‘NCIS’ season 14: Wilmer Valderrama, Jennifer Esposito’s characters have a link

When season 14 of “NCIS” premieres a little bit later this fall, you’re going to have a chance to see almost right away Wilmer Valderrama and Jennifer Esposito pop up as their new characters.

In the case of Valderrama, the former “That 70’s Show” actor is going to be popping in as an agent who, after many years undercover, is now going to be getting accustomed once more to normal life as himself. Meanwhile, Esposito will play a Special Agent-turned instructor who finds herself getting back into field work after Gibbs repeatedly refuses the services of many prospective agents she recommends. (Let’s just say that he is having a hard time letting go of the fact that Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo is no longer around.)

In the video below, you can see the two actors in one of their first interview sessions while at the TCA Summer Press Tour earlier this month. The big twist here is that this time around, “NCIS” fans are the interviewers! The two speak to each other using questions from fans, and we learn a little bit more about their characters, including that they do have a connection. You also get to see their excitement in terms of joining the series, and what they’re hoping to see as time goes on.

Do we think that the two will deliver this season? Absolutely, at least so long as they aren’t burdened with the responsibility of being Weatherly “replacements.” They’re unique in their own right, and we would be more concerned if we weren’t familiar already with their work. Esposito was great on “Blue Bloods” and then “Mistresses”; meanwhile, “That 70’s Show” is one of our favorite comedies of its era. (Anyone else want to see Kurtwood Smith turn up now?)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mKFiNJTRnw