Emily Wickersham Returns as Bishop in NCIS Origins

Ellie Bishop will return to the NCIS universe as Emily Wickersham joins multiple episodes of NCIS: Origins this season, CBS announced. The former NCIS agent will help Leroy Jethro Gibbs investigate the shooting that left him wounded, making her debut in the prequel's October 27 episode at 10 p.m. on CBS.

According to CBS's official episode description, newly appointed NCIS director Tony DiNozzo recruits Bishop to assist Gibbs in identifying the unknown attackers responsible for the shooting. The episode also reunites Gibbs with familiar colleagues as the investigation continues.

In a preview released by CBS, Gibbs confronts Bishop with a gun drawn when they meet again. Bishop responds with a dry remark that acknowledges their history together.

"Missed you, too." Bishop responds to Gibbs in the preview.

Gibbs explains that he had instructed Tony to keep the investigation unofficial. Bishop's involvement reflects her connection to the new director and her experience working outside conventional agency channels.

"Yeah, well, that's why he called me. My whole life is off the books." Bishop tells Gibbs.

Gibbs then instructs Bishop to prepare for the assignment, prompting a reaction that recalls their previous working relationship.

"Gear up," Gibbs tells Bishop.

Her response underscores the significance of returning to a familiar operational role after years away from the main series.

"I never thought I'd hear you say that again." Bishop replies.

Wickersham played Bishop on NCIS for eight seasons alongside Mark Harmon, who portrayed Gibbs. She left the series in 2018 when her character joined a highly classified undercover organization.

Bishop later returned to NCIS during the previous season, reuniting with Nick Torres and helping resolve a situation before disappearing again. Her latest appearance brings the character into the prequel's ongoing investigation while connecting the two series through their established characters.

NCIS: Origins follows a younger Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, during the 1990s. Harmon also appears on screen throughout the current season, continuing his association with the character he portrayed in the original series.

The prequel's season premiere left Gibbs wounded by a gunshot, setting up the central mystery of who wants him dead. In the October 27 episode, Gibbs reconnects with Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, and seeks the new NCIS director's assistance in identifying the shooter.

According to CBS's official episode synopsis, Gibbs enlists the new NCIS director's help in identifying who shot him. Bishop's arrival adds another former colleague to the investigation as the series continues exploring Gibbs's earlier career.