Laying claim to the NCIS desk that someone else occupied for nearly 200 episodes — and on TV’s most watched drama, no less — was a “very big thing” for Emily Wickersham (The Sopranos, The Bridge). But based on the results of a TVLine reader poll and viewer reaction to date, the transition has gone as well as anyone could reasonably expect.

Though Wickersham never crossed paths with predecessor Cote de Pablo (“I would love to meet her someday,” she shares), she absolutely appreciates the significance of filling the void created in the wake of Agent Ziva David’s departure. As NCIS resumes Season 11 this Tuesday at 8/7c, TVLine spoke with Ellie Bishop’s portrayer about joining the CBS drama and soon exposing her character’s less-than-perfect traits.

TVLINE | After your first episode, we put up a poll asking readers for their first impression of Bishop. Seventy-eight percent either “love” or “like” her. Is that number pleasantly surprising for you?
Oh wow. Yeah. That’s really nice to hear. I know it’s a weird change for a lot of these viewers, so that’s really nice. I like hearing that a lot.

TVLINE | You’re surrounded at NCIS by people who have been on the show for nine, 10 years. Was there any advice as you kind of entered this lion’s den, this tricky transition?
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?

TVLINE | Gary Glasberg told me that you “brought some fun stuff to the table” in creating the character. Such as…? Maybe the sitting on desks?
Oh, well that’s nice to hear. As I said, she was written so well, but from the beginning I set about finding those little quirks and looking for little things to bring out in her. So yeah, for example, sitting on the desk was something I did in the [audition] that was brought into each episode. Then they brought in the funny food associations, where she’ll remember what she was eating when she was studying certain facts, which I thought was quirky and cool.

TVLINE | What’s the sum total of her backstory that you know thus far?
Well, Ellie is from a big family in Oklahoma, a Midwestern girl…. We know that she is married, though we don’t really know much about Bishop’s husband yet.

TVLINE | Isn’t he a lawyer? Haven’t we heard or read that much?
I’m not sure what’s been revealed, to be honest, but it’s a storyline that I’m really looking forward to getting to know more about. I think it’ll be fun to see where Bishop comes from. She has three older brothers, Kill Chainwhich I think makes the transition to hanging out with the NCIS crew easier. She’s used to being surrounded “by the guys”….

TVLINE | …taking guff and teasing, that kind of stuff.
Yeah. Yeah. That’s been a part of her whole life thus far, so that comes easily to her.

TVLINE | Bishop has come off as a bit “perfect” so far, so I asked Gary if we’re going to be picking up on any faults of hers. He said there’s something really significant coming up after the holidays….
Oh, yeah. 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.

TVLINE | As an NSA analyst, her field experience has been an issue. Has she ever, like, fired a gun?
She’s gone through, with NSA, weapons and field training. That was actually something that I had to do before I started here. Our tech advisor, Leon Carroll, took me to the gun range. I had never held a gun in my life, so I was terrified.

TVLINE | Loud, right? My first time at a gun range, I was not quite prepared for that.
Oh my gosh, they’re so loud. I mean, you wear [ear protection], but I was so scared that the gun was like, going to turn around and shoot me. I mean, they are so powerful. But that kind of comes with the NCIS territory, so it’s definitely something to know about.

TVLINE | Well, she’s already helped apprehend a guy by hitting him with a car, so a gun’s almost a step down.
Exactly. I mean, she could just use the car as a weapon!

TVLINE | Lastly, what might viewers be surprised to know about NCIS‘ newest cast member?
Well, unlike my character, I’m very nervous. I mean, I guess Ellie was nervous about joining the team, but I was really nervous about joining NCIS just because it’s been around for a while. Coming into that was really intimidating and scary. I’m a nervous person, so that was a very, very big thing!

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Curious minds want to know: NCIS‘ Tony recently mentioned having to care for a second goldfish. We know what he named his original fish. Are we safe to assume what he named his new one? –Cheryl
You would be safe, indeed! “If you’ve got Kate on one side of the bowl, it’s only logical who’s on the other side…,” show boss Gary Glasberg teases. “You can guess what the other goldfish’s name is.” Rhymes with… Viva?

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IN THE AFTERMATH OF A DRONE ATTACK, THE NCIS TEAM DISCOVERS KEY EVIDENCE THAT LEADS THEM TO ONE OF PARSA’S COHORTS, ON “NCIS,” TUESDAY, JAN. 14

“Double Back” – In an effort to find the terrorist Parsa, Gibbs and the NCIS team track down one of his cohorts using evidence from the drone attack. Meanwhile, an emotionally shaken McGee struggles with the ramifications of the incident, on NCIS, Tuesday, Jan. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

CHEAT TWEET: Parsa strikes again! Will the #NCIS team be able to catch the elusive terrorist? Watch 1/14 8/7c

>>NCIS

PREVIOUSLY ON… | When terrorist group leader Benham Parsa began targeting members of Gibbs’ team, Ziva used the opportunity to leave NCIS — and Tony — and move forward in her life. She was shortly thereafter replaced by NSA analyst Ellie Bishop.

