap going on in our real world today the only thing that made sense was a show with such great characters. I will of course keep watching but why Rocky and why now??? A real shock!!!!!
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B
I hate it!!!!! If someone needed to die it should have been Parker, who I never liked as much as Mark Harmon anyway
2
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D
A fantastic episode... The third gun death of a regular on this show.. Kate, Reeves, and now Vance... Maybe they can bring on a character from another NCIS show to take over.. It would be fun for Pride but he would be too old now... Same with anyone from LA..
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J
The fourth. You are forgetting Jenny Shepard.
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J
Reeves? I had to look him up to see who he was, I'm not sure he qualifies as a 'regular.'
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R
Yes he was, just for a season though.. The "name on the beginning of the show" kinda thing..
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S
I think killing off Vance was a very stupid move.
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C
No, bring him back!!!!!!
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T
I was so shocked! Didn't see that coming! Rocky Carroll has done such an excellent job as director of NCIS. I've watched this show since the beginning, absolutely love it! I cried when they showed snippets of all his episodes. Well done, Rocky Carroll! Will miss seeing you on NCIS!
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J
It couldn't have been done any better. I loved him saying, "Hi, Jackie". 🥲
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R
I thought the ending was great but I hate to see Vance Rocky Carol leaving. Who ever takes his place will not help ratings. Every time something shits in characters and positions things fail along with shows.
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C
I was totally shocked! I cried, then cried even harder when Ducky showed his real self.
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P
It was a shocking ending for sure. Another long time character gone. I hope Gibbs gets off his boat in Alaska and shows up for the funeral.
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R
It will be one of the most memorable TV episodes for me, not just an NCIS one - so sad and yet gracefully done. Rocky Carroll will be missed, but the changing cast reflects real life, and this has kept NCIS from getting stale. Looking forward to the newbie and plots adjusting to the change.
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C
I loved the Episode but was shocked to see Vance died but NCIS always seem to have a shocker
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J
New director?
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J
1 of the best episodes ever However I hate to see him go A twist that I haven't seen in a while
1
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B
I didn’t see it coming and I don’t like it!!
1
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C
Deeply saddened by this episode and at the same time admired the great story telling and plot. Will Parker now rise to occasion and become the new director? Hmm... Let's see what the writers have in store for us... ;)
1
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L
That was intense and emotional and shocking as all hell. Agent Todd, THENDir Sheppard, NOW Dir Vance?? No no no. This truly sucks!!
The Ducky part was heartfelt, but hearing Jackie say "hi baby" was sweet, as well as, emotionally devastating.
1
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L
I thought, of course, he's smart. He'd be wearing a vest. I was smiling and then boom! I was floored! What a twist. I haven't cried like that since last week watching FBI when Maggie's sister was murdered. That was heartbreaking, too. I expected her to be found alive.
1
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F
I have this show from beginning and there have been times I had threatened to stop watching but now I have seen my last episode after tonight
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L
I am shocked and Saddened! I couldn’t stop crying. Just like I do when all the other actors left the show. This is a great show that is why it has lasted for 24 seasons.
Please Try not to eliminate any more characters!
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R
I think the directors and writers of the NCI series have lost their minds. First they get rid of Gibbs they kill off Ducky now Vance and that's not to mention all the other NCIS shows like New Orleans and the other ones that they start and we start watching them get hooked on them and then after a couple Seasons they just end them. And then start another new one it's BS if you ask me. I'm really getting tired of this and I think I'm really going to stop watching it. As soon as we get hooked on one they kill the series that we get hooked on like NCIS New Orleans was absolutely my favorite since Gibbs was gone. Now they kill off Vance it was bad enough they killed off his wife. This was a dreadful decision and I have a feeling it's going to have very reaching consequences with the fans of the show I can't believe any of us are going to be happy about this or even want to continue watching the show. With all the characters they've taken off the original NCIS it's just not the same anymore.
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C
You know they killed off Ducky because David McCollum actually died right?
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M
I haven’t been this shocked since Kate was killed. While I will miss Vance, it’s good to know that Rocky will still be directing episodes. A very well done 500th episode.
And this will set up McGee to become director (seeds have been being planted for a while now).
1
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B
Thought was great episode ending was a surprise would have been even better if after he walks into light would have seen his wife. Fuentes story was really done well, especially seeing Gibbs in the long ago episode..I’ve watchedd all 500 of them. Such a great show.
1
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M
That was his wife calling out to him at the end of the episode.
18
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M
I was hoping for & wish they’d gotten the actress back for a cameo, for us to see Jackie to meet him in person
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R
NOT ANYMORE!!!
