When NCIS season 23 hits the airwaves this fall, viewers can expect an especially determined and angry version of Special Agent Alden Parker, as lead actor Gary Cole explained that the character will be driven to revenge by his thirst for power.
Speaking with TVLine’s Western bureau chief Dave Nemetz at CBS Fest ’25 on Wednesday, where the network announced its 2025–26 season schedule, Cole discussed how Parker might react to the tragic death of his father, Roman. The culprit is likely Kansas City crime boss Carla Marino, played by guest star Rebecca De Mornay.
“He’s angry. Really angry,” Cole said in a red carpet interview. “I don’t know exactly how the story will develop, but it will definitely involve revenge – whether it’s revenge on the right person, on Carla, or not. Either way, it’s definitely going to have a psychological impact on Parker.”
When Parker witnesses the moment he discovers his father dead, with gunshot wounds, it initially and completely subsides. But then, when he notices what appears to be Carla’s lipstick on a nearby wine glass, Parker loses control of his rage and smashes the nearest TV, which can be seen as a dangerous storm.
Cole added that the scene felt a bit overwhelming because of the emotional complexity. “Normally, in a scene, there’s just one standout action, like the character discovering the body. But here, it’s all happening in one moment – Parker not only discovers it, but he also immediately understands who’s behind it.”
Meanwhile, on a lighter note, veteran actor Brian Dietzen predicts that the relationship between forensics doctor Jimmy Palmer and special agent Jessica Knight (played by Katrina Law) will have an interesting development next season. “Whether they reunite or not, I think the scenes between them will be great to watch,” he says, before adding humorously: “Honestly, who wouldn’t want to be in a scene with Katrina Law?”
If Jimmy and Jess don’t respawn, there’s still the possibility of another character entering Parker’s love life. With Kasie (played by Diona Reasonover) recently showing signs of being ready to date again, Reasonover suggests a funny story: the three of them – Kasie, Parker and Jimmy – go on a group speed-dating date.
Dietzen quips: “Where else would that be?” – but Cole, looking serious, immediately responds with a… not-so-optimistic answer!
