‘NCIS’ season 11 spoilers: Don’t expect a finale cliffhanger
After everything that has happened on “NCIS” this season in between Cote de Pablo leaving, Emily Wickersham joining, the birth of a possible spin-off show set in New Orleans, and a finale designed as a tribute to Ralph Waite, apparently the higher-ups decided that this was enough going on that there didn’t need to be an epic cliffhanger stacked on top of everything else.
Speaking about this subject to TVLine, showrunner Gary Glasberg confirmed that the decision to not force fans into three-four months of agony was largely due to their own desire to have an ending that didn’t end up throwing anyone through loops:
“Because the season was as complicated as it was, we just didn’t feel like we needed to do a traditional cliffhanger. We wanted to ground everything and get things back to ‘normal.’”
With some shows, we feel like cliffhangers are necessary to keep people talking. Sometimes, “NCIS” needs that since there aren’t too many headlines that it typically draws in comparison to the number of viewers have. This case is a little bit different, though. It feels like making the ending all about Jackson Gibbs’ death is the right way to go, and an emotional note for his son to try to deal with. Adding some sort of jaw-dropping moment on top of that may have only cheapened what could be a very nice moment.
“NCIS” still has some other stories, as well, to look ahead to, including next week’s “Shooter” (which features the team dealing with the issue of homeless veterans), and also a trip by Tony to France in a story that was originally going to be a part of the finale.
We will have more news soon on the finale, so be on the lookout for that. If you want the convenience of TV scoop via email, sign up for our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: CBS
#bring back Cote!
April 28, 2014 @ 10:05 am
I am sad to hear that Ralph Waite died and am happy that he will get a funeral and that sort of thing. I am not against having that on the show. But no cliffhanger? I feel like there have already been enough changes to the series and this season. So I dont think thatis a good idea at all. Cliff hangers keep people intrieged and wanting to watch te next season. I already domt like ncis half as much since cote left. I was so looking forward to a cliffhanger. I think it is a huge mistake!
Marysue
April 26, 2014 @ 3:42 pm
I agree. A quieter ending with a tribute to Ralph Waite would be a real change from the usual stuff they end the season with. After the rocky start with Cote leaving, I think fans need time to chill. This will wrap things up nicely and leave the door open for a completely fresh start for season 12.
Karen
April 24, 2014 @ 2:33 pm
I’m sorry but I’m not excited about a funeral show. Ralph Waite was on occasionally in 9 years and I’m sorry to see he passed away. I’m not sure I’m excited about a depressing end to the season. Personally I don’t even know if I’ll watch it.
Bellz Webster
April 24, 2014 @ 10:33 am
I am happy to have a quiet finale as this one will deal with the passing of Jackson Gibbs. As said, a lot has happened this season to which I am happy with, so keeping it on the quiter spectrum is an easy fit. Looking forward to season 12.