NCIS season 19 will feature the return of Meredith Eaton as immunologist Carol Wilson. The police procedural series first premiered on CBS in 2003 and has grown to become the seventh-longest-running scripted U.S. primetime television show, boasting over 400 episodes to date. The series, originally a spinoff of JAG, slowly found its way into the top of the ratings and has established a loyal fanbase, as well as its own NCIS spin-offs, along the way. While its cast has varied throughout its duration, members Mark Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, Cote de Pablo, Sean Murray, and Rocky Carroll have all starred in the series for an extended period of time.
NCIS follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they inspect a range of crimes, varying from murder to espionage. The character of Carol Wilson was introduced in the show's 7th season. Played by Meredith Eaton in a recurring role, Carol was a CDC immunologist and friend of Abby Sciuto. The character last appeared in the season 11 episode, "Homesick," when the team was investigating a mysterious, fast-spreading disease. NCIS makes it possible for characters to return though, and many fans have found excitement in seeing reappearances from its cast members over the years.
TV Insider recently confirmed Meredith Eaton's return to NCIS and reveals why her character is now making another appearance. Executive producer Steven D. Binder praises Eaton as an actor and says that the scheduling had to be right for her to return and that it was something everyone wanted. He adds that Carol Wilson's help will certainly be needed and teases the level of stakes involved this time around. Read Binder's quote regarding bringing Carol back below:
"We’re beyond excited to be able to work with Meredith Eaton again. She’s an amazing actor, who brings a wonderful energy to our show. Since her last guest appearance in Season 11, we’ve been chomping at the bit to have her back whenever her schedule allowed. And now, with the team desperately needing the help of an expert immunologist, who better than Meredith’s beloved ‘Carol Wilson’ to come and save the day? The only real question is, will she be in time?"
Seeing familiar faces dropping by this far into the show's run is one way to maintain audience engagement. After Mark Harmon exited the series early in season 19, fans will be happy to get more of its past characters in future episodes. Harmon's departure was a shock to many, since his character, Leroy Gibbs, was the show's central figure, appearing in every season amidst a changing cast.
It seems as though NCIS might be looking ahead now, following Harmon's exit, and if the series were to try to make changes in the future, including past characters could be a good way to ease fans into whatever new direction it decides to go in. It will be interesting to find out if any other characters return in the show's current season. With Gary Cole being added to the cast, it is clear the series has plans moving forward. Fans of NCIS can look forward to seeing Carol Wilson again, as well as what comes next, in upcoming episodes.
Source: TV Insider