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M
Meh. I said the same when Tony and Ziva left. Then when Gibbs left. But I love the new team. They're not the same, but they still work well together.
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B
It held my attention like no other recent épisode. Well done.
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P
NCIS has a way of shocking me still. I didn’t see that one coming. Very well done.
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D
It got me too
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M
I didn't think it was possible to surprise and devastate me that much 500 episodes in.
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L
Well, it would have been nicer to Carroll if he were initiating the departure because he had other projects scheduled. It kind of seems they were giving him the old heave-ho!
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F
Well played Director... well played. Mr. Carroll, Thank you for your many years of service to NCIS. The integrity and grit, occasional humor, and unshakeable devotion that you brought to this role will be felt throughout the NCIS fan database. You have no equal.
Seeing Ducky as Vance's guide and hearing Jackie greet him broke my heart, but it also reminded me that he is exactly where, and with whom he needs to be. Well done.
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J
McGee doesn't want the job, and DiNozzo would be a DiSaster.
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L
I was so shocked and still disappointed that they killed him off! Totally unnecessary.
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G
Don't think another death among the core was necessary to bother 500th justice.
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R
Now the ONLY ORIGINAL of the cast is McGee. That is sad. I'm kind of tired of you replacing everyone, and death is not the only way to put a SHOCKEROONY into the series. It is not original. People retire, or decide to quit for various reasons, as it is. So, i cannot say that i like this UNIMAGINATIVE approach.
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K
I wish that they hadn’t killed off Director Vance. I wish that they just thought he had died and that he comes back.
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R
I had to stop watching NCIS New Orleans after they killed off LaSalle and now they do this?
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J
I was very sad. I was hoping in the next episode it was just a dream
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B
Why did you have to do that?
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P
I was shocked at the end. It was a very good story! I'm sad to see Vance go he played that role expertly!!
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D
I don't like this. Sucks big time! And yes, I cried. Stop it...just stop it! The actor did not want to leave according to the article. You are messing with a great show and your fan base. You decide to kill off characters periodically. It's understandable when an actor wants to move on or actually dies in real life. Bad decision on yourvpart! On a positive note, well written and excellent acting as usual.
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L
I was stunned to say the very least. I sensed “something” was afoot as the story told by Vance unfolded. When he realized he kept hearing people saying “clear” it hit me like a ton of bricks. I didn’t know how to react, but I sure knew how I felt; devastated at his passing.
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E
It was a shocker that makes the series real. There can't always be a happy ending but they did a great job shaping it in a way that honored what Vance stood for. Young Ducky and his wife calling to him were the icing on the cake. Well done. As for Rocky Carroll, he was great in the role and will be missed.
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R
I loved Vance and will misshim. That had my crying, especially when you hear his wife speak to him. Very well done.
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N
It's a sad day to see Leon go out like that, definitely will be missed but maybe Gibbs or Dinozo could come back as director or McGee could finally get that promotion he so deserves although you'd be hard pressed to fill his shoes on the team. So many possibilities can't wait to see
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R
I was so shocked and sad it really happened and wasn't a dream.
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A
I hate that they killed him off!!!!
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J
Wow! That was unexpected! Sorry to see Rocky Carroll leave the show. I was hoping he had had on the vest. I wonder if they will bring in another person to fill his role. Maybe not now, but in the future perhaps? 😢😔
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I
I feel sorry for his kids who have now lost both their parents.
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I
I feel sorry for his kids who have now lost both their parents.
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G
A lot of cliches at the end, live flashed before his eyes, walking towards the light and greeted by loved ones.
Vance said McGee is destined to be a leader, will McGee be the next director?
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L
Totally shocked! My husband and I were just speechless at the end looking at each other. Tears in my eyes. Did not see this coming. Wonderful performance by Carroll and of course the rest of the cast.
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K
That was the best episode of any show ever! Very, very well done. I have it recorded and can watch it over and over!
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K
My son and I had a sudden attack of the sniffles. It was harsh (son guessed it) but I gasped "No!!!"
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G
I never cared for rocky Carroll or his character!! I didn't really realize he had been there for 18 years..every show needs an antagonist I guess so I'll probably miss him..
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M
Did not care for the use of Ducky. The whole show was convoluted, but I’m glad there will still be an NCIS.
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F
I was shocked and hurt and disappointed. I cried. I was hoping he would still wake up. But, if he ever had to go, this was a good way to do it. It just scares me. What's going to happen next? This is the only show I HAVE to watch every week. I hope it stays as great as it has always been.
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