‘NCIS’ season 11 spoilers: Emily Wickersham talks Bishop, reaction to character
There is no one in the world of “NCIS” as of late who has faced more attention and feedback than Emily Wickersham. When you think about it, the challenge that she has been up against is staggering. She is coming on after a fan favorite in Cote de Pablo left the show, and there are some who are going to dislike her just based on circumstance. On the other hand, we know that Bishop has also found her fans out there, and even some Ziva lovers have expressed a desire to see her stick around, even if their favorite character re-joins the team in the future.
For Wickersham, she knew going into this gig that there were going to bumps in the road, and that there were be moments where her character was not going to fit in. Luckily, she tells TVLine a little bit about why she likes this character, and how some of her attributes make her a nice addition to the team:
“I think everyone knew it was going to be a bit of a bumpy start, but the writing is so great here and the way they wrote Bishop was so wonderful. She’s not an intimidating character. She’s really excited to be here. She’s determined. She’s charming in her own weird ways. I think she’s non-threatening, which I hope comes across. You know?”
At the same time Wickersham also seems to understand that there are some critiques out there that her character is a little near Mary Sue – “perfect” territory, but she stands behind the comments from showrunner Gary Glasberg that there are some more flaws coming up that will be revealed:
“I know what he was referring to, but it’s something I don’t think I can talk about yet. For me, I think the faults in people are the most interesting and fun things to play. Like anyone, she’s got her weaknesses for sure. Even though she’s usually very on top of it, there are definitely weaknesses and faults that’ll pop out.”
If there is one thing that you want to see from Bishop later this season, what would it be? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below.
Marysue
January 6, 2014 @ 3:52 pm
I too, miss Cote on NCIS but like Bishop and want to give her a chance to see what unfolds. It has been a bumpy ride for the show but when you look at it from a more natural view that is the way it should be. Cote/Ziva left a big hole and that is what GG was trying to show even if we don’t like the way he did/does it. This show is so different from anything else I’ve watched I truly hope that it survives.
Bellz Webster
January 7, 2014 @ 12:02 am
With the support of true fans it will survive. Just because an episode doesn’t have Ziva in it, or they aren’t kicking someone’s ass or its not full of angst like a lot of Ziva’s episodes were, doesn’t mean the episode is no good.
Terry
January 6, 2014 @ 4:28 am
I see the new CBS Crisis Communications team talking points have been distributed today.
a. Time for anyone with a problem to move on
b. We’re in trouble, get mean and nasty
c. Psycho Ziva supporters
d. Ziva nuts
e. All is well and everyone loves Bishop
f. Ignore Facebook comments — no one cares
g. LIE THROUGH YOUR TEETH
Terry
January 6, 2014 @ 1:32 am
What is wrong with this picture?
“She’s not an intimidating character. She’s really excited to be here. She’s determined. She’s charming in her own weird ways. I think she’s non-threatening, which I hope comes across. You know?” EW.
Let’s see, she is supposed to be a federal agent, someone who is fighting terrorists, murderers, traitors, etc. What is she going to do, warm and fuzzy them into giving up?
And then of course there is this little gem, “For me, I think the faults in people are the most interesting and fun things to play.”
You mean like an Israeli Mossad agent who is struggling with PTSD and is trying to find a way to reclaim her soul and figure out who she really is? Hmmm. Been there, done that.
So what are we left with… a character concept that is so poorly written that NO ONE could hope to create something likable out of it. A cast that appears to be phoning it in this season (perhaps expecting like most of us that this is the last go ’round.).
So, what’s left? What is the BIG IDEA?
Why….. let’s bring in someone who has NO CONCEPT of what the show is about and really push her obvious weaknesses as “quirky” and “eccentric” and portray the sloppy writing of her character as somehow evidence of her “high intelligence” — in other words giving the writers and out when they come up dry on story flow.
Meanwhile, you have a show that AVERAGED 23 million viewers last season, yet is struggling to hold at about 19 million this season — down 4 million viewers or 20 percent so far. A Facebook page that has seen its daily likes fall from about 50,000 a day to about 10,000 and continue to decline, with comments falling just as precipitously.
If you want to write a story, Matt, how about that?
Dean
January 6, 2014 @ 2:56 am
19 mil who like the show still as opposed to the 4 mil Ziva nuts? Yeah you are in minority so you’re opinion is irrelevant.
