No one can accuse NCIS of resting on its laurels as TV’s most watched scripted hour. The CBS smash is set to close out its eighth season with a dramatic serial killer plot that will span several episodes and (presumably) claim multiple lives.

A NCIS rep confirms to TVLine exclusively that the arc, which revolves around a murdering psychopath dubbed the Port-to-Port Killer, is slated to kick off in the April 5 episode and continue through May Sweeps.

And this menace will prove to be extremely formidable — so much so that Gibbs will be forced to expand his team. According to an NCIS insider, at least two new special agents will be introduced later this season to assist with the case.

One of the two recurring characters is described as “a well-traveled and experienced federal agent who is happy to be reunited with his team in their new DC home.” Are you thinking what I’m thinking? ‘Cause I’m thinking this guy’s got ties to the Sarah Jane Morris’ newly introduced overseas detective EJ Barrett. (As Michael Weatherly told us, Morris’ Special Agent will “arc out toward the end of [the] season and be a part of that epic season-finale situation.”)

I’m also going to go out on a limb and predict the PTP Killer will target (and possibly take out) a member of Gibbs’ team. Just a hunch.

Thoughts? Do these season-ending serial killer arcs give you the heebie-jeebies? Are you worried TPTB may use the opportunity to make some cast changes as the show heads into its ninth season? Sound off below!

source: TvLine.com