The upcoming 23rd season of NCIS arrives with a heavy emotional burden, as it must navigate the fallout from a deeply moving loss that has left fans eager for answers. But here’s where it gets controversial — the way the show explores grief, family, and loyalty might challenge your expectations. Following the dramatic conclusion of season 22, viewers saw Gary Cole’s character, Alden Parker, narrowly escape death thanks to the intervention of his adversary, mob boss Carla, portrayed by Rebecca De Mornay. However, the relief was short-lived when it appeared Carla had instead targeted Alden’s father, delivering a crushing blow to the Parker family. When season 23 kicks off on October 14, audiences will witness Alden grappling with the pain of his father’s death, finding strength through the presence of his sister on screen.
Joining the cast as Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker, Alden’s sister, is guest star Nancy Travis, a familiar face recognized for roles in films like The Vanishing, Three Men and a Little Lady, and So I Married an Axe Murderer. Nancy’s addition brings fresh depths to Alden’s backstory, providing viewers with a chance to explore the family dynamics shaping his character.
Executive producer Steven D. Binder shared insights with TVLine on how Harriet’s introduction reflects Alden’s complex past: "Family relationships are formed early and deeply. The Alden Parker we see now is very different from the troubled child he once was. We’ve peeled back the layers to reveal a youth marked by trouble — juvenile detention, theft — and that background profoundly shaped his bond with his sister." He explained that Harriet embodies the "good kid" who grew up alongside Alden’s rebellious "bad kid," and their reunion will ignite those sibling tensions again. Binder added, "Imagine that clash at Thanksgiving dinner — now multiply it by the pressure of a global crisis. That’s classic NCIS drama right there."
On the topic of Carla’s role this season, Binder revealed that while Rebecca De Mornay’s character starts with a smaller part in the two-part season premiere, she will ultimately take on a significant presence. Carla, known as the ruthless leader of the Kansas City mob, is driven by a deeply personal pain — the loss of her son. This tragedy adds layers to her villainy, making her a more nuanced antagonist than usual. Binder hopes viewers will see her as "a bad guy with relatable motivations," making the moral lines blur in a fascinating way.
In July, Binder further revealed that season 23 plans to dive more deeply into the personal lives of its characters than ever before. He told TVLine, "We want every character to shine in this season. Our fans often say they watch NCIS because of the characters — that’s always been our heart. This season, we’re focusing on character development like never before. If you care about these people, this is the season you don’t want to miss."
This character-driven approach echoes the creative direction taken by last year’s prequel series, NCIS: Origins, which follows a young Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, originally played by Mark Harmon for nearly two decades. While the prequel is packed with action and intrigue, its core is an intimate exploration of Gibbs’ formative experiences that shaped his iconic NCIS role. Both series demonstrate how personal stories add meaningful layers beyond thrilling procedural elements, inviting fans to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
So, with NCIS boldly focusing on complex family ties, emotional journeys, and morally ambiguous antagonists, where do you stand? Does this blend of personal turmoil and procedural drama enhance the show, or could it distract from the crime-solving action you love? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation going!
