'NCIS' season 13 spoilers: Crossover episode will introduce Abby Sciuto's brother in episode 12

Tyler RitterIMDB

"NCIS" season 13 just aired its midseason finale and is now enjoying a short break before returning on air this January. When the show returns, it will start a two-part crossover with "NCIS: New Orleans," and while plot details are thin, Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) and her brother will play a significant part of it.

According to a report from TVLine, actor Tyler Ritter has been cast as Luca, Abby's brother through adoption. He will first be introduced in "NCIS" season 13 episode 12, titled "Sister City Part One," and will then appear in the crossover episode "Sister City Part Two" on "NCIS: New Orleans," making Luca the main link between the two shows.

"Occasionally you find the perfect actor for a role, and casting Tyler Ritter as Abby's brother couldn't be better," explained showrunner Gary Glasberg. "Tyler embodies everything we were looking for in Luca Sciuto. He's warm, caring, funny, eccentric, offbeat and inquisitive."

This will not be the first time Luca will be in the series, however. Back in the season 10 episode "Hit and Run," Luca was shown in flashbacks and was played by child actor Cole Sand. This will be the first time Luca will be shown in the series as an adult.

Ritter's former work includes short appearances on "Grey's Anatomy," "Hot in Cleveland" and "Modern Family." However, as stated in a report from Cartermatt, Ritter doesn't have a lengthy resume to truly determine how good of an actor he is but Glasberg's words can be trusted given how much he has contributed to the show thus far.

Unfortunately, plot details regarding Luca are sparse and it is only presumed at this point that he will be an expert in one field, which will give a reason for him to be in both episodes of the crossover. It is hinted that he and Abby's family history will be further explored but by how much is still unknown.