Sasha Alexander’s portrayal of Special Agent Caitlin “Kate” Todd on NCIS remains a fan favorite, despite her character’s tragic demise in Season 2. This article delves into the real reasons behind Alexander’s departure from the hit CBS procedural drama.
Kate Todd quickly became a central character, her conservative nature providing a comedic foil to Tony DiNozzo’s playful personality. Her death at the hands of Ari Haswari left a significant impact on the team and the viewers. But why did Sasha Alexander choose to leave the show?
The Demanding Schedule of Network Television
The truth lies in the grueling schedule of network television production. In a 2012 interview, Alexander revealed the intense workload associated with a 24-episode season. Filming often required 17-hour workdays for 10.5 months of the year. This demanding schedule has been cited by other actors as a reason for leaving long-running series, including Ruby Rose’s departure from Batwoman and Katherine Heigl’s exit from Grey’s Anatomy.
Even Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 19 seasons, acknowledged the strenuous schedule, once mentioning a 21-hour first day of filming. While the schedule has been adjusted since then, it remains demanding, contributing to Harmon’s eventual departure as well. Alexander simply chose to leave earlier, expressing no regrets about her decision. She believed it allowed her to pursue other creative endeavors and prioritize her family life.
Sasha Alexander: Life After NCIS
Alexander’s post-NCIS career has been diverse and successful. She had a cameo in Mission: Impossible III and guest-starred in popular shows like Friends, House, and Shameless. Most notably, she starred as Dr. Maura Isles in the crime drama Rizzoli & Isles for seven seasons, solidifying her presence in the television landscape. She has also ventured into directing, helming episodes of Rizzoli & Isles, Bull, and Netflix’s You.
While a return as Kate Todd is impossible due to her character’s death, fans hold out hope for Alexander to direct an episode of NCIS, especially after her recent reunion with former castmates Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo on their rewatch podcast. This could potentially generate renewed interest in the series and its upcoming spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
A Look Back: Sasha Alexander Before NCIS
Before joining NCIS, Alexander appeared in the cult classic film Twin Falls Idaho and the short-lived series Wasteland. Her breakthrough role came as Gretchen Witter in Season 4 of Dawson’s Creek, playing Pacey Witter’s older sister. This role showcased her talent and paved the way for her iconic portrayal of Kate Todd. She also had a minor role in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as District Attorney Robin Childs.
Conclusion
Sasha Alexander’s departure from NCIS was driven by the demanding schedule of network television, a common reason for actors leaving long-running series. However, her decision allowed her to pursue a successful career in film and television, including a leading role in Rizzoli & Isles and directing opportunities. While Kate Todd’s presence is missed, Alexander’s legacy extends beyond NCIS. Her career continues to flourish, demonstrating her versatility and talent. A return to the NCIS universe in a directing capacity remains a possibility, offering a new way for her to contribute to the franchise.
