Embark on a thrilling journey to the lively streets of Australia with the latest addition to the NCIS franchise – NCIS: Sydney. This new chapter promises a fresh team of captivating characters, blending the familiar dedication to justice with the introduction of new faces.
As the series premiere approaches, let’s delve into the core team of the latest NCIS spinoff, as revealed by showrunner Morgan O’Neill in an interview with TV Insider.
At the forefront of NCIS: Sydney are two formidable leaders: NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey (Olivia Swann) and Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey (Todd Lasance) of the Australian Federal Police. Mackey, a former Marine Corps helicopter pilot, is renowned for her fiery leadership and unwavering approach to crime-solving. While her tough, instinct-driven investigative style may make her a challenging colleague, there is no doubt about her effectiveness. JD, her second-in-command, finds himself in a unique position of managing Mackey’s maverick tendencies for the greater good of the team. O’Neill describes their initial interactions as a headstrong clash of wills, with a power struggle that becomes the central drama against the backdrop of cross-jurisdictional naval crimes.
As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to witness the evolution of their relationship from a rocky start to a cohesive partnership, mirroring the foundational theme of family central to the NCIS ethos.
Beyond the main characters, O’Neill provided insights into the rest of the team featured in NCIS: Sydney. NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson (Sean Sagar) brings an American perspective and boundless curiosity about Australia’s cultural landscape. Australian liaison officer Evie Cooper (Tuuli Narkle) injects a sassy attitude and playful provocations, adding a lively dynamic to the team. The chemistry between these characters promises an authentic and entertaining banter.
In contrast, Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson (Mavournee Hazel), a young forensic scientist battling imposter syndrome, adds a layer of depth. Her inexperience is matched by talent, creating a compelling narrative of growth and self-discovery alongside the seasoned Doc Roy (William McInnes), a forensic pathologist with hidden emotional depth.
O’Neill emphasized the creative challenge of expanding a renowned series, highlighting the importance of originality in crafting characters: “The challenge when you’re creating another iteration of such a famous franchise is that you don’t want to repeat characters. You don’t want to just take the cookie-cutter version of something and make it your own.”