Terry
January 6, 2014 @ 4:20 am
Dean, Dean, Dean… don’t get out of the basement much do you? There is this little thing called ratings. Ratings determine ad dollars. Ad dollars determine whether a show stays on. Decline in ratings means decline in ad dollars.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 11:34 pm
Many shows once they reach a peak may level off at a much lower ratings. NCIS may very well one day too. Take Law & order SVU for instance. They were once up much higher in the ratings but now are lower in the line, but still continue to be renewed every year. Each company adjusts to their TV shows change in line.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:42 am
characteres have been brought back on CBS with NO ratings drop. ratings are actually not everything.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:42 am
characteres have been brought back on CBS with NO ratings drop. ratings are actually not everything.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 4:04 am
I think its time for those who say NCIS is no longer good enough for them to just move on. The rest of the 19-20 million can stay and enjoy the show. The average was for a whole season and it wasn’t 23 million. NCIS is still the top ranking show regardless. You can only ‘like’ a facebook page once. Being hateful and spiteful about a show that was once supposedly your favourite show, and just because 1 character leaves doesn’t make you a real fan. If 1 character leaves there are still the others who make up the show as well. Move on to something else that interests you.
Terry
January 6, 2014 @ 4:18 am
I think not. Deal with it.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:41 am
funny thing, you can only like a FB page once, and you can also jus be one person on FB. there are HUNDREDS and maybe htousands of PPL commenting on FB that they are unhappy about Bishop. the ratio is HUGE.Bishop is a complete flop as a character, why else do you think CBS released this interview? facebook is not like other websites where little groups of people cluster. Facebook is real fans. and they are OVERWHELMINGILY unhappy. that’s why this interview happened.
Erin
January 6, 2014 @ 2:11 pm
From what I understand FB has become a haven for the Ziva Zealots and anyone who comments otherwise is blocked. No divergent opinions allowed. I also understand that it has become a bit of a joke. It’s funny that all of the hatred and criticism leveled at the Ellie Bishop character after just 3 episodes, are the same things Ziva’s detractors have been saying for years about the Ziva character. I do hope that the writers will tone down Ellie’s skills and allow Tony and Tim to shine now that they’ve introduced her. I don’t want another “Ziva” situation where it’s always Gibbs and/or the girl facing the danger, having the morals, showing the outstanding skills, and having all the drama. I’m willing to give her a chance though. Her chemistry with the team will take some time to evolve.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 3:42 pm
you must not have actually looked at FB, then, because the vast majority of complaints are from regular fans, who don’t like the chemistry. I myself dislike how the guys on the team have gone out of character to force the new character to fit in. Don’t know how this can work.
Erin
January 6, 2014 @ 10:18 pm
@agentsculy – Did you mind it when Tony was turned into the incompetent village idiot who needed Ziva to fight his battles and give him the right answers? Because that was the out of character (at least comparing seasons 5 – 10 Tony to seasons 1-4 Tony) writing that was awarded to Tony once Shane Brennan took over and turned NCIS into the wonder Ziva melodrama. I’d say that Tony and Tim have been written more in character and gotten more actual decent writing this season than in the last 4 at least. I do hope they tone Ellie down, simply because I fear that out of habit, they’ll push Tony and Tim to the side again, so the Gibbs and ” the girl” will get all the big scenes, stories, and moments. But, I’m certainly willing to give her a chance, and we haven’t had idiot, humiliated Tony since Ziva left – so bravo!
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 10:34 pm
I minded it a LOT every time Tony was portrayed as a bumbling idiot, which during certain periods was across the board and was not specifically related to Ziva. I liked smart, competent Tony, like the one who organized a mission to Somalia to avenge her “death”. Now he is back in the same job he has held for 12 years, though he should have been promoted years ago, and stands around watching the new kid do solve all their cases. Maybe she doesn’t directly make cracks at him, but he and Tim are definitely being dumbed down, and I don’t care for it. I really want Tony to get out of there and lead his own team. He has shown himself to be totally capable.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 11:46 pm
I can agree there was season where Tony was made to be a bit stupid rather than funny. Many fans I know loved it. It all boils down to personal preference in humour. His ‘bumbling’ didn’t hurt the show any. Many people stay in their jobs till they retire without advancing to higher levels. If you think about it, the next level up for him would be Gibbs job. You can’t have two in that position so one would have to leave. Apart form that, Tony was offered top jobs in that position. One by Jenny Sheppard which he declined. He was then offered Rota but declined and that’s where EJ came into it.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 11:53 pm
Likely the Ziva fans mostly who are unhappy. Nothing will make a fan happy again unless their favourite character returns. I have read many unhappy posts and there is usually the …’bring back Ziva’ element to their postings. I still feel a new character should be given a season to prove she is worthy. The cast, and the writers are happy with her and its there show, so this should be a considered factor.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:37 am
I LOVE THIS SHOW and the CAST. I really like bishop. but this, all of this, is so screwed up. Ziva SURELY has major PTSD and I am VERY upset they never addressed it. Bishop is a SWEET girl and a lovely character, but she does NOT fit on this team at all, it is awful. Gibbs has been replaced by a pod person. Michael Weatherly is CLEARLY extremely unhappy. the others are just WEIRD. I don’t like what is happening at all. there is major trauma and Bishop is LOVELY but she can’t fix the trauma.. I’ve watched it all and everyhting is bad. No chemistry, NO team feeling, no joy, no sparkle. Just pod people who unnaturally LOVE bishop instantly, and all of them lost all their personality and competence. It’s not working in any way. It’s excruciating. I say this as someonen who genuinely likes Bishop. Just not on this team, it does NOT work. every characer has been destroyed.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 11:59 pm
I think you are being overly dramatic saying each character has been destroyed. Michael Weatherly is not unhappy, only that Cote left, not that the new actress is no good. Of course the actors are going to be upset that Cote left. I don’t see Gibbs being replaced by a ‘pod.’ Each character is still much the same. When a new person comes into a work environment, the staff who work with them will make chances accordingly if they have to, to include a new work member. I can see Abby being the first to introduce Emily into the ‘hug routine.’ After all, would you walk up to all your new workmates that you have never met before and start hugging and acting like you have been a part of there lives since whenever?
