Forensic Psychologist Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Sloane (played by Maria Bello) was an integral part of the NCIS team until very recently. Following her touching final appearance at the start of March, Bello has revealed she had a hand in how her character would eventually leave the popular CBS series.
Maria Bello has shed more light on her character Jack Sloane’s tearful goodbye in the eighth episode of NCIS’s 18th season, ‘True Believer’.
The agent’s curtain call came at the start of March, when Sloane decided her services were required in Afghanistan following another dangerous mission.
Speaking to TV Insider, Bello recalled: “The creators of the show, Frank Cardea especially, said they wanted to give her an honourable exit, and I think they did a heck of a job.”
Sloane’s touching final scenes were also made possible by the director for the episode, Terrence O’Hara, and writer Jill Weinberger.
READ MORE: NCIS LA: What is the real reason behind Linda Hunt’s exit?
After three seasons of romantic intrigue, viewers also saw Sloane and Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) finally share their first on screen kiss.
Sloane’s exit was always on the horizon this year, as Maria Bello had completed her three year contract which started with her introduction in season 15.
Nevertheless, her departure left fans in tears, especially as it seems Gibbs and Sloanes’ much teased relationship won’t come to fruition.
With three years portraying one of the series’ most popular new characters under her belt, the former NCIS star made sure Sloane’s story was given a fitting conclusion.
Although each week’s instalment introduces another new mystery for the team to solve, most fans have kept tuning in all these years thanks to NCIS’s roster of characters.
While many viewers were left disappointed that Gibbs and Sloane were ultimately unable to make it work, the latter’s selfless decision to remain in Afghanistan was completely in line with Bello’s character.
She then revealed that she worked with showrunner Steven D. Binder, her co-star Mark Harmon and series creator Frank Cardea for Sloane’s final moments.
The actress continued: “In particular for this last one, there was a lot of talking back and forth. Steve Binder would call me, and Frank, and Mark had some ideas.”
