A profoundly emotional shift is coming to NCIS with the arrival of season 23, as the show delves into the pain following a deeply tragic loss. When the new season kicks off next week, fans will witness how the team copes with an intense personal crisis. At the close of season 22, we saw Alden Parker—played by Gary Cole—have his life unexpectedly spared by his rival, mob boss Carla, portrayed by Rebecca De Mornay. However, the relief quickly turned to heartbreak when it appeared Carla took Alden’s father’s life instead. This devastating event will be central to season 23, premiering on October 14, where viewers will see Alden navigating his grief, supported by his on-screen sister.
Nancy Travis joins the cast as Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker, Alden’s sister, appearing in a guest-starring role. Those familiar with Nancy’s work from films like The Vanishing, Three Men and a Little Lady, Greedy, So I Married an Axe Murderer, and recent projects such as Sovereign and Grosse Pointe Society will recognize her versatile talent. Her character brings a powerful dynamic to the show as she supports Alden through this difficult chapter.
In an interview with TVLine, executive producer Steven D. Binder shared insights about adding Nancy's character to the storyline. He explained, "Family bonds are shaped very early on. The Alden Parker we see now is a far cry from who he was as a child. He had a troubled youth, including time in juvenile detention and stealing. Harriet grew up with Alden as the 'bad kid' while she was the 'good kid.' This sibling contrast will play out intensely between them." Binder elaborated that Harriet is a highly disciplined admiral, while Alden carries the lingering shadow of his rebellious, troubled past. Their clashes range from typical sibling spats—like those around Thanksgiving dinner—to moments heightened by the global crises they face together, which resonate deeply with NCIS’s signature storytelling.
As for Carla, the mob boss played by Rebecca De Mornay, Binder revealed she remains an influential figure this season. "We have a two-part season premiere. Carla’s role is quieter in the first episode but becomes significantly larger in the second," he said. Carla, introduced as the ruthless head of the Kansas City mob, is driven by profound personal pain—the loss of her son. This pain fuels her actions and makes her a compelling antagonist. Binder hopes viewers will find her to be a villain with depth, a character whose motivations, rooted in family loss, make her somewhat relatable despite her dark deeds.
Back in July, Binder also discussed how season 23 plans to deepen the focus on the characters' personal lives more than ever before. He told TVLine, "Our goal this season is to explore every character in significant ways. Although fans often say they watch NCIS for the characters, this season will emphasize their personal journeys even more profoundly. If you’re invested in these characters, this season will truly resonate with you."
This emphasis on character-driven storytelling mirrors the approach taken by the new NCIS prequel series, NCIS: Origins, which debuted last year. That show, starring Austin Stowell as a young Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, dives into the formative years of the beloved character originally played by Mark Harmon for nearly 20 years on the main franchise. While delivering plenty of action and drama, NCIS: Origins primarily offers fans an intimate view of Gibbs’ early experiences and the personal trials that shaped the iconic NCIS figure they know today.
But here’s where it gets controversial: will the show's increased focus on family drama and internal conflicts risk alienating fans who prefer the procedural crime-solving aspect? Or could this deeper emotional storytelling bring a fresh, more compelling dimension to NCIS's long-standing appeal? What do you think—does NCIS need more heart or more action? Share your thoughts below!
