The 500th episode of NCIS just dropped a bombshell: Director Leon Vance is dead. After 18 legendary years, showrunner Steve Binder executed a decade-long plan to give Vance a hero’s exit.

Rocky Carroll isn’t retiring though; he’s transitioning to directing behind the lens. While the character’s death is definitive, fans might still see Vance again through future flashbacks or visions.

Rocky Carroll isn’t retiring though; he’s transitioning to directing behind the lens. While the character’s death is definitive, fans might still see Vance again through future flashbacks or visions.