Jean-charles Tillmann
January 5, 2014 @ 11:58 pm
I said it often and sorry it doesn’t change, That is not more NCIS it’s soap, They brought in a new character, this character don’t fit. All energy is used to solve this problem and second all others lose too. This show has nothing more to do with NCIS the last 10 years. That is self destroying.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 4:08 am
Why are you here complaining about a show you are more or less saying hasn’t been of interest to you for the past 10 years? You must have been watching to come to that conclusion. Move on all ready.
Terry
January 6, 2014 @ 4:24 am
Bellz or whatever your name is … that isn’t what he is saying. He is saying the show today bears no resemblance to the show he has loved for 10 years, which is destroying the show. Of course, since he isn’t a native English speaker, he may have some issues with syntax but of course you knew that and just wanted to be snarky as usual.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:43 am
people who pick on language usually have nothing substantial to say.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 11:30 pm
As I said, if you are not interested in a show anymore, move on to one you do like. All shows evolve over the years. Nothing in real life stays the same, especially after 10 years. Many don’t see the show being destroyed. In anything in life when circumstances change you either go with the flow or move on.
And yes, Bellz is my name thank you.
Bellz Webster
January 5, 2014 @ 11:02 pm
I like Bishop. She’s only been in a few episodes. Her character will evolve as time goes on. She’s quirky, smart, intelligent and her flaws, just the same as the other characters did, will appear over time. Why does someone have to fit into the role of family right away? She’s a new comer and doesn’t know this team from a bar of soap. Ziva certainly wasn’t family for a long time either. Being part of a ‘special family’ takes time. I am enjoying the episodes. I don’t see anything wrong with the other characters, they aren’t suffering at all, or that Bishop is in ‘take over’ mode. She is a new team member so having more of her at the forefront for awhile as she establishes herself is only natural. I loved Ziva but her stories tended to take over the team a little too often. Those who were Ziva lovers will likely never accept anyone in her place not matter who it is. You have to look at each character for who they are and not for who you want them to be. I think many fans are being totally unfair and judgmental of a character who is yet to find her way around the team. If the show is of no interest to you then move onto another one that does.
Dean
January 6, 2014 @ 3:44 am
The funny part is many Ziva nuts still seem to tune in despite the change and know enough about the new girl to make criticism despite their views that NCIS isn’t good anymore.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 3:49 am
I have noticed that as well. If I loose interest in something i don’t return to it. I go onto something else.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:51 am
the famous half dozen ziva haters who post on ALL social media watched NCIS for 8 years while taking every opportunity to express how much they hated ziva. maybe you should ask them how they did it.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:48 am
I LOVED kate, was SO sad when she died. Ziva arrived and I was intrigued from her very first scene. ALL fans remember her first line on the show, which is not true for ANY other character on NCIS. Ziva stepped in and was amazing. I didn’t need three episodes. I didn’t need ONE episode, or even a full scene.
and guess what, I like Bishop too! I am bishop in real life. She is ADORABLE and she stepped into one hard job.
all of that said … she is not a leading lady. she is a fun secondary character, not in ANY way a leading lady. They are truly SHOVING her down our throats, and speaking as someone who was strongly predisposed to like her, this has been a HUGE turn off. I LIKE herr on the show, but NOT on this team, it is not working at all. NO chemistry. all of the characters have had the life sucked out of them. It is all just too painful.
and let me emphasize, I REALLY LIKE THE GIRL.
cbs do you hear me?
