NCIS Cast Speaks Out After Shocking Season 22 Finale: “We’re Ready to Go Rogue”

As fans are still trying to process the explosive NCIS Season 22 finale, the cast is already teasing a rule-breaking, emotionally charged Season 23. The CBS drama ended its latest chapter with a personal loss that has the team ready to throw the rulebook out the window.

“You’re going to see a team that’s going to be willing to go rogue,” Wilmer Valderrama told Us Weekly at CBS Fest on May 7. Valderrama, who plays Special Agent Nick Torres, hinted that what’s coming next won’t be standard NCIS protocol.

Season 23, expected to premiere this fall, will pick up right after the murder of Roman Parker—father of Special Agent in Charge Alden Parker (Gary Cole). The finale saw Parker kidnapped by Nexus cartel leader Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay), who blames him for her son’s death. Though Parker survived, Carla fled custody, and he returned home only to find his father dead, two wine glasses at the scene—one with lipstick.

Many fans suspect Carla was involved.

Gary Cole: “This Is One of Our Own”

“This isn’t just another murdered victim,” said Gary Cole, speaking exclusively to Us Weekly. “It becomes that to some other team members.” And among those most affected? Torres.

Valderrama agrees, saying Torres has grown deeply connected to the NCIS team over time. “When someone hurts, Torres hurts. And Torres is a little more unhinged than most.”

“I think our badges are going to go in a drawer at some point,” he added, suggesting the agents will take matters into their own hands if justice isn’t served the traditional way.

Katrina Law: “This Team Is a Family”

Katrina Law, who plays Special Agent Jessica Knight, echoed the sentiment of unity and urgency.

“Our team’s going to come together in a way for Parker that you’ve never seen this group come together before,” Law said. “And I’m really interested to see how far we’re willing to go for the love of one of our own.”

Sean Murray Teases More Conflict With LaRoche

The finale also revealed a covert operation: Inspector General Gabriel LaRoche (Seamus Dever) was secretly working with the Department of Defense—without informing NCIS. It was Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) who uncovered the connection, and though LaRoche handed off the case, his storyline might not be over.

“I think we’re going to see a little more,” Murray said. “It would be unfair of us to not see a little more, you know what I mean?”

What’s Next for NCIS?

The stakes are personal. Carla Marino is still at large. Roman Parker is dead. And the Nexus cartel hasn’t been dismantled. With loyalties tested and rules bent, NCIS Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the most intense yet.

Catch up now: All episodes of NCIS are streaming on Paramount+.
New season premieres this fall on CBS.