NCIS Team Gets Candid On Sasha Alexander's Abrupt Exit After Season 2
Not everyone is cut to handle the pressures.
When a show lasts as long as NCIS, it's not uncommon for the cast and crew to change. Some characters may come and go as the story progresses and the people involved in making the show become interested in exploring other career opportunities.
However, no one really expects the cast to change right after season 2.
This is why NCIS fans were so shocked when Kate Todd, played by Sasha Alexander, was killed off. Although such an ending is very expected and realistic for anyone working in special forces, it was a pretty rough cut for the show.
The creators were willing to let go of one of the original cast members for good, and that had viewers worried.
This issue, as well as many others that arose during the two decades of the show's production, was discussed among members of the iconic show's production team in the latest article from The Hollywood Reporter.
“In year two, Sasha went to Don [Bellisario] and said, “I love this show, but I just can’t work this hard.” We were doing long hours. I don’t think she wanted to leave the show — she just wanted a lighter workload. Bellisario was always a writer who went for the cataclysmic. He went, “Well, what if we kill her off?”” Charles Floyd Johnson, NCIS’ executive producer shared.
The decision was truly unexpected and caused a lot of controversy and buzz around the show. Since the reasons for such a violent exit were unknown to the public at the time, the creative decision to kill Kate Todd seemed like an extension of some real-life conflict and caused a lot of never-ending speculation.
In the case of NCIS, however, it didn't hurt the show but only fueled the audience's interest in it. After Sasha Alexander's exit, the show stayed afloat for another 18 years.
Even better, CBS renewed the show for a 21st season in February, so once the SAG-AFTRA strike is officially over, you can expect the return of your favorite characters.
Until then, you can celebrate NCIS' anniversary by streaming the past 20 seasons of the show on Netflix.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter