The milestone 500th episode of NCIS, titled “All Good Things,” aired on March 24, 2026, delivering an emotional turning point with the death of Director Leon Vance, portrayed by Rocky Carroll after 18 seasons.
The long-running CBS crime drama marked its historic episode with a dramatic storyline that saw Vance sacrificing his life while saving the agency. The episode is now available for streaming on Paramount+.
In the episode, Vance uncovers a dangerous plot involving a rival CID agency attempting to shut down NCIS. After successfully defusing a bomb and exposing a double-cross by Agent Dolan Thompson, Vance is fatally shot in the chest. Although it initially appears he survives, it is later revealed that he was not wearing a bulletproof vest and had died from his injuries.
The story takes a surreal turn as Vance experiences an imagined afterlife encounter with a younger version of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, originally portrayed by David McCallum. The character, now appearing youthful, guides Vance toward a symbolic passage into the afterlife.
Speaking to media, Carroll revealed he was shocked when he first learned about his character’s fate during a conversation with showrunner Steven D. Binder in November. The decision, he said, was intended to give the 500th episode a powerful and meaningful impact.
Carroll described filming the episode as “bittersweet,” but expressed gratitude for his long tenure on the show since joining in 2008. He noted that reaching 18 seasons was a rare achievement in television.
Despite Vance’s death, the storyline concludes with the NCIS agency saved, and leadership continuing under Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker. Carroll is also set to return to direct a future episode in Season 24, signaling that his involvement with the series is not entirely over.
Reflecting on the experience, Carroll said the episode serves as both a tribute to his character and a celebration of nearly two decades working on one of television’s most enduring series.
