Maria Bello (53) has been playing the forensic psychologist "Jacqueline 'Jack' Sloane" at NCIS since season 15. Last summer, fans learned that the actress Marie Bello is leaving the series in season 18. There was long speculation about the NCIS farewell.
At the beginning of season 18, "Jack" announced that she wanted to change her life. She wants to take things a little easier and maybe even move to South America.
Spoilers ahead! In episode eight "True Believer", "Jack" told "Gibbs" (Mark Harmon, 69) that she has already submitted an offer for a house in Costa Rica and wants to leave NCIS. Before "Jack" can explain her plans, the two are interrupted.
"Jack" and "Gibbs" travel to Afghanistan with NCIS
"Jack" and "Gibbs" learned that four girls in Afghanistan were kidnapped from a school bus by the Taliban. Among the kidnapped girls is "Darya", who took care of "Sloane" when she was held in Afghanistan. On the window of the attacked school bus, she scribbled a message for the psychologist: "SLOANE NCIS".
Immediately "Jack" and "Gibbs" fly there to find the girls. Meanwhile, the NCIS team tries to find out who leaked information about the route of the bus to the Taliban. While one of the kidnapped girls appears alive, "Darya" is tragically found dead. Eventually, "Jack" and "Gibbs" found the rest of the girls and bring them to safety.
Instead of moving to Costa Rica, "Jack" decides to stay in Afghanistan and help the people there."I don't belong behind a desk. I never did. And you're right, I was running. I don't want to do that anymore. I think I can make a difference. I want to make a difference here. And I know you understand that" she says to "Gibbs".
"Gibbs" doesn't let his colleague finish speaking, but pulls her close and kisses her. With this long-awaited kiss, not only does "Jacqueline Sloane's" time in the crime series end, but also the romance that is beginning to develop between the colleagues.
The goodbye kiss ended with "Sloane" saying "As for you if you ever want a visit..." "Gibbs" really can't seem to catch a break with love.
Warning, spoilers!
