A new trailer just dropped for NCIS: Origins season 2 that seems to imply a lead character’s possible demotion, but it’s arguably the best thing for both the character and the series. Moreover, it seems this status quo change may stem directly from Lala’s NCIS: Origins season 2 fate, which has been the cause of much speculation and concern.
Ever since Lala’s gut-wrenching collision in the final moments of the NCIS: Origins season 1 finale, it’s been evident that the NIS team will have to make adjustments whether she survives or not. Her best-case scenario could still leave her hospitalized for weeks, and one member of NCIS: Origins’ main cast may have to shoulder the burden of her absence.
NCIS: Origins’ Season 2 Trailer Suggests Cliff Wheeler Now Works As A Field Agent
His Season 1 Suspension May Have Had Long-Lasting Consequences
Patrick Fischler’s Cliff Wheeler was suspended indefinitely in the penultimate episode of NCIS: Origins season 1 for his role in the Operation Sundown cover-up. But the latest trailer shows him getting out of a car with Franks and Gibbs, implying that Wheeler now does field work alongside the rest of the team.
Cliff rarely appeared outside of his home or office in the first season. In the trailer, however, he only appears in the field or in the bullpen with Gibbs, Franks, and Randy. Since the NIS team’s fates in the main NCIS series haven’t yet been fully explored, there’s no confirmation at present that he’ll ever regain his SAC position.
This remains speculative pending the NCIS: Origins season 2 premiere. With one agent buried or incapacitated, Wheeler may just be compensating for Lala’s currently vacant spot on the team. He still adopts an authoritative tone with Randy, although this could be a holdover from his SAC days. Surprisingly, his demotion is arguably the best of these options.
Wheeler’s Possible NCIS: Origins Season 2 Demotion Increases His Onscreen Presence
The Series’ Most Underrated Character Finally Gets A Real Chance To Shine
It may sound like a blow for Wheeler to overcome suspension just to be demoted, but working more directly with the team allows Fischler’s performance to stand out. He didn’t play a particularly meaty role in the narrative until the end of the first season, but the NCIS: Origins season 2 premiere is clearly set to change that.
Wheeler’s demotion could also lead to future opportunities for Randy, who recently decided he’d prefer the safety of a desk job.
With Lala out of commission, demoting Wheeler benefits the spinoff itself. Rather than bringing in a new field agent, Cliff’s demotion serves the same purpose as a de facto promotion from within. The studio doesn’t have to risk writing in a new character that viewers may not connect with, and fans don’t have to feel like Lala’s been replaced.
One thing NCIS: Origins season 1 did extremely well was giving even the smallest characters at least one episode to shine. An NCIS Vera Strickland spinoff became a worthwhile fantasy after seeing her in action as a profiler, and Wheeler’s enhanced role could similarly spark fan demands to see him spotlighted more often.
Cliff’s actor has more than earned his own amazing story arc, whether equal to or greater than NCIS: Origins season 1’s Vera-centric profiling episodes. And, much like Vera’s Diany Rodriguez, Fischler’s name commands a coveted spot on the list of actors who’ve played multiple NCIS characters.
Although Cliff Wheeler’s demotion hasn’t been confirmed, fans can bank on his suspension being addressed in detail when NCIS: Origins season 2 hits CBS on October 14. Thanks to the prequel’s slow-burn narrative structure (compared to the franchise’s more episodic spinoffs), Wheeler’s future is certain to be constructed thoughtfully as his story continues.
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