Either crime dramas find a way to sign onJennifer Esposito,or she seeks them out based on her extensive filmography. From her various appearances across theLaw & Orderuniverse to being part of the ensemble inPaul Haggis’Crash, to her recent guest starring role as CIA director Susan Raynor inThe Boys, Esposito seems to enjoy being part of law-enforcement projects. In 2016, she joined the cast of the ongoing police proceduralNCIS. But, likeall the original cast members, Esposito said farewell to the long-running show.
Following the departure ofMichael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo inNCISSeason 13, a spot was left open on the Major Crimes Response Team (MCRT). Instead of just filling it with one agent, theNCISSeason 14 premiere introduced two new characters to join the team:Wilmer Valderrama’s Nick Torres and Esposito’s Alex Quinn. They brought a new dynamic to the team with their unique work experiences — Torres as an undercover agent and Quinn as an instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). Instead of the traditional four-person MCRT, there were five agents.NCISseemed to be moving in an exciting new direction that it needed afterbeloved characters Tony and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo)left. But while Valderrama has stayed with the show since then,Esposito quietly exited at the end of Season 14 without a proper sendoff.
How Did ‘NCIS’ Address Alex Quinn’s Exit?
Along with her expertise as a FLETC instructor,Quinn was given an emotional backstory that audiences could relate to.NCISSeason 14, Episode 20 introduced her mother, Marie Quinn (Mercedes Ruehl), who was experiencing Alzheimer’s. Gibbs, being the kind boss that he is, allowed Quinn to take time away from a case to help her mother as she kept forgetting the death of her husband. Quinn seemed to be managing, but as Marie’s condition worsened, she decided to move in with her mother. It’s always nice whenNCISbrings in the team’s family members for an episodebecause it takes a step away from the procedural nature and shows off the characters' home lives.
TheNCISSeason 14 finale saw Quinn answering two mysterious calls, but nothing was revealed about them as Esposito left the show before the Season 15 premiere. In aninterview withParade, co-showrunnerFrank Cardeasaid the storyline with Quinn’s mother is “going to consume a little of her time,” implying there were plans for Quinn. InNCISSeason 15, Episode 1, Torres mentions that Quinn took a leave of absence to care for her mom, seemingly implying the calls in the Season 14 finale were related to her mother’s health. InDeadline’s exclusive report, Esposito shared that working onNCIS"was a great experience. I could not have asked for a better opportunity than to work with theNCIScast and producers." While it seemed like she had a good time, herNCISexit is definitely notone of the best sendoffs for a TV character.
Is ‘NCIS’ Already Teasing This Character’s Exit?
‘NCIS’ might be going in a new direction following its latest episode.
Quinn Could Return to the ‘NCIS’ Franchise
Out of all theNCISseries regulars, Esposito had the shortest tenure on the show, appearing in only 24 episodes. Unfortunately, Esposito left the show just as Quinn’s storylines started to get interesting. But theNCIScreative team has brought back characters before, even from the dead, so though she hasn’t been mentioned since the Season 15 premiere, it’s possible that a former main star likeEsposito could return in some capacityif she’s interested.
Even though Quinn had a close work relationship withGibbs, who has since exitedNCIS, she also built bonds with Torres,Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), andJimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).If Torres were to lead anNCISspinoff, Quinn showing up in that series would be a fun way to reunite the two agents. WithNCISSeason 23 officially confirmedand nearing the 500-episode mark, it could be another opportunity to seeformer cast members return for a special episode.
NCISis available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
Follows the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), as they get to the bottom of criminal cases connected to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