COMING UP NEXT | “The Parsa story is going to come back in a big way” when Season 11 resumes on Jan. 7, showrunner Gary Glasberg says. “That episode is going to come out of the gate hot” and set in motion “a roller coaster ride for a good portion of the winter.” Susannah Thompson reprises her role as Hollis Mann in that episode (“Her and Mark Harmon’s moments together are terrific,” Glasberg effuses), while Wendy McKenna’s Dr. Cranston shows up a week later, to help the team cope with a crisis. Also on the horizon is Episode 250, which among other things features the return of DiNozzo’s dad (played by Robert Wagner) — though he’s not alone this time, but with a lady on his arm. The result, says Glasberg, is “lots of questions and uncomfortable moments” for son Tony, a combo of “angst and lightness and fun.”

RETURN DATE | Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 8/7c (CBS)

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NCIS is plotting some love and heartache in the new year, kicking off with a potentially inappropriate love triangle and a life-changing near-death experience for one of the team members.

After losing Ziva, Tony ( Michael Weatherly ) will finally show some interest in another woman. Unfortunately, she’s already dating his dad! In the CBS series’ 250th episode, set to air in late February, Anthony Dinozzo Sr. ( Robert Wagner ) returns to introduce his son to his considerably younger lady friend. “This woman could potentially be Tony’s new stepmom, and big part of the story is her age and the awkwardness that brings to Tony,” says executive producer Gary Glasberg. “Prior to meeting her, Tony tries to find out as much as he can about who she is.” The alluring mystery woman could end up coming between the DiNozzo men.
Another agent is in danger of the nonromantic variety. The international terrorist Benham Parsa ( Karan Oberol ) reemerges in January to wreck havoc in a three-episode arc that will result in a “critical injury” for a familiar face. Glasberg teases. “This event,” he says “will impact this person for his or her future and prove devastating to the team for the remainder of our season.”

Source: TvGuide Magazine

I was wondering if you could give me any scoop on NCIS, preferably on McGee or on the return of Susanna Thompson as Hollis Mann. –Ted
I choose… the pretty lady. Show boss Gary Glasberg told me that in addition to playing a “key role” in the Case of the Week when the CBS drama returns on Jan. 7, Ms. Mann also “has this huge back story, in some really terrific scenes with Mark Harmon/Gibbs.”

Any chance we’ll see Wendy Makkena’s character back on NCIS this season? –Mel
As a matter of fact, yes, Dr. Cranston’s services will be needed come Episode 14. But why…?

I am looking to find a recording of the ending song from this week’s NCIS holiday episode. I thought it was beautiful –Joanna
“Nothing More,” by the group Alternate Routes, is available for 99 cents at iTunes — and all proceeds benefit newtownkindness.org.

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Question: Any scoop yet on a McGee-centric episode of NCIS? –Barb
Ausiello: Let’s see if this qualifies: In the first episode back from the holiday break, titled “Kill Chain” and airing Jan. 7, McGee’s girlfriend “Delilah gets really involved in the case, and her and McGee’s relationship moves along a bit further,” show boss Gary Glasberg shares. Of actress Margo Harshman’s latest encore, he adds, “I’ve been thrilled to have her and we’ve got some exciting things planned for her and that relationship continuing this season. It feels real to us and we’re having a good time with it.”

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WHEN A STOLEN U.S. NAVY SURVEILLANCE DRONE IS USED TO KILL A SAILOR, NCIS PARTNERS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO TRACK DOWN THE DEVICE, ON “NCIS,” TUESDAY, JAN. 7

Susanna Thompson Guest Stars

“Kill Chain” – When a stolen drone is linked to the elusive terrorist Parsa, the NCIS team partners with the Department of Defense, including Gibb’s former girlfriend Hollis Mann, to track down the device before it is used for a large scale attack. Meanwhile, McGee hesitates to ask for time off to attend a black-tie gala honoring his girlfriend, on NCIS, Tuesday, Jan. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Susanna Thompson guest stars as Hollis Mann, Gibbs’ ex-girlfriend.

CHEAT TWEET: A stolen drone in Parsa’s hands leads #NCIS to partner w the DOD + #Gibbsexreturns 1/7 8pm

Anything interesting coming up for DiNozzo on NCIS? –Mel
Fielding your query, show boss Gary Glasberg says, “Tony has had a year of real change and growth so far. Ziva said goodbye. Bishop said hello. Tony’s friendship with McGee got stronger and his bond with Gibbs wasn’t weakened by change, it was reinforced. And now, for a special 250th episode, Anthony DiNozzo Sr. (returning guest star Robert Wagner) will be back. And along with a riveting crime to solve, Tony will discover there’s a new mystery woman in his father’s life.”

NCIS‘ Michael Weatherly tweeted a while back that he was directing an episode this month. Do you have any spoilers/scoops about it? –Marla
As it would turn out, the operative words here are “a while back.” Says Gary Glasberg, “We were planning on that, but we decided to postpone it,” so that Weatherly and his wife could instead spend some quality time with their brand-new son Liam, born on Oct. 29. Weatherly’s next turn behind the camera is thus being rescheduled.

Great suggestions for NCIS: New Orleans actors. Tom Welling would be perfect as Agent LaSalle, and he needs to be back on TV. Is this a possibility? –Patricia
All I can confirm is that spin-off creator Gary Glasberg indeed saw my list of casting suggestions and, I quote, “enjoyed” it. So… I await my 10 percent?

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