Saddest ‘NCIS’ Casualties...So Far

In between all the jokes and humor, especially from Special Agent Anthony aka Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly), the hit drama “NCIS” has experienced, and probably will continue to experience, some very sad casualties. Yes, the show is about catching murderers and stopping crime, but it’s hard to watch some characters leave the show, even if it is in the line of duty. Here are the saddest “NCIS” casualties...so far.

10. Special Agent Brent Langer

Jonathan Lapaglia may have only played Brent Langer in two episodes, but his death didn’t pass lightly, especially for Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). After joining the NCIS team - he previously worked for the FBI - Langer was set up to look like a mole in the agency by Agent Lee (explored below). To make matters worse, Lee killed him. Gibbs questioned Langer’s death from the beginning, and finally punished Lee for her treason.

9. Special Agent Lara Macy

At the end of Season 6, Louise Lombard first showed up as Lara Macy, the head of the Los Angeles Special Projects team. The two episodes acted as a crossover and introductory for “NCIS: LA.” In addition to leading a team, her strained relationship with Gibbs was briefly mentioned, and it was later revealed she covered up Gibbs’ killing of Pedro Hernandez aka the man who killed his wife and daughter. Macy ended up murdered by the Hernandez family for her cover-up. She tried to protect Gibbs, and it ended sadly for her.

8. Special Agent Michelle Lee

Now, you may be asking “why is Liza Lapira’s Agent Lee on this list if her character committed treason?” and I say good question. Yes, she killed Langer and acted as an NCIS mole, but her death was sort of sad. For three seasons, “NCIS” fans came to not only know Lee as an agent within in the legal department, but for also having a clandestine relationship with Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen). She turned into a traitor, because some psychopath (played by “Sex and the City” actor David Eigenberg) was holding her sister hostage - who Lee raised like a daughter - in exchange for information. Eventually, her sister was returned. Unfortunately for Lee, Gibbs shoots a bullet through her into Eigenberg, resulting in each of their deaths. The sad part is Lee gave Gibbs the OK to kill her, so her sister would be safe.

7. Mossad Director Eli David

This is another character fans might not have been sad to see go, but I had to include him for Ziva’s (Cote de Pablo) sake. This season, Ziva’s father, Eli David (Michael Nouri), was shot and killed. Yes, he and Ziva didn’t have the best relationship, thanks to Eli. Gibbs is more of a father than Eli ever was to Ziva. However, fans hearts broke to see Ziva’s sadness over the death of Eli, especially when she cried out “Aba!” after finding his dead body.

6. Special Agent Paula Cassidy

Actress Jessica Steen was featured throughout “NCIS” as Paula Cassidy, until Season 4 when she sacrificed herself by throwing herself on top of a terrorist bomber who had previously killed Cassidy’s team members. On occasion she was well received, but Tiva fans might not have been happy for the flirting and complicated relationship Cassidy had with Tony. Even so, Cassidy went out a hero.

5. Jackie Vance

This was a death I did not expect. This season, Jackie Vance (Paula Newsome) was killed alongside Eli David at the Vance household. She was collateral damage, as the gunfire was meant for Eli. Fans are currently watching NCIS Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) grieve, struggle, guide his children and figure out his life, after his wife’s tragic death.

4. Special Agent Kate Todd

Even though Sasha Alexander fans can currently watch the actress on TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles” catch bad guys, she was first fighting crime as Caitlin “Kate” Todd on “NCIS.” Alexander left the series after Season 2, and it was devastating for viewers and her NCIS team. Todd literally left the show with a bang, as she was shot in the head by Gibbs’ enemy/Ziva’s half-brother Ari Haswari (Rudolf Martin). It was hard for fans to get used to Ziva when she showed up in Season 3, but thankfully, she did appear, because she’s the one who killed Ari.

3. Director Jenny Shepard

Jenny (Lauren Holly) could have been Gibbs’ other half, but unfortunately she was killed off at the end of Season 5. Fans grew to love her as the sultry, strong redhead who had a soft spot for Leroy Jethro. The two had a long, complicated history, and there was some hope the two would end up together. Sadly, that didn’t happen. In addition to being killed during a shootout, Jenny was also dying from an unexplained illness. Either way, she would have left the NCIS family.

2. Shannon and Kelly Gibbs

Gibbs hasn’t had an easy life. He’s been married four times and divorced three. It is revealed in Season 3, that his first wife, Shannon (Darby Stanchfield), and daughter, Kelly, were murdered by Mexican drug dealer Pedro Hernandez. Shannon witnessed Hernandez commit murder and was set to testify against him, but not before he killed her and Kelly. Gibbs got his revenge by taking a sniper rifle to Mexico and shooting Pedro dead. The tragedy lives with him everyday, and is often a topic on the show. For example, in Season 6, we learn Gibbs’ famous rules are thanks to Shannon. She will always be his one true love.

1. Mike Franks

Last, we have the beloved Mike Franks (Muse Watson). My heart still hurts over his death. Franks is known and loved for his hardass qualities. He’s a rough and tough kind of guy. Early on, we learn Franks was the one who recruited Gibbs to work at NCIS. Ever since then, the two have been best friends. Sadly, Mike died in Season 8, after the Port to Port Killer (Kerr Smith) stabbed and killed him. In the Season 8 finale, viewers learned that Mike was dying from a terminal illness, but I will never forgive this death. I only wish “NCIS” was a supernatural show so they could bring back Franks!