The series plot is likely to escalate quickly in “NCIS” season 16 as fans may recall that the show closed its previous installment with Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) in a very ugly situation. Now, it could be up to Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) to save the NCIS director’s life.
Things went horribly for Vance in the finale of season 15. In a major cliffhanger, he ended up getting kidnapped by Nigel Hakim (Pej Vahdat). To make it worse, the latest episode concluded and not one from the team of Special Agent Gibbs knows about Vance’s situation.
With this situation, “NCIS” season 16 can be expected to immediately pick up where the previous installment left off. It would be interesting to learn how Gibbs and his squad will learn that their director has been kidnapped.
Meanwhile, a situation this bad for Vance has also sparked speculations that this might lead to actor Rocky Carroll’s exit from the franchise. However, several observers assume that Special Agent Gibbs will give it his all to save Vance.
Special Agent Gibbs has made it very clear before that he does not want to take Vance's position as NCIS director even if he is very much qualified. So observers expect that Gibbs will be more motivated to rescue Vance for that reason, aside from wanting to save Vance so he can be reunited with his children.
One of the main stories tackled in the latest season of “NCIS” was the time when Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane (Maria Bello) was also held captive by enemies during her deployment in Afghanistan. Later, it was learned that Nigel was actually one of Sloane’s kidnappers. But it was too late before Team Gibbs was able to connect the dots.
This backstory also gives the kidnapping of Vance more meaning in “NCIS” season 16. The NCIS director was one of the persons who led the mission of saving Sloane. Now, the tables have turned and it is time for Special Agent Sloane to help in rescuing Vance.
CBS confirmed the release of “NCIS” season 16 along with renewing the deal with Mark Harmon last April. The show is expected to enter production soon as its premiere is set for Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. ET.