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This NCIS death still lives on in my head 6 years later

This NCIS death still lives on in my head 6 years later

Summary

  • During NCIS’s 20-year run, there were several dramatic character departures, but some deaths, like that of Clayton Reeves, still sting years later.
  • Although Clayton’s tragic death was accidental, it set the stage for Abby’s departure and brought two emotional exits into one episode for fans.
  • Clayton’s untimely death is further evidence of the trend of unexpected character departures on NCIS and underscores the constant change within the series’ cast.



NCIS: Secret Service Stories has seen many character deaths over the years, but there is one in particular that I still haven’t gotten over, even six years later. NCIS: Secret Service Stories has been on the air for over 20 years and has several exciting and tragic storylines. The show is known for its dramatic character exits, but it still hurts no less when a favorite character leaves. The death of a character six years ago still plays through my mind when I watch it. NCIS: Secret Service Stories.

Before NCIS: Secret Service Stories Season 22, I can’t help but think about how many NCIS: Secret Service Stories Characters have left the series over the years. While some character departures seem planned and fitting to the character’s storyline, others can be more surprising, which underscores that when watching NCIS: Secret Service Stories. There were always a few NCIS: Secret Service Stories Deaths that have stuck in my memory, but one in particular still bothers me, especially given its tragic and random nature.


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The death of Clayton Reeves in “NCIS” still bothers me

Clayton was killed too soon

Clayton Reeves looks serious in NCIS

Clayton Reeves’ NCIS: Secret Service Stories Death still haunts me, even six years after his last episode. It was revealed that Duane Henry’s Clayton Reeves was killed in the season 15 episode “Two Steps Back” in 2018. Clayton died heroically protecting Abby from an alleged robbery gone wrong. At first, his death seemed accidental, as it appeared to be the result of a robbery. But as the episode progresses, it is revealed that Abby was the original target and Clayton was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The episode reiterated that no character is safe in NCIS: Secret Service Stories.


The circumstances of Clayton’s death make it all the more tragic, as he was only trying to protect Abby. I find the episode particularly annoying because it came so suddenly. Clayton was only on the show for two seasons before he was killed off, and to make matters worse, he had gotten along well with all of his teammates. In Clayton’s final episode, Ellie even regrets not telling Clayton that he was like a brother to her. Clayton had so much more potentialand I’m especially sad that we didn’t get to see how his character might develop.

Clayton Reeves’ death was made worse by Abby’s exit

Clayton’s death paved the way for Abby’s departure


In the same episode in which Clayton dies, Abby announces her NCIS: Secret Service Stories exitIn memory of Clayton and his mother, Abby decides NCIS: Secret Service Stories to start a charity that helps the homeless. She tells the team at the end of episode 22 that she is leaving, and it just felt like two exits stacked on top of each other. Abby’s departure made Clayton’s death even worse because it seemed like his death was written into the show so Abby could leave unharmed, unlike many others NCIS: Secret Service Stories Characters.

It is not unusual for
NCIS: Secret Service Stories
Characters are written out of the series, but the fact that two likable characters are written out so close together, even in the same episode, makes things that much worse.


It is not unusual for NCIS: Secret Service Stories Characters being written out of the show, but having two likable characters written out in such close succession in the same episode makes it that much worse. I really liked both Clayton and Abby, so their departure together makes the Season 15 episode all the more painful. Due to the circumstances of Clayton’s departure, I always felt that his death was overshadowed by Abby’s, even though it was unforgettably tragic. Clayton could have had a harmless exit like a career change. Instead, Clayton’s death was used as justification for Abby’s exit.

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In retrospect, Clayton Reeves’ NCIS death has not aged well

Clayton’s death continues a painful trend


Clayton’s death has not been well received because it continues a painful trend among NCIS: Secret Service Stories characters. While Clayton’s departure was disturbing in the moment, it continues to be disturbing because it is part of a series of unexpected character deaths. NCIS: Secret Service Stories set a precedent for unexpected deaths with the murder of Kate Todd in Season 2. While it shouldn’t be surprising that this continues to happen, it’s shocking every time because we grow to love these characters.

Another reason Clayton’s Death hasn’t aged well is because it’s another example of a changing cast. NCIS: Secret Service Stories has been airing for over two decades, so it’s understandable that characters come and go over time, but it doesn’t make it any less painful when a beloved character leaves the show. It is a relief when characters can change their careers or retire, as was the case with Mark Harmon NCIS: Secret Service Stories Exit, but as Clayton showed, this is far too unusual in NCIS: Secret Service Stories.


The cast of NCIS season 20 walks forward on a promotional poster above the show title

NCIS: Secret Service Stories

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team that must work together under high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team, which also includes NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate with a knack for computers who has now risen to the rank of Senior Field Agent; the charismatic, unpredictable and resilient NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres, who has spent the majority of his career on solo undercover investigative missions; and the sharp, athletic and tough NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, a formidable REACT agent specializing in hostage negotiations and high-risk operations. Assisting the team is the naive Jimmy Palmer, who has risen from assistant to fully licensed medical examiner and now runs the morgue; and forensic scientist Kasie Hines, Ducky’s former assistant. Leading the operation is NCIS Director Leon Vance, an intelligent, highly trained agent who can always be relied upon to challenge the status quo. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents investigate all crimes related to the Navy or Marine Corps.

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Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Brian Dietzen, David McCallum, Mark Harmon, Rocky Carroll, Gary Cole, Joe Spano