Cote Fan
January 5, 2014 @ 10:29 pm
Apparently, TV Line & CBS have missed a ton of comments saying the writing sucks. Or they haven’t and they’re ignoring them and this is damage control.
agentscully514
January 6, 2014 @ 4:54 am
I don’t think it is about the writing at all. These are the SAME writers (just check the credits). IMO the issue here is that Cote had such amazing chemsistry with t he whole team. now that it is gone, the writing and story lines are being shown up.. don’t blame the writers, they are doing the best they can. they cannot control nonexistent onscreen chemistry.
gabi
January 6, 2014 @ 1:37 pm
I think that the writing, plots, and character development (Ryan, EJ, Ray) has gone downhill since GG became showrunner and most people (myself included) did not notice because the Bellisario characters were still there. However ever since CdP left it has become evident that the issues have been there for several seasons and the cast was the only thing keeping the show together. In many ways CdP could have been the worst loss out of all of the cast members because she was so prominent in all the plots and character relationships. I think everyone believed the party line that other changes have happened and the show survived without taking the time to see what she actually brought to the show and try to see how they could replace it. I think they thought they could just go on as if this was not their biggest change ever. If that is the case the blame rests mostly on GG.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 11:23 pm
Issues…there are no issues. Many guest stars as well as the regular ones have made up this wonderful show. CdP did bring a lot to NCIS, but not anymore than the others. Her episodes were always heavy and Michael Weatherly himself indicated in a TV interview that it was partly to blame why she left. Cote herself has said she had no time for herself or her family and they pressured her into giving less of herself. It was said in an interview with Dennis & Gary that her character would be a big loss, they aren’t stupid, they knew her worth, any character that leaves would have an impact to some degree, but they all had confidence in the rest of cast, after all its a team effort with this group of actors and they all are wonderful at their roles. Your assertions and point of view seem to be somewhat narrow minded. All television shows look at the characters that leave as a ‘blow’ but if they didn’t have the forethought and trust in the other characters and the faith to keep moving onwards they would fail. I like what I have seen so far. If you are that unhappy move onto another show that makes you happy.
Terry
January 5, 2014 @ 8:47 pm
Dean… McDano… hmmm. Could it be the same person posting under aliases. Why ring-a-ding-ding… the answer is yes.
Tonyfan Ncis
January 5, 2014 @ 8:37 pm
Wow, 2 articles in one day about bishop!! I’m not sure she warrants that as a character. What bothers me is that the other characters seem to be suffering. I wonder if Gary Glasburg has taken a a vacation from the others to devote all his time and attention to bishop and to New Orleans. I’m sure that is a pretty big project, so does he really have time to put his all into both? I’m wondering if he knows ncis is on the way out and his lifeboat is New Orleans.
gabi
January 6, 2014 @ 12:46 am
I think GG is focusing on NOLA. I have no idea who makes decision up there but giving GG a second show is just a terrible idea. He is an awful showrunner and the only reason his first three seasons were successful was because of the Bellisario characters because all of his characters have been bad. I think the show was struggling for a while and was mainly being held up by CdP. The only change this season has been her departure and yet the show has completely collapsed without her. I have no reason to believe his track record will be any different developing a whole group of characters so GG, MH, and CBS have to be fooling themselves into believing it will ever be a lifeboat for anyone.
Bellz Webster
January 6, 2014 @ 3:51 am
Collapsed? They still have 19-20 million viewers every week. It wasn’t the Ziva David show. All the actors contribute to make NCIS what is still is. I don’t consider any of GG’s characters as being ‘bad.’ I have enjoyed them all.
Dean
January 5, 2014 @ 7:43 pm
Please ignore all the psycho Ziva supporters who are still upset of Cote DePablo leaving. They would commit mass murder if it meant Cote would comeback.
agentscully514
January 5, 2014 @ 7:57 pm
on TVLine you say Ziva fans would kill babies. I’m sure you can find better ways to express yourself.
McDano
January 5, 2014 @ 8:02 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
Jean-charles Tillmann
January 5, 2014 @ 8:12 pm
what the best way to discribe you?
Petra
January 5, 2014 @ 9:18 pm
That’s a little much with ‘mass murdering’ don’t you think, end of the day people will either like Bishop or Ziva or not.
BlueBelle
January 5, 2014 @ 7:36 pm
I just think the character doesn’t fit the team. It’s not just a matter of finding their footing. All of the skills she brings (and she has them all) are already covered by other team members, and there is no chemistry between her and the others. She belongs on some other team, maybe cybercrimes. Obviously the CBS spin machine is working overtime to answer all the complaints.
Jean-charles Tillmann
January 5, 2014 @ 8:10 pm
I agree with this it’s not a “family” this character is more a disturbing element.