Why Abby’s Exit from NCIS Will Haunt You Forever

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Summary

  • Abby left NCIS due to a feud with Mark Harmon, never to return.
  • Abby’s final episode was heartbreaking and involved a move to London.
  • Despite an excellent cast, Abby’s absence is still deeply felt on NCIS.
  • Character count check:

As a devoted fan of NCIS, I can’t help but feel the void left by one of the show’s iconic characters when Abby Sciuto decided to depart. Ever since Pauley Perrette first graced our screens as the quirky Goth forensic scientist back in 2003 during season 1, it was hard to imagine the team functioning without her unique charm and presence. From sipping on her signature Caf-Pow to exchanging witty banter with fan favorites like Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), Abby has become an unforgettable part of this beloved series.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the captivating journey of Paulette Perette, particularly her iconic role as Abby Sciuto on NCIS. After a brief stint away from CBS, she graced our screens in the sitcom Broke and the procedural drama Jackie. However, it’s her portrayal of Abby that truly left an indelible mark. The laughter her scenes evoked is something fans will always cherish.

The departure of Leory Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) was a bittersweet moment, and Abby’s farewell still lingers as a sad note. I find myself often wondering, how exactly did Abby part ways with NCIS? What was the final episode that marked her exit from this beloved series?

Why Did Abby Leave NCIS?

Abby departed from NCIS, reportedly due to Pauley Perrette’s decision to leave the series following a dispute with Mark Harmon. As stated by TV Line, she expressed this intention on her social media platform back in June 2019.

I’m not planning on returning, not under any circumstances. Could we move past this question now? The thought of encountering Harmon again fills me with dread, and I often have disturbing dreams about potential harm from him.

Additionally, Perrette shared images of a team member from the NCIS set, which recalled an incident in October 2016 when Harmon’s dog had bitten a crew member. As reported by USA Today, Harmon has yet to make a public comment on the matter. However, it was CBS Television Studios who issued a statement regarding this incident.

Pauley Perrette played an outstanding role on NCIS, and we’ll surely miss her. About a year ago, Pauley shared a workplace issue with us. We took it seriously and collaborated with her to find a solution. We are dedicated to ensuring a secure working environment across all our productions.

In 2024, Perrette spoke with Hello Magazine and disclosed that she had decided to step away from acting. It’s disappointing not to watch Abby solving puzzles or delivering her sharp remarks while working with her colleagues on the screen. The early seasons of NCIS are some of the show’s best, thanks to well-crafted, humorous, and intelligent characters like Abby. Fans might have hoped to see Abby continuing to excel in NCIS season 22, which is currently airing, but since she’s no longer acting, we won’t be seeing Perrette return to the show.

What Was Abby’s Final NCIS Episode?

Abby’s final NCIS appearance was in season 15, specifically episode 22 titled “Two Steps Back”. Tragically, at the end of season 15’s 21st episode, “One Step Forward,” Abby gets shot alongside Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry).

In a turn of events, Abby encounters a mugger. It is later revealed in episode 22 that Robert King (Peter Jason), a former Marine Corps Sgt. Major, had hired this mugger to harm her. King sought revenge as Abby was the one who got him arrested for trying to persuade her into developing a deadly biological weapon. Although there are numerous crime series vying for attention, the formula of NCIS continues to captivate audiences, and each episode’s intriguing case-solving by the seasoned characters never loses its charm.

After the tragic loss of Reeves, which left Abby heartbroken, she miraculously pulls through following surgery. Upon reuniting with King, everything seemed to be back on track… until Abby learned she would have to relocate.

However, instead of staying put, Abby decided to fulfill one of Reeves’ dreams by moving to London, England to establish the charity he had envisioned. Additionally, she arranged for his burial near his mother’s resting place.

In one of the most emotional scenes on the beloved crime drama, Abby tells her coworkers:

As much as it pains me to admit, I find myself compelled to follow an inner voice that urges me to part ways, even if this place, this cinematic haven, feels like a second home and the people here are like family. It’s a difficult decision, but one that must be made for reasons that resonate deeply within me.

Despite the fact that NCIS continues to feature a talented ensemble of characters who are enjoyable to watch, with Timothy McGee (played by Sean Murray) among them, there’s no denying that Abby is sorely missed.

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2025-04-14 17:25