Tuesday’s NCIS fall finale ended with a major surprise: Jess Knight learned that her first assignment with NCIS Elite is targeting none other than former team member Ellie Bishop. The shocker was capped off by a brief on-screen appearance from Emily Wickersham, confirming Bishop is back – and watching the team from afar.

Bishop exited the series in Season 18 to join a top-secret undercover operation, and according to showrunner Steven D. Binder, the idea of bringing her back had been in the works for about a year. Once timing and availability lined up, Wickersham was immediately on board.

So what has Bishop been doing all this time? Binder says her undercover work has been dangerous, deadly, and emotionally taxing – and it’s changed her. While some of the old Bishop remains, she’s now hardened by years in the field. Most importantly, Binder confirms that Bishop has done something wrong, though the story will focus on understanding her motive.

That puts Nick Torres in a complicated position. Bishop left without telling him the truth, lied about committing a cr1me, and didn’t say goodbye. Binder says Nick has every reason to be upset – and his reaction won’t be surprising.

Jess, meanwhile, is ordered to keep Bishop’s return secret, but that won’t last long. Unlike Bishop, Knight chooses team loyalty over strict duty and won’t repeat the same mistake.

As for how long Bishop will stick around, Wickersham is set to appear in one episode to wrap up the storyline. While there are no immediate plans to extend the arc, Binder emphasized that the door remains open for her return.

“She’s a much more interesting character now,” he said, noting the psychological toll of Bishop’s time undercover.