"NCIS" fans woke up to a sad news earlier this month when it had been confirmed that Pauley Perrette, who plays goth forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, will be leaving the CBS show after 15 long seasons. It is unclear how she will be making her exit, but one possibility floated in light of this week's episode.
As recalled, Gibbs (Mark Harmon) mentioned he has a friend who has been struggling with alcoholism, and that friend is now on her way to recovery. Although the person in question was not revealed, some fans speculate that he was referring to Abby and that this may have something to do with her impending departure.
There is a reason to believe that the Major Case Response Team leader may have been talking about Perrette's character. Per The Wrap, Abby comes from a family of alcoholics. This may not justify anything, but there have been hints that she may have drinking problems as well.
In one of the episodes from earlier seasons, one fan pointed out that Gibbs offered Abby a drink, and it seemed like he knew about her condition. Another viewer also noticed from this week's episode that the Forensic Specialist was doing something weird with her lip when Gibbs spoke about his recovering friend.
Check out some fan reactions below:
Perrette announced her exit on Oct. 4.She revealed in a Twitter post that she made the decision last year and that she is leaving the show on good terms. The actress is the third long-term "NCIS" cast to depart in the last four years following Cote de Pablo in season 11 and Michael Weatherly in season 13.
Executive producers George Schenck and Frank Cardea knew of Perrette's decision in a while. They admitted in a statement that it is hard to say goodbye to the beloved character and actress. However, they said they respect her decision and are grateful for her contributions in the series.
Abby, notable for her jet-black pigtails and choker necklaces, has been a fan-favorite on "NCIS" since the beginning, so her exit will come as a particular blow to some fans. The showrunners, however, insisted fans should not worry because they are giving the character a "special send-off."
"NCIS" season 15 airs Tuesdays, at